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Educationin the South West

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C O U R S E P R O G R A M M E 2 0 1 9 / 2 0

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A Message to Unite Members

Dear Colleague

Once again I have no hesitation in saying that our elected Representatives are Unite’s greatest asset and without you our union simply could not operate.

For that reason we have to ensure you have access to the appropriate education and training to carry out the vital role of representing our members, both in the workplace and the wider community. Given the economic and political environment we find ourselves in, that role is becoming increasingly challenging. Our education programme has to give you the chance to develop the skills and knowledge you need, from initial training through to advanced courses.

I’m delighted to report that we have continued to grow the South West programme and have been increasing our provision in a number of areas, such as Mental Health Awareness, as well as being able to offer a number of new courses such as Unconscious Bias and Delivering Unite Inductions. We will continue to respond to the changing education needs and wherever possible supplement our programme to meet those needs.

This brochure covers courses programmed for the academic year of 2019/20, most of which are held at your local Unite office. We add to and amend the programme during the year so please look out for announcements on courses and keep an eye on our website at https://unitetheunion.org/why-join/member-services/education/training-and-courses/south-west-courses/

Please ensure you apply for paid release from your employer to attend a course and provisionally book the time-off with them. If you have any problems in securing release please contact your Regional Officer.

In solidarity

Matt GillettSouth West Regional Education Officer

Matt Gillett



Workplace Reps Introductory Certificate 1A 6Workplace Reps Introductory Certificate 1B 7Workplace Reps Introductory Certificate 2A 8Workplace Reps Introductory Certificate 2B 9Health & Safety Reps Certificate 1A 10Health & Safety Reps Certificate 1B 11Health & Safety Reps Certificate 2A 12Health & Safety Reps Certificate 2B 13Equality & Diversity 14Union Learning Reps Stage 1 & 2 15Pensions Stage 1 & 2 16

Additional Courses: 17-24Branch Officials CourseMental Health Awareness CoursePublic SpeakingUnconscious BiasDelivering Unite InductionsMenopause AwarenessRegional Political SchoolBAEM Political Weekend

National Courses 25-31

How to apply for a course:Education Department, Unite the Union, Tony Benn House, Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6AY

Tel: 0117 370 1275Email: [email protected] visit: www.unitetheunion.org/education

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL THESE COURSES ARE NON-RESIDENTIAL AND ACCOMMODATION WILL ONLY BE ARRANGED WITH AGREEMENT FROM THE REGIONAL EDUCATION OFFICER.

All travel expenses are reimbursed.

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Contents

A Message from Jim Mowatt, Director of Education

Unite is dedicated to serving the best interests of its members and will seek to improve their standard of living and the quality of their lives. We achieve this through effective relationships with employers and government and by creating sustainable workplace organisation. Unite’s vision is of a prosperous society in which employers and employees work together to build successful businesses and safe, healthy working environments. All those who contribute to their success should receive the rewards, respect and recognition they deserve. That’s why Unite Education has at its core the delivery of our union’s policies based on the three pillars of the Unite vision: organising, global solidarity and politics. This vision is reflected in our Education Programme where developing our representatives is a key priority of the union. Unite Education provides focused education to ensure that representatives have the required confidence, attitude and skill set to deal with workplace, national and international issues. This empowers our representatives to win in the workplace, successfully campaign, organise for growth and promote dignity and respect. When it comes to education, Unite puts its money where its mouth is – providing accredited ‘fit for purpose’ education programmes that are easily accessible, cater for differing learning styles and are free to access all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. So please take advantage of our courses and enjoy yourself.

Jim Mowatt Director of Education

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Jim Mowatt


Workplace Reps Introductory Certificate

Course description:This course is designed to be the core initial training for Unite workplace reps.

The course covers the wide range of knowledge and skills needed by the new Rep including:• Key skills for organising your workplace• Handling discipline and grievance cases• Communication skills• Introduction to Employment Law Equality at Work

Application:To apply for courses please contact your education department:Tel: 0117 370 1275Email: [email protected] visit: www.unitetheunion.org/education to complete the online application form

Module 1A Duration: 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndBournemouth 11 November 2019 15 November 2019

Bristol 30 September 2019 4 October 2019

Bristol 24 February 2020 28 February 2020

Bristol 18 May 2020 22 May 2020

Gloucester 3 February 2020 7 February 2020

Plymouth 18 November 2019 22 November 2019

Plymouth 30 March 2020 3 April 2020

St Austell 13 January 2020 17 January 2020

Swindon 9 September 2019 13 September 2019

Swindon 2 March 2020 6 March 2020

Taunton 14 October 2019 18 October 2019

Taunton 23 March 2020 27 March 2020

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Workplace Reps Introductory CertificateModule 1B Duration: 5 consecutive days

Course description:For reps who have completed Module 1A.

This course covers:• Evaluating and assessing your experience since the

Stage 1 course• Understanding the concept of ‘good work’• Understanding and dealing with Issues around Dignity

and Respect in the workplace• Problem solving skills• Bargaining skills• Work-life balance

• Building a strong workplace union


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Venue Start EndBournemouth 10 February 2020 14 February 2020

Bristol 6 January 2020 10 January 2020


Bristol 6 July 2020 10 July 2020

Gloucester 27 April 2020 1 May 2020

Plymouth 24 February 2020 28 February 2020

Plymouth 6 July 2020 10 July 2020

St Austell 16 March 2020 20 March 2020

Swindon 28 October 2020 1 November 2020

Swindon 11 May 2020 15 May 2020

Taunton 27 January 2020 31 January 2020

Taunton 15 June 2020 19 June 2020


Course description:For reps who have completed Modules 1A & 1B.

The course covers:• Improving confidence and knowledge in

exploring,questioning and using employment law• Exploring research skills and developing the ability to

find out how legal provisions impact on your members rights in the workplace

• How changes to employment law impact on your workplace rights

• Planning alternative solutions other than employment law to your workplace issues

• Working as a team to develop collective actions


Venue Start EndBristol 21 October 2019 25 October 2019

Bristol 20 April 2020 24 April 2020

Gloucester 7 October 2019 11 October 2019

Plymouth 23 September 2019 27 September 2019

Plymouth 27 April 2020 1 May 2020

St Austell 10 February 2020 14 February 2020

Swindon 30 September 2019 4 October 2019

Taunton 9 December 2019 13 December 2019

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Course description:The course is designed for representatives as follow on training for those that have completed Modules 1A, 1B and 2A.

This course covers:• Rights to information• Workplace Rights• Collective Bargaining• Agreements• The Case for Collective Agreements• Planning for getting an agreement

• Collective Bargaining and Negotiation


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Venue Start EndBristol 13 January 2020 17 January 2020

Bristol 13 July 2020 17 July 2020

Gloucester 6 January 2020 10 January 2020

Plymouth 9 December 2019 13 December 2019

Plymouth 15 June 2020 19 June 2020

St Austell 11 May 2020 15 May 2020

Swindon 27 January 2020 31 January 2020

Taunton 17 February 2020 21 February 2020

Module 2B Duration: 5 consecutive days



Course description:This course is the essential course for all new Unite Health and Safety Representatives.

It is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence to organise effectively in order to carry out your work as a Safety Rep as well as to create understanding of how economic and others aspects affect the working lives, health, safety and welfare of working people.

The course covers:• Understanding the role of a Unite Safety Rep• The legal framework of Health and Safety• Rights of Safety Reps• Involving the members in Health and Safety• Accident Investigations – Risk Assessments


Venue Start EndBournemouth 18 November 2019 22 November 2019

Bristol 9 September 2019 13 September 2019

Bristol 16 March 2020 20 March 2020

Gloucester 11 November 2019 15 November 2019

Plymouth 21 October 2019 25 October 2019

Plymouth 20 April 2020 24 April 2020

St Austell 4 November 2019 8 November 2019


Swindon 16 September 2019 20 September 2019

Swindon 20 April 2020 24 April 2020

Taunton 7 October 2019 11 October 2019

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Health & Safety Reps Certificate


Course description:The course develops the skills and knowledge learnt in Module 1A:• Examining your workplace risk assessment and

evaluating them• Understanding health & safety audits and company

accident statistics• Appreciate health & safety legislation including aspects

of criminal and civil law


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Venue Start EndBournemouth 3 February 2020 7 February 2020

Bristol 9 December 2019 13 December 2019


Gloucester 20 January 2020 24 January 2020

Plymouth 13 January 2020 17 January 2020

Plymouth 29 June 2020 3 July 2020


St Austell 27 April 2020 1 May 2020

Swindon 25 November 2019 29 November 2019

Swindon 29 June 2020 3 July 2020

Taunton 2 December 2019 6 December 2019




Course description:Module 2A of Unites Health & Safety training builds upon the knowledge learnt in Modules 1A and 1B.

The course covers:• Assessment of workplace action plan• Understanding COSHH and related hazards• Carrying out a workplace audit• Explore manual handing and ergonomic risks• Creating a healthier work environment


Venue Start EndBristol 4 November 2019 8 November 2019

Bristol 27 April 2020 1 May 2020

Gloucester 24 February 2020 28 February 2020

Plymouth 11 November 2019 15 November 2019

Swindon 14 October 2019 18 October 2019

Taunton 25 November 2019 29 November 2019

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Course description:Module 2B of Unites Health & Safety training builds upon the knowledge learnt in Modules 1A, 1B and 2A.

This course covers:• Assessment of workplace action plan• Understanding accidents and finding route cause• Investigation techniques

• Managing risks and incidents


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Venue Start EndBristol 17 February 2020 21 February 2020

Bristol 29 June 2020 3 July 2020

Gloucester 1 June 2020 5 June 2020


Swindon 20 January 2020 24 January 2020

Taunton 2 March 2020 6 March 2020




Course description:Designed to give all Unite Reps the confidence and knowledge to address equality and diversity issues, the course provides a comprehensive overview of equality in the workplace. On completion of the course Reps should be able to:

• Recognise equality issues within the workplace• Know what constitutes discrimination, harassment

and bullying• Challenge their perception of equality & diversity• Understand the key points of new equalities legislation,

measures and legal decisions• Decide how best to support workers in response to new

equalities legislation• Use interviewing techniques to deal with individual and

workplace equality issues• Develop equality policies and practice


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Equality & Diversity

Venue Start EndBristol 14 October 2019 18 October 2019

Bristol 1 June 2020 5 June 2020

Plymouth 6 January 2020 10 January 2020

Duration: 5 consecutive days


Course description:This course is designed to be the core initial training for all Unite Union Learning Reps (ULRs). It helps them develop the basic knowledge and skills needed as a new Rep, enabling them to work with colleagues in the workplace to analyse training needs. The course forms a solid foundation for the new ULR to develop their skills and their own personal development.


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Union Learning Reps


Duration: 5 consecutive days

Stage 1

Venue Start EndBristol 2 December 2019 6 December 2019

Plymouth 16 September 2019 20 September 2019

Stage 2

Venue Start EndBristol 25 May 2020 29 May 2020

Plymouth 2 December 2019 6 December 2019

Course description:This course is designed to provide an understanding of the full range of different pension schemes reps are likely to encounter in the workplace, as well as covering state provision, auto-enrolment, pension protections and the role of the ombudsman. We aim to enable workplace representatives to develop their understanding and skills to better support their members and gain confidence in dealing with pensions as part of the bargaining process.

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Stage 1 Duration: 5 consecutive days

Pensions

Venue Start End

Bristol 25 November 2019 29 November 2019

Course description:Stage 2 of the pensions course looks at trustee decision making, the role of the actuary, fund investment strategies, negotiating pension issues and pension disputes resolution.

Stage 2 Duration: 5 consecutive days

Venue Start End

Bristol 2 March 2020 6 March 2020


Application:To apply for courses please contact your education department:Tel: 0117 370 1275 Email: [email protected] Or visit: www.unitetheunion.org/education to complete the online application form

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Additional Courses


Course description:The Branch Official is a key player in the Unite team. The concept of this course is to develop the branch committee roles within Unite by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, and nurturing their passion to drive forward the ideology of our union, to develop our activist base and grow and strengthen our membership. This course is designed for all new Branch Officials, and for those who have not attended training recently.

The course covers:• Leadership and management• Chairing and Organising Skills • Communications and campaigns • Branch finance and the role of the Treasurer • Branch Portal and membership database information • Unite structure and the branch’s role within it• Branch political life• How ‘lay democracy’ starts at local branch level• Encouraging active participation within the Unite structure• Setting out a local ‘strategy for growth’ for

recruitment,retention and participation in branch life


Branch Officials Course Duration: 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndBristol 23 March 2020 27 March 2020

Plymouth 28 October 2019 1 November 2019

Course description:This course will help Reps develop a better understanding on mental health issues and how they affect members in the workplace. You will develop a better understanding of Disability Discrimination Law and how it applies to people with mental health illnesses. The training will enable you to develop a strategy to deal with workplace mental health issues and ensure employees are not discriminated against.


Venue Start EndBristol 23 September 2019 27 September 2019

Bristol 30 March 2020 3 April 2020


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Mental Health Awareness Course Duration: 5 consecutive days

Additional Courses


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Additional Courses


Course description:The Public Speaking course is ran over two days and concentrates on the theory of public speaking, addressing the anxieties people encounter when speaking in public and using footage to illustrate tips and techniques. On the second day you will be delivering a speech to your group and receive positive feedback from the tutor and your course peers.


Venue Day 1 Day 2Bristol 17 February 2020 24 February 2020

Plymouth 8 April 2020 15 April 2020

Public Speaking Duration: 2 days

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Course description:Unconscious bias is something that we all have and is where we have a preference for someone who looks like us, or shares our values, which can result in discrimination in the workplace. Unconscious bias influences decisions in recruitment, promotion and performance management and is something that is present in all of us. This one-day course will give reps:

• An understanding of unconscious bias;• How to overcome your own unconscious bias; and • The benefits of taking action in the workplace to counter

the impact of unconscious bias working towards a more diverse workforce.


Unconscious Bias Duration: 1 day

Additional Courses

Venue DateBristol 18 February 2020

Bristol 6 April 2020

Plymouth 4 September 2019

Plymouth 7 April 2020


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Course description:The course is designed to assist Reps who will deliver union presentations to newly recruited employees, often as part of the induction process. The course looks at the topics that can be covered in a presentation, approaches to presenting and how to overcome objections to joining. We use a generic PowerPoint presentation on Unite as a starting point to be developed within the session so that Reps can take away a tailored version focussed on their own workplace. We also look at what Union Facilities Agreements say about access to new starters and what information Reps are entitled to under General Data Protection Regulations.


Delivering Unite Inductions Duration: 1 day

Additional Courses


Venue DateBristol 29 October 2019

Plymouth 5 September 2019

Taunton 18 February 2020

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Course description:The impact of menopause on women is often an issue that is not discussed in the workplace and ignored by employers. The menopause is not an illness and women can experience it in different ways. However it brings with it physical changes to the body and a host of symptoms, many of which are uncomfortable and can seriously affect women both at home and at work. Reps attending this course will:

• Gain a better understanding of the symptoms of the menopause;

• Understand the relevance of Health & Safety and Equalities legislation;

• Learn methods of campaigning on the menopause in the workplace; and

• Feel confident in raising the issue with employers as part of both the bargaining and health & safety agenda at work.

Menopause Awareness Duration: 1 day

Additional Courses


Venue DateBristol 19 February 2020

Plymouth 16 April 2020


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Additional Courses


Course description:The course is aimed at Unite reps/members who are interested in finding out more about Unite’s links and work with the Labour Party. It is not a requirement to be a member of the Labour Party to attend the course.

The course content includes:• Why Unite is a political union• Unite’s Political Strategy• The Labour Party’s Manifesto• How to get active in the Labour Party• Organising Political campaigns


Regional Political School Duration: 3 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTorquay 15 November 2019 17 November 2019

Please note: The course will start at 6pm on the Friday evening and finish at 12 noon on Sunday.

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Course description:The course is aimed at Unite BAEM reps/members who are interested in finding out more about Unite’s links and work with the Labour Party. It is not a requirement to be a member of the Labour Party to attend the course.

Unite wishes to increase the number of BAEM members who are active politically in the union, and the Labour Party, therefore, the course is open to Unite members/reps who are of Black and Asian ethnic origin only.

The course content includes:• Why Unite is a political union• Unite’s Political Strategy• The Labour Party’s Manifesto• How to get active in the Labour Party• Organising Political campaigns

BAEM Political Weekend Duration: 3 consecutive days

Additional Courses



Venue Start EndTorquay 4 October 2019 6 October 2019

Please note: The course will start at 6pm on the Friday evening and finish at 12 noon on Sunday.

National Courses



Unite’s commitment to delivering courses recognises the different circumstances in which our reps find themselves. This is why there are various modes of delivery for the same course. Residential courses are for those who simply cannot dovetail into our regional provision whether that is for geographical or domestic or other reasons. Our normal practice for national residential courses, held in The View Hotel, Eastbourne or other venues to be confirmed, kick off at 15:00 hrs. on Monday and finish with a session on Action Plans at Noon on the Friday. You will appreciate that being residential students are expected to participate in a couple of evening sessions which are less formal.

Workplace Reps Certificate Module 1A – 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 27 April 2020 1 May 2020

Workplace Reps Certificate Module 1B – 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 7 October 2019 11 October 2019

To be confirmed 18 November 2019 22 November 2019

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National Courses


Dealing with Redundancy5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 22 June 2020 26 June 2020

Health & Safety Reps Certificate Module 1A – 5 consecutive days


Health & Safety Reps Certificate Module 1B – 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 2 September 2019 6 September 2019

To be confirmed 7 September 2020 11 September 2020

European Works Council5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 14 October 2019 18 October 2019


To be confirmed 30 March 2020 3 April 2020

To be confirmed 8 June 2020 12 June 2020

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National Courses



Incident Management & Investigation5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 18 November 2019 22 November 2019

To be confirmed 24 February 2020 28 February 2020



The Information & Consultation of Employee Regulations 3 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 30 September 2019 2 October 2019

View Eastbourne 12 October 2020 14 October 2020


Organising & Bargaining in a Global Economy5 consecutive days



To be confirmed 24 February 2020 28 February 2020




Pensions Stage 2 – 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 27 April 2020 1 May 2020


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National Courses


Young Members Course 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 8 June 2020 12 June 2020

Please note: For information only as attendance will be by selection.

Pre-Retirement Course 4 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 9 March 2020 12 March 2020

To be confirmed 21 October 2019 24 October 2019

To be confirmed 2 December 2019 5 December 2019

To be confirmed 27 April 2020 30 April 2020


To be confirmed 7 December 2020 10 December 2020

Unite Retired Members’ Education Course 5 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 13 October 2019 17 October 2019

View Eastbourne 11 October 2020 15 October 2020

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National Courses


Equalities Courses Unite Women’s National Week 2019 & 2020

6 consecutive days

Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 17 November 2019 22 November 2019

View Eastbourne 15 November 2020 20 November 2020

During this week we will be focusing on the following areas:• Understanding Your Union & Getting Involved• Women Organising at Work• Women Campaigning in the Workplace• Leadership Development for Unite Women

RememberYou must contact your Regional Women & Equalities Officer to apply for Women’s Week BEFORE getting your application countersigned by your Regional Education Officer.

LGBT Equality at Work in the Community 5 consecutive days

Please note: The course listed below commences at 15:00 on Day 1 only

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 17 February 2020 21 February 2020

Disability Equality, Trade Unions and Work5 consecutive days


Venue Start EndView Eastbourne 9 March 2020 13 March 2020

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National Courses



Black & Asian Ethnic Minority Leadership Development 5 consecutive days



Organising for Equality in Today’s Workplace – Understanding the Equality Act 20105 consecutive days

Please note: The courses listed below commence at 15:00 on Day 1 only

Venue Start EndTo be confirmed 7 October 2019 11 October 2019

To be confirmed 20 April 2020 24 April 2020


Dignity at Work Challenging workplace Harassment, Discrimination & Bullying5 consecutive days

Please note: The courses listed below commence at 15:00 on Day 1 only


To be confirmed 11 May 2020 15 May 2020


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National Courses



National Political Education School: Durham Arrive evening 8th – depart from noon 11th July 2020

2 consecutive days of seminars 9th – 10th July

Building on a highly successful Summer School Programme to coincide with the Durham Miners’ Gala, we are trawling the whole of the membership for participants in this exciting venture. This has been designed for those members who align themselves with Unite’s political strategy and feel that they can contribute to making our policy a reality in the workplaces and the community in which they live.

Your Regional Secretary determines whose application is successful. Those applicants will be notified well in advance so that they can secure time off with pay from their employer.

Workers Uniting: Building Power Internationally (W.U.B.P.I.) Exact date to be confirmed one week in May 2020The course is made up of members of Unite and USW and is held across two years with the first leg in North America and the second leg in the UK/Ireland.

These courses have been very successful in building relations between activists in multinational companies and sectors in USW and Unite; preparing the next generation of Workers Uniting activists.

The aim of the W.U.B.P.I. programme is to give participants a strong understanding of the trade union cultures and practices within Unite and USW; an appreciation of what led to the formation of Workers Uniting; the consequences of globalisation; use and purpose of social media; and a greater knowledge of the international industrial, political, social and economic issues. These require a global response from trade unions if we are going to fight back on behalf of our members and their communities.

Normally the first leg of the course will be held in North America one week in May 2020 – we will let all applicants know the exact dates in good time.

Please ask your Education Organiser for details of the course and an application form.

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Regional OfficeBristol Unite the Union, Tony Benn House, Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6AY

T: 0117 923 0555

District OfficesBournemouth Unite the Union, Tolpuddle Martyrs House, 238 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EG

T: 01202 294 333

Cornwall Unite the Union, Dowrglann, Stennack Road, Holmbush, St Austell, PL25 3SWT: 01726 76043

Gloucester Unite the Union, No. 1 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3NDT: 01452 223 440

Guernsey Unite the Union, Transport House, Commercial Road, St Sampsons, Guernsey, GY2 4QPT: 01481 248 800

Jersey Unite the Union, 7D Spectrum, Gloucester Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3DAT: 01534 872 584

Plymouth Unite the Union, New Union House, 2 Harbour Avenue, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0BJT: 01752 424 129

Swindon Unite the Union, 75 Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, SN3 4PUT: 01793 836 480

Taunton Unite the Union, The Barn, Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LRT: 01823 442 464

All Office Addresses

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Notes

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Notes


www.unitetheunion.org/education

Unite the UnionTony Benn House,

Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AY C O U R S E P R O G R A M M E 2 0 1 9 / 2 0

education - unite the union...this empowers our representatives to win in the workplace,...

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