Wales TUC Cymru

Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence

September 2011 Thank you contributors! Please circulate widely and feel free to copy & paste for your own newsletters.

In this issue:

Vigil for the NHS 1 & 2 Employment Law Course, Wrexham 2 PTLLS Course, Swansea & Cardiff 3 Transversal Study Visits 3 The Learning coach Course 4 Humanities in South West Wales 5 Stephen Lawrence 6 Prince2 7 Free tickets for Art Centre Show 8 Host families wanted 9 Research Officer wanted 10 Women in work 12 Higher Learning in work 13 Safe and Sound in work 15 And finally, 16

If you are not on the Net News circulation list and want to add your details please contact: Bernice Waugh Network of Excellence Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Wales TUC Cymru ebost/e-mail: bwaugh@tuc.org.uk Ffon/Tel: 07917 415601

Same details if you need to unsubscribe.

As the government's controversial Health and Social Care Bill receives its third reading in the House of Commons, we're standing vigil to show Parliamentarians the level of concern around the country about the threats to our National Health Service.

Please join the vigil online by uploading a photograph of yourself to this site. We'll be combining the pictures into a powerful mosaic image, to use in lobbying Parliament. It only takes minutes from each of us, but will build into something much bigger.

We need your mugshot! Begin by uploading your image. Don't worry too much if the image needs editing - in the next step, you'll be able to crop it into a square.

We need portrait images, clearly showing your face, and ideally a bit more serious than the average Facebook profile pic.

If you've got an image with a dark background, it'd help us have a wider range of tones for the mosaic.

If you're able to go the extra mile and hold a candle for the vigil, or show your own NHS message on a note, that'd be great too.

...but of course ignore all these rules if you only have one photo. We want you in the mosaic, perfect photoshoot or not! http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/nhs-mosaic/

Net News

Place a poster in your window Download one of our posters (Adobe pdf format) and print it out to stick in your window at home, to show your neighbours and passers-by that you're concerned for the future of our NHS. Change your online profile If you use Twitter, Facebook or other social network services, use our Twibbon (a badge you can overlay over your profile picture) to add a candle to your profile picture. Get your Twibbon for Twitteror Twibbon for Facebook. Or alternatively you can download the buttons here. and lastly.... Spread the word We need your help in getting this out to as many people as you can, so if you are able to help in any way in circulating this information amongst your members we'd be grateful.

Course provider to be confirmed shortly For First Tier Advisers: Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trade Union Reps and Advice Providers within the Voluntary Sector Starting Autumn 2011 in Wrexham One day a month for 6 months during business hours The course will increase your knowledge of

Employment Law

Equality Act 2010

Preparation of Employment Tribunal Case

Workings of the Employment Tribunal To register your interest or find out more details contact

Kerry Wakefield on 02920 447725 or at kerry.wakefield@equalityhumanrights.com

The annual National Student Survey ratings have been released. And I’m pleased to let you know that The Open University remains the top university in Wales for student satisfaction.

The results show that 92% of OU in Wales students declare themselves to be “satisfied with quality of their course”, with The OU being the only university in Wales to score above 90%.

This is the seventh successive year that students at The Open University in Wales are more satisfied with the quality of their higher education than those at any other university in Wales. This achievement highlights the OU’s strength in providing high quality, flexible and supported courses.

Across the UK, The Open University was rated third. Of the 18,000 OU students who were surveyed, 94 per cent agreed that their course was intellectually stimulating, 92 per cent stated that they received detailed comments on work submitted and 90 per cent of students agreed the course was well organised and run smoothly.

The OU in Wales is now the largest provider of part-time undergraduate study in Wales.

The OU in Wales will be at the Network meetings across Wales next week.

Connected Learners Cymru is a website open to all ULRs and union learners. There is loads of excellent info on this site: - course info, events how to do sections, videos, blogs, photos and comment sections.

Go to this link, register and have a good look around. http://connectedlearnerscymru.ning.com/

Net News

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. The WEA workplace learning team are organising two PTLLS courses starting September – one in Swansea one in Cardiff

The courses are core funded and therefore the course is free to union members but we do ask the individuals attending to be responsible for the £55 C&G certificate payment.

The Cardiff PTLLS course will start on Monday the19th September – 5.30 – 8.30 – venue WEA centre Cardiff

The Swansea PTLLS course planned to start Wednesday 21st September – 6pm – 9pm - WEA Swansea (venue not confirmed until after the 6th September)

Both courses are a minimum duration of 12 weeks (there are extra sessions planned that are in addition to the standard course) plus two micro teach - day schools – TBA after commencement of course.

Places are limited therefore, if you would like to reserve a place – please email me with your name contact details and which union you are a member of. Best wishes, Katrina Katrina Taylor WEA South Wales WPL Coordinator

Tel: 01443 412 412 Email: K.taylor@swales.wea.org.uk

Wales TUC need to know why you’re opposing the UK cuts. Tell us, in just a few sentences, why you’ll be supporting the Wales TUC campaign for a better way. Send us your story in an email along with your name, where you’re from and a little bit of background about yourself to wtuc@tuc.org.uk and put ‘a better way’ in the subject line. We will then post your stories on our website.

:

Deadline for Applicants 14 October 2011 Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the next deadline for Study Visits taking place between March and June 2012 is 14 October 2011. The application form, the catalogue with study visits and the guide for applicants can be accessed on our website.

This year we would particularly welcome applications from individuals representing

employers’ organisations and trade unions and applicants representing the Further Education sector.

The benefits of participating in a Study Visit are numerous and include enhancing participants’ CPD (Continuous Professional Development) by learning about new practices and approaches in education and vocational training, exchanging expertise with other professionals and networking.

Please note that one of the eligibility criteria is that the applicant has not participated in a study visit since September 2009.

If you would be able to promote the programme through your organisation and professional networks, please do not hesitate to download the media pack .

If you would like to find out more please visit our website www.transversal.org.uk. You can also email us at studyvisits@uk.ecorys.com or call 0845 199 3939.

Best wishes, The Study Visits team

Find out at this social media tutorial workshop: https://bitly.com/bundles/cl3project/6

Net News

Acorn is partnering with UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute) to provide Higher Education Level 4 Credit Modules.

This course will be provided in bite-sized, 20 credit, modules for anyone working or aspiring to be a leader or middle manager in any sector.

The modules will enable individuals to: • Potentially gain endorsement at Management Level 4 awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) • develop a comprehensive range of middle management knowledge, skills and behaviours • assist aspiring or practising middle managers to apply leadership skills in practical terms, within the context of leading effective change in their workplace • support practitioners in their professional development, sharing experience and good practice • provide equality and standardisation practice of leadership skills • gain 20 higher education credits How will you study?: • six days ‘off-the-job’ learning per 20 credit module • completion of work-based assignments entry requirements: Delegates must: • have access to relevant leadership and management opportunities in the workplace • be living or working in the following UHOVI counties: - Rhondda Cynon Taf - Merthyr Tydfil - Caerphilly - Blaenau Gwent Torfaen Part-funding is available. For more information call 01633 674 555 or email uhovi@acornpeople.com Alternatively visit www.acornpeople/training

Acorn is partnering with UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute) to provide The Learning Coach Level 4 Certificate.

This course will enable individuals working in the following sectors; teaching youth workers, careers guidance, classroom support, private training providers, to gain University Credits towards a Foundation Degree and a nationally recognised qualification at Level 4. The Learning Coach Certificate is awarded by Agored Cymru.

The Welsh Government’s ambitions for the Learning coach role: ‘Learning coaching is the support that learners can expect with the learning related aspects of their chosen pathway, and focuses on maximising the young person’s ability to learn and to help their motivation to remain in learning, and to achieve qualifications in either or both academic and vocational areas’.

The course aims to: Enable practitioners to deliver the learning coach functions to learners aged 14 – 19, to enable them to learn effectively and make learning choices from the local curriculum

Benefits to individuals: • flexible approach to learning you can study locally or within your workplace • friendly and supportive studying with like minded people • Higher Education credits gained will count towards a Foundation Degree

Part-funding is available. For more information please call 01633 674 555 or email uhovi@acornpeople.com Alternatively visit www.acornpeople/training

Net News

The Department of Adult Continuing Education’s (DACE) New Higher Education (HE) Foundation Certificate in Humanities is for people who are ready to take their first steps into HE and gain a qualification in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The programme is taught on a part-time basis over two years (30 weeks)

The programme allows students to develop an overview of Humanities related subjects – Psychology, Counselling, History, Sociology, English Literature, Study Skills and many more.

The programme will be taught at: - SWANSEA:

Action Resource Centre (The ARC) 45 Broughton Avenue, Portmead, SA5 5JS

Wednesday 21st September 9.30am-2.30pm

NEATH PORT TALBOT: NSA Development Centre, Bevin Avenue,

Sandfields, SA12 6JW Thursday 29th September 9.30am-2.30pm

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Felinfoel Community Education Centre,

Tanrhodyn Rd. Felinfoel SA15 4LN Wednesday 28th September 10.00am-2.30pm

PEMBROKESHIRE: Pembroke Dock Community School, Bush St,

Pembroke Dock, SA72 6LF Thursday 29th September 1.30pm-6.00pm

The programme is FREE to eligible students who are in receipt of means tested benefits.

If you would like to find out more please contact Paul Dicks on 01792 295935 Or, email p.dicks@swansea.ac.uk

Wales TUC need to know why you’re opposing the UK Government cuts.

First of all, thank you if you attended either the Wales TUC Protest in the Park, the March for the Alternative or any of the organised protests in Wales in recent months. They have all sent a powerful message to the UK Government about the strength of our opposition to their cuts. If you were there, there tell us why. If, like many, you were unable to be there on the day, we hope this new initiative will give you an opportunity to get your voice heard.

While we are clearly winning the arguments that the cuts are wrong, the UK Government are as determined as ever to drive their policy agenda forward regardless of the harm it will do to our public services, our economy and our communities. In order to take the campaign to the next level we’re asking for your individual support to show them why we are right.

Tell us, in just a few sentences, why you’ll be supporting the Wales TUC campaign for a better way. Tell us your story. The more personal to you, the better. Send us your contribution in an email along with a photo, your name, where you’re from and a little bit of background about yourself to wtuc@tuc.org.uk and put ‘a better way’ in the subject line. We will then post your stories on our website.

We hope to build a powerful picture of how the cuts are affecting all of us and why they must be stopped and we need your support to do it. Please circulate to friends and colleagues who would want to send a clear message to the UK Coalition Government. Kind regards, Chris Christopher Hartwell chartwell@tuc.org.uk Policy & Campaigns Officer

Net News

now has accounts across the

social media sites hyperlinked to the icons below:

If you have a twitter or a facebook account you can follow us and show your support for Wales TUC campaigns on either or both. The ‘youtube’ and ‘flickr’ icons will simply navigate you to the relevant pages as individual accounts are not necessary to view the content on these sites.

Please show your support. If the icons don’t appear follow the hyperlinks to:

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/walestucabetterway

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/walestuc Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/walestuc

Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/walestuc/

chartwell@tuc.org.uk

A New microsite will help vulnerable workers secure a fair deal at work. The TUC has launched a new microsite to help people find out more about their basic rights at work.

Basic Rights @ Work will introduce vulnerable workers – people who have little knowledge of their employment rights, who find it hard to access advice and who do not have the ability to protect themselves against abuses of their rights – to information about employment rights in the UK and how to enforce these rights through statutory enforcement bodies.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-19833-f0.cfm

This is a useful website for anyone starting in their first job.

I am writing to invite you to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust's 11th Memorial Lecture on the evening of October 4th 2011 in the Jarvis Hall at RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1.

This year's Lecture is delivered by Stirling prize winning architect and global phenomenon Zaha Hadid and will be chaired by RIBA President Angela Brady. Through her work around the world and her experiences in practice, Zaha will reflect on design and diversity in an ever more competitive global market place.

As you are aware, the Trust was established in my son's name. Although Stephen had his dream of becoming an architect cruelly taken away, we hope to ensure that other young people are given every opportunity to fulfil their aspirations. Through our bursary programme we aim to help young people, in the UK and internationally, achieve their ambitions of working in construction, design and architecture. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/learn-4196-f0.cfm

CAN YOU HELP OLDER PEOPLE TO GET A TASTE OF TECHNOLOGY DURING ITEA AND BISCUITS WEEK 19 – 25 SEPTEMBER 2011? Register now for Age UK's fourth annual itea and biscuits week. The campaign is dedicated to supporting people in later life to learn, over a friendly chat and cup of tea, about the benefits that digital technology can offer them. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4172-f0.cfm

Net News

A one-day introductory training course for individuals and organisations that are new to ESDGC. This is a practical course which will provide the necessary background information and help practitioners develop the skills needed to engage in this exciting area of work.

Aim of the Course -is to provide an overall picture of ESDGC, what it’s about and how to incorporate it into practitioners’ work. There will be an opportunity to explore the concepts and issues involved in ESDGC and to experiment with various techniques and resources that support it and to consider how this fits in with WAG policies and with personal training practice.

Dates and Venues: 10am – 4pm Tuesday September 13th 2011, Swansea. 10am – 4pm Thursday September 15th 2011, Conwy. Cost: Cyfanfyd Members £50 / Non-Members £65 * * Bursaries are available for trainers from black and minority ethnic and minority faiths organisations. Please contact Cyfanfyd for further details.

Have you seen the NEW

Higher Learning at Work website? Take a look today, visit:

www.higherlearningatwork.org

Bangor University September 2011 higher education courses

brochure is available to view on-line www.bangor.ac.uk/ll.

Subscribe now for £95 per person for a year - special introductory offer

If you're thinking about getting Prince2 and want to prepare for your certification exam,

subscribing to the National Skills Academy for IT is the place to start. We are a not for profit organisation, set up to help you gain the skills

you need to succeed. Accelerate your career by learning Prince2® at a pace that suits you, wherever and whenever

you like. You'll also be supported by expert Prince2® mentors, accessible 24/7 and have

access to example exams so you can test yourself to see you are ready to qualify.

But that's just a fraction of what you get - along with everything you need for Prince2®, benefits of subscribing to the National Skills Academy for IT include access to a library of tools and templates, exclusive articles and

industry insights, 1,100 other IT professional online courses leading to over 100 other

qualifications and a library of eBooks – all for a £95 introductory price per person for a year.

Please do not miss out on this offer - go to the National Skills Academy for IT.

The National Skills Academy for IT is a vendor neutral, not-for-profit organisation, by employers for employers, and led by e-skills UK, the Sector

Skills Council for Business and Information Technology.

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based method for effective project management. PRINCE2 is a standard used extensively by the UK Government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. http://www.prince2.com/what-is-prince2.asp

Net News

Try over 600 free online courses from The OU Available from introductory to advanced level, each takes between 1 and 50 hours to study. Complete activities to assess your progress and compare your thoughts with sample answers.

Sign up for free to track your progress, connect with other learners in our discussion forums and find the tools to help you learn. Two examples from the 600: Conversations and interviews This unit explores how to ask and answer questions in interviews and conversations.

Visualisation: Visual representations of data and information Modern society is often referred to as 'the information society' - but how can we make sense of all the information we are bombarded with? In this unit, you will learn how to interpret, and in some cases create, visual representations of data and information that help us to see things in a different way.

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/?gclid=CLXmz8vXo6oCFYUY4QodDyfSVw

.

The government is consulting on the proposals made in the White Paper: “Higher Education: Students at the Heart of the System”. These include making loans available to part-time learners. For information about funding for higher learning, both full and part time, visit

www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or for

myth-busters, visit Martin Lewis‟s website www.moneysavingexpert.com Martin is

heading up an independent task force to make clear information available to learners.

Have you seen the NEW Higher Learning at Work website ?Take a look today, visit: www.higherlearningatwork.org

The Wales TUC is putting on a special production of the Ragged Trousered Philanthropist on the 20th of September at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. There will be no charge for the tickets.

Tickets will be available from union regional offices. There’s been good demand and, we are expecting between 200-300 people to show up! From the website: - “The play is based upon a book of the same name first published in 1914. The book provides a comprehensive picture of social, political, economic and cultural life in Britain at a time when socialism was beginning to gain ground. It was around that time that the Labour Party was founded and began to win seats in the House of Commons. I believe the book proved very popular amongst miners’ institutes at the time.” Stage review: http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/33042/the-ragged-trousered-philanthropists And, if you miss the free tickets on the 20th you can see the play on 22nd September at the Miner’s Institute in Blackwood. For ticket information and/or bookings call the Box Office : 01495 227206

TALKTALK Launches Search for Digital Heroes

.

Apply for a chance to win one of twelve grants of £5,000, as well as a year's free broadband

from TalkTalk. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4109-f0.cfm

Net News

The Open University’s The History of English…in ten minutes series is a bite-sized and humorous approach to learning that can be accessed on YouTube and iTunes – using animations with the aim of attracting people through learning journeys that educate while entertaining.

Voiced by Clive Anderson, this is an entertaining romp through 'The History of English' squeezes 1600 years of history into 10 one-minute bites, uncovering the sources of English words and phrases from Shakespeare and the King James Bible to America and the Internet. Bursting with fascinating facts, the series looks at how English grew from a small tongue into a major global language before reflecting on the future of English in the 21st century.’

It is currently filling the Top 10 of educational downloads across the globe on iTunes. iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=446081667 YouTube http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLA03075BAD88B909E

“Horrible Histories for adults, really good.” said an USDAW member, but what do you think? Watch and let Net News know.

Bangor University Our Welsh for Adults brochure is available now, please contact Donna on 01248 382752 or d.m.thomas@bangor.ac.uk for your copy.

The Bangor September 2011 higher education course brochure is available to view on-line www.bangor.ac.uk/ll.

Want to know more about using twitter? http://twitter.com/#!/CL3Project

We are hoping to recruit some Quick Reads Champions who are familiar with the books and passionate about Quick Reads and literacy and would be willing to share their experiences.

It would be great to include ULRs and learners from Wales and I wonder if you know of any ULRs or workplace learners who have this passion and would be willing to talk to the media about it. If so, it would be great if we could pass on their names and contact details to our fantastic new PR agency, Freud who will be driving this forward.

I can say that we have a really great list of Quick Read titles this year! Claire, Quick Reads Interested? Please contact Linsey Imms Limms@tuc.org.uk Tel 02920 3470101.

Ectarc: - European Centre for Training and Regional Co-operation

Host families to accommodate Trainees & Graduates from Europe for 1–3 months

£105 per week with meals £60 self-catering

Please contact: Karen Jones or Mandy Jones Parade Street, Llangollen LL20 8RB Tel: 01978 861514 karen.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk mandy.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk www.ectarc.com

For your next newsletter? If you want to include a link to the new TU Ed course booklet in any email or newsletters you’re doing in the next few months this is the best link to use: http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf

Net News

The Harlech Residential College, Snowdonia.

Coleg Harlech specialise in courses for people who feel their options are limited because they have few qualifications.

Students come from many different walks of life; the courses are particularly suitable for mature learners who have been out of education for a while. The most important thing is to have enthusiasm and a desire to move forwards. Tutors are passionate about their subjects, providing support and encouragement to ensure students reach their potential.

Subjects that can be studied full time over 1 year or part time over 2 years:

Music Technology

Social Sciences

Pathway to Nursing Financial support – support for tuition and accommodation costs for learners who have lived in Wales for 3 years, based on household income.

Contact us for full details: 01766 781900 info@fc.harlech.ac.uk www.harlech.ac.uk

North Wales Basic Skills Seminar on Wednesday 12th October at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Wrexham. Contact Angela Baugh abaugh@tuc.org.uk

South Wales Basic Skills Seminar on Wednesday 19th October at the Millennium Centre Cardiff Contact Anne Jenkins Ajenkins@tuc.org.uk

These seminars are informal and friendly, so come along and find out about basic skills and/or get an update on the latest information about basic/essential skills in Wales.

Cardiff - 21 hours per week - 1 year fixed term contract £20,163 per annum pro rata + excellent benefits package

As experts in women's economic development in Wales, Chwarae Teg monitors and responds to local, national and international economic, social and political policy & trends and seek to influence outcomes.

Closing date: 12 noon Tuesday 6th September Interviews to be held on Friday 16th September

Please note that CVs will not be accepted. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Chwarae Teg is an equal opportunities employer and wishes to appoint the best person for the job regardless of any other factors. Chwarae Teg is an Investor in People organisation committed to the principles of the Double Tick award.

http://www.chwaraeteg.com/research-officer/

New online courses for reps Online learning can offer a convenient and effective solution for reps looking to develop their skills and knowledge. Course name Starts Union Reps Stage 1 20th Sept 2011 Equality Reps 7th Nov 2011 Union Learning Reps Stage 1 9th Jan 2012 Next Steps for Safety Reps (Stage 2)16th Jan Green Reps 7th May 2012 Disability Champions 11th June 2012

Please contact Wales TUC Education Team Tel: 029 2034 7010 Email: jrees@tuc.org.uk

http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf

Net News

This course is aimed at a wide range of union reps, union learning reps, project workers, union professionals, organisers and activists to help them deal with the increasingly common situation of employees who are diagnosed with cancer.

The course includes: • So what exactly is cancer? • How does cancer affect people? • Assessing your sickness and absence policy • Disability Discrimination Act - case studies • Role of occupational health • Supporting members • Help with the cost of cancer • Understanding rights and responsibilities • Organising a cancer support project, campaign or event

Course dates Bridgend (Bridgend College) 3 Thursdays from 14th June 2012 Cardiff (South Wales WEA) 2 day block – Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th December 2011 Newport (Coleg Gwent) 3 Thursdays from 15th March 2012 North Wales (Coleg Harlech WEA) 3 Thursday from 15th March 2012

For further information about the courses please contact the Trade Union Studies Centre running the course (contact details can be found on page ).

If your union can organise 10 or more students the course can be run on alternative dates at other venues. Contact jrees@tuc.org.uk or 029 2034 7010 for further information.

For cancer support at home, over the phone, call the Macmillan Support Line free 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) www.macmillan.org.uk

TUC Education has developed a brand new Equalities diploma which will be rolled out across the UK from September 2011.

The diploma is designed primarily for experienced trade union reps whose role would benefit from a wider understanding of equality issues. It is intended to help reps understand the equality issues in the workplace, current equality legislation and how it can be applied to their own organisation.

For further information about this diploma contact:

Julie Cook - REO in Wales t 02920 347010 E mail jcook@tuc.org.uk

What are your learning goals this year? What do you want to achieve from your learning over the next 12 months? Read on and follow the link to find out what these Welsh learners want to achieve.

People make the decision to learn Welsh for a variety of reasons, some even accidently as we read recently. Getting started is one thing, but what is it that makes people carry on? When they start to feel that they are making progress, they've had a few exciting first conversations "in the wild" or over Skype, what then? What ambitions or goals have you set for yourself? What do YOU want from your Welsh? After the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, people's thoughts started turning to next year in the Vale of Glamorgan, and Catrin posed the question - what do you want to achieve from your Welsh over the next 12 months? You can read some people's ideas under "New SSiW Challenge" in the following forum thread: http://www.saysomethingin.com/welsh/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5089

http://www.saysomethinginwelsh.com/home/

Net News

SEMTA ran a pilot this year for a ‘

programme in parts of the UK

to support female employees within the sector (Sciences, Engineering and manufacturing

Technologies) to develop a career plan and provide training to aid career progression.

The programme has now been rolled out in Wales (funded by UK CES). SEMTA will provide a £400 contribution per candidate towards the cost of any training identified.

For more details, please visit the following link: http://www.semta.org.uk/about_us/media_centre/news/women_in_work_in_wales.aspx

Any questions regarding this information? Please feel free to contact me. Rebecca Rebecca Irving Glyndŵr University Wrexham Prifysgol Glyndŵr Wrecsam Tel/Ffon: 01978 293597 / 07803 0191 89 r.irving@glyndwr.ac.uk

Making the most of your money’ is a free, hour-long seminar delivered by specially trained presenters in your workplace.

The seminar covers everything from

budgeting, borrowing, saving and investing, and protecting your family and possessions to saving for retirement.

To support this seminar, we give all the attendees a free copy of our ‘Making the most of your money’ guide.

By reducing financial worries, you will help to cut stress.

Tel:020 7943 0500 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Responding to the CBI's press release on regulatory approaches to training, unionlearn policy officer Richard Blakeley said:

"The CBI's intervention is very welcome. There is a very important debate to be had about maximising employer investment in training. Whilst we may not agree with all of the CBI's recommendations, I think there is plenty of room for debate and consensus. We would welcome discussion on the most effective way to introduce occupational standards and licences to practice. Unionlearn is actively working towards co-investment schemes in training. It must be remembered that ten million workers miss out on training and lower qualified workers are four times less likely to receive training." NOTES: Unionlearn is holding a conference on December 1, 2011 on the subject of regulation of training, considering union experience and views on licence to practice, sectoral levies and tax relief for training

The popular toolkit of Supporting Learners Guides for all union reps has been updated and

is now available to download or as a printed copy. (Some info applies to England only)

www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice/learn-4000-f0.cfm

Pick up copies at the next round of Network

meetings – next week!

Net News

A new website, www.higherlearningatwork.org has been launched to help learners discover the opportunities available to get better qualifications.

There are diagnostic tools to see if you are ready for degree-level studies: traditional entry requirements may not be necessary, your life and work experience will count. There are courses which have bite-sized modules so that you can combine learning with your work and family commitments and bring your knowledge up to date.

Unionlearn is now one of the leading organisations providing information to working people, who are looking for advice on getting access to higher-level studies.

The website will be useful to you if you are a union member or a rep. It is also useful to all other working adults, including apprentices, who are interested in moving on to higher-level learning. You will find a range of resources to help you to advise learners. You can check out ways of working with unions to change lives through learning. The site gives access to information about funding available to make your learning more affordable and for union members there may be special discounts and bursaries arranged through your union or unionlearn. Ctrl and click to follow this link:

http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/policy/learn-3608-f0.cfm?regional=7

(City and Guilds 9297-02)

From Training Solutions Wales

For further information please contact the main office on 02920 908006 or email enquiries@trainingsolutionswales.org.uk

National Survey of Adult Skills in Wales, 2010 Commissioned by the Welsh Government to provide updated data on literacy and numeracy. The survey was carried out during 2010, and assessed overall literacy and numeracy skills of adults (aged 16-65) in Wales The surveys were designed as far as was practically possible to replicate similar surveys carried out in 2004/05, in order to consider changes in skills levels.

There has been improvement in literacy levels: 12 per cent of adults were assessed to have Entry Level literacy or below, a decrease from 25 per cent in 2004. 29 per cent of adults were assessed at Level 1 (37 per cent in 2004) and 59 per cent at Level 2 or above (an increase from 38 per cent in 2004).

There is little change in numeracy levels: 51 per cent of adults were assessed to have Entry Level numeracy or below, similar to the 53 per cent in 2004. 29 per cent were assessed at Level 1 (25 per cent in 2004) and 21 per cent at Level 2 or above (22 per cent in 2004).

Literacy and numeracy levels were higher amongst the employed, those with higher levels of household income, those with higher qualifications, and amongst the older age groups.

Net News

Ty Menai (formerly CAST) Parc Menai, Bangor –

14th September 2011 9.15am – 12.45pm

Digital Technologies are transforming the world. Design and product development processes must keep pace with change.

The increase in uptake of mobile applications, widespread use of digital interfaces and rapid convergence of communication infrastructures means that design considerations are more important than ever to allow the average user to interact effectively with digital technology.

Designing Digital Futures brings together these key areas in an informative and stimulating workshop.

Support and funding through Business Innovation for Product & Service Design

How converging technologies will affect your business

The Science of Human Computer Interaction

Considering the user experience in relation to products and services

Augmented Reality

Attendance is free but it is essential you reserve a place. To register for the event please email: sally.fenton@businessinnovation-design.com confirming the name and contact details of attendees.

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE IN NUMERACY LEARNING NIACE undertook research into this innovative provision and brought 40 organisations together to find out about approaches used, discuss and share practice... http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/skills/learn-4073-f0.cfm

Half day conference Plas Pentwyn, Castle Road, Coedpoeth, Wrexham, LL11 3NA 29th September 2011 Lunch 12:30pm Event 1:00 - 3:30pm

Dear Colleague Domestic abuse isn’t a private matter that stays at home when its victims go to work. 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse and every year it costs businesses £2.7 billion in lost economic output across the UK. It can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism and increased employee turnover.

Outline of the afternoon This will be an opportunity to hear about effective practice from a number of different perspectives. Speakers include Ann Beynon OBE (EHRC Commissioner and Director BT Wales), Stuart McKenna (Diversity Manager for the Co-operative Group) and Jan Pickles OBE (NSPCC Cymru). You will see how early intervention and taking a number of small practical steps can reduce sickness absence, save money and save lives.

Who should attend? This half day conference is aimed at private and public sector human resource practitioners and trade union representatives.

We hope you can attend this free event

Mandy Mandy Bain Tel: 01248 360581

Please respond by 1st September Please email to mandy.bain@equalityhumanrights.com Tel: 01248 360581 Text phone: 18001 01248 360581 Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb a Hawliau Dynol Equality and Human Rights Commission

Net News

Credit union membership in Wales continues to grow, with more than 50,000 members and junior savers enjoying the benefits that belonging to a credit union can bring. Whether you want the flexibility to save what you can when you can, or save regularly to build that ‘nest egg’, then credit unions may be the sensible option for you. Being a member of your local credit union brings many advantages: knowing that your money is safe and secure, backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; the idea of your money is staying within your community to benefit your local area, and the opportunity to apply for a loan at a reasonable, affordable and competitive rate of interest. How to join a credit union? Credit unions exist throughout Wales; you can join a credit union near to where you live or work. To find your nearest credit union, visit www.wales.gov.uk/creditunions or contact the All Wales credit union Helpline on 0800 4960865 (Monday to Friday during normal working hours) or email financialinclusion@wales.gsi.gov.uk. And don’t forget, many public sector employers offer payroll deduction schemes to make saving with a credit union even easier.

OUR FAVOURITE STORIES – UNIONLEARN CASE STUDIES Union learning reps are the unsung heroines and heroes of industrial relations. They are trained to open doors to learning and training to their colleagues and work with employers to provide time and spaces for study. Here are some of their stories. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/learn-4214-f0.cfm

Do your bit The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Trades Unions recognise that workplaces with health and safety representatives are safer and healthier as a result. We encourage workers to become involved as safety representatives.

European research suggests that women are under-represented in the health and safety decision-making process. In particular, more women are needed to be safety representatives.

By representing your colleagues you’re playing a vital and rewarding role in helping to make the workplace ‘safe and sound’ for the benefit of all; and making sure that women’s views and experience of workplace health and safety are taken into account.

What will you be doing? Your role will be to keep your colleagues involved in health and safety matters and represent them.

What are the benefits? Your participation as a safety representative will help you, increase your skills and value in the workplace; and help protect your colleagues from health and safety risks

If you are interested in becoming a safety representative and helping to ensure that your workplace is both a safe and healthy place to work, then contact your union.

Find out more from www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/hsrepresentatives.htm

Or, visit HSE’s ‘Do your bit’ website at www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/doyourbit/

Net News

From UK UNCUT For the cost of jailing 2 young men for 4 years for setting up a facebook group that didn't cause a riot, you could employ 4 youth workers for 4 years working with up to 200 of the most alienated young people per year (800 young people in 4 yrs) or pay for a full time youth advice service in 8 large secondary schools (benefitting around 10,000 young people) for a year or you could employ 24 young people on £15,000 for a year when youth unemployment has reached over 20%.

Colleagues, Please use the link below to read a blog by one of our team in Scotland about Union Learning and collective bargaining. Do feel free to log on and comment, or set up your own blog and spread the good word. http://unitelearningscotland.org/2011/08/30/union-learning-a-collective-bargaining-growth-area/

For more information or to join the Network of Excellence please contact Bernice, Bwaugh@tuc.org.uk