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Workshops - Unionreps Connect 2024

Explore our workshop schedule at Unionreps Connect 2024! Each workshop will be held twice, giving you plenty of chances to join in. These interactive sessions are crafted to provide an in-depth experience on a range of workplace issues.

*More coming soon.

Quick glance

Workshop 1: The big employment law workshop

Workshop 2: Championing equality: How to become a workplace equality rep 

Workshop 3: Navigating social media in the workplace: Risks, policies and best practice

Workshop 4: Supporting neurodivergent members

Workshop 5: Supporting families in the workplace: Union reps and family friendly policies

Workshop 6: From awareness to action: Union strategies for gender responsive health and safety

Workshop 7: Navigating change: Strategies for implementing flexible working policies

Workshop 8: Listening and acting: Effective strategies for handling sexual harassment reports

Workshop 1: The 'big' employment law workshop

The government’s New Deal for Working People contains a range of commitments that will improve the lives of working people and make the role of union rep easier.  

This workshop will look at how you can make the most of these commitments and help you as a union rep plan to make the most of these changes when they are implemented. 

Hosted by:

  • John Handley - TUC tutor - Stockport College 

Workshop 2: Championing equality: How to become a workplace equality rep

The government have announced that the role of the workplace equality rep will get legal recognition. This ground breaking decision will have a profound impact on members’ lives, and has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change in workplaces.

But do you know what an equality rep does and the difference this role can make in the workplace? Come along to this workshop to find out more and see if it works for you.  

Hosted by:

  • Cath Roberts - TUC tutor - The Manchester College 

Workshop 3: Navigating social media in the workplace: Risks, policies and best practice

Social media can be a double-edged sword in the workplace, affecting productivity, workplace dynamics, and even an employer’s reputation. As it becomes more ingrained into daily life, the potential for issues arising in the workplace is escalating.

In this workshop, you will explore the implications of employees’ social media activity, from venting about work to posting potentially offensive views. We’ll cover key issues like reputational damage and the fine line between free speech and hate speech. You’ll also look at practical steps for creating clear social media policies.

Hosted by:

  • Becky Sixsmith-Hughes - Project officer - TUC

Workshop 4: Supporting neurodivergent members

Neurodiversity is a relatively new term. But what does it mean, and why is it important in the workplace?

Come to this workshop to get more details on the meaning of neurodiversity, how to talk to an employer about adjustments for colleagues and individual support for members.

Hosted by:

  • Michelle Graham - TUC tutor - The Manchester College

Workshop 5: Supporting families in the workplace: Union reps and family friendly policies

A number of new laws will come into force in the next couple of years which will bolster employees’ rights and protections with respect to ‘family friendly leave’. This includes ante-natal appointments, miscarriage and child loss leave, fertility treatment, premature births, and neonatal care.  

Join this workshop to learn about the new legal rights, best practice and how to ensure fair treatment for workers balancing family and work responsibilities.

Hosted by:

  • Meesha Nehru - Research manager - Labour Research Department

Workshop 6: From awareness to action: Union strategies for gender responsive health and safety

Health and safety needs of men in the workplace have traditionally been prioritised over the needs of women, leading to risk assessments and preventative measures favouring men.

Join this interactive workshop to look at health and safety in the workplace through a gender-responsive lens. You'll look at practical examples of changes you can make to protect all workers.

Hosted by:

  • Jenny Noble - TUC tutor - Newcastle College

Workshop 7: Navigating change: Strategies for implementing flexible work policies

Flexible work arrangements have become increasingly common and can promote employee well-being and enhance productivity.

This workshop will explore the range of flexible options available and equip workplace reps with the tools and strategies needed to advocate for their members with their employer.

Hosted by:

  • Alice Arkwright - Policy officer - TUC

Workshop 8: Listening and acting: Effective strategies for handling sexual harassment reports

Often, workplace reps can be the first person to support a person who has experienced harassment of this type. Therefore, creating a safe and inclusive working environment is crucial to encourage colleagues to come forward about instances of sexual harassment.

Join this workshop to hear about key methods and skills needed to record instances of harassment and take practical tips back to the workplace to work towards an understanding environment.  

Hosted by:

  • TBC

Register for a place now

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