STUC. Scottish Union Learning. The learning force behind Scotland's workers.

Scottish Union Learning Highlands & Islands ULR Conference 2010

Taking the Road to Equality in the Highlands and Islands The 3rd Scottish Union Learning Highlands & Islands ULR Conference, “Union Learning: the Road to Equality” took place on Friday, 11 June 2010 in Eden Court Inverness. The Conference, funded through the European Social Fund, was aimed at Highlands and Islands ULRs and union members interested in union-led learning.

The morning of the Conference began with words of welcome from Conference Chair Sylvia O’Grady, Scottish Union Learning. Following Sylvia’s welcome, Pam Urquhart, Scottish Union Learning Highlands & Islands Development Officer, delivered an interactive session on the Right to Request Time to Train.

Delegates participated in two of three workshops. The three workshops were:

1. Rebuilding Collective Prosperity (STUC)
   This workshop discussed the STUC’s campaign for a new economic and social model, including investment in skills and training for workers. The workshop looked at the challenges and opportunities unions will face over the coming months and what role ULRs can play in shaping a fairer and sustainable future.

2. Jobs for the Boys or Girls? Delivering equality as a ULR (Close the Gap)
   This workshop considered the different types of work women and men do and how some of these differences are because of discrimination. The workshop provided ULRs with information and tools to aid them combat discrimination in carrying out their role.

3. Qualifications, what’s in it for me? (SQA)
   This workshop explored vocational qualifications in the workplace identifying the benefits for the individual, the organisation and the wider community.

Following the workshops, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, delivered a conference address on ‘Union Learning, the Future’ providing delegates with information about the journey union learning had taken in Scotland over the last 10 years and where it is headed in the future. Grahame then led an interactive session, using PPvote, an interactive keypad voting system to gauge delegates’ opinions on a number of Highlands and Islands related union learning activities, including the demand for different types of learning/skills from union members in the Highlands and Islands.

The final session of the day, ‘Celebrating 10 Years of Union Learning in Scotland’ delivered by Jennifer Payne, Scottish Union Learning Marketing Officer, provided delegates with information about Scottish Union Learning’s campaign to highlight the difference 10 years of union learning has made to workers in Scotland.

A total of 64 participated in the conference with representation from the following unions: RMT, PCS, CWU, UNISON, ASLEF, Unite, POA, GMB, USDAW, UCATT, TSSA and Prospect. Overall, feedback on the Conference from delegates was very positive.