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

Union Learning Representatives in Scotland

Union Learning Representatives, also known as Union Learning Reps or ULRs, are union activists who are trained to find out members’ learning needs and aspirations and advise them about opportunities. Union members trust their ULR with their learning interests and needs. ULRs liaise directly with fellow workers, employers, and training providers to identify a range of learning opportunities and make them available to the workforce. Additionally, ULRs support innovative workplace development in Scotland, such as Development Fund projects.

There are many benefits to employers in working with ULRs. Many organisations recognise the benefits of employees having the right skills to respond to changes in legislation, the business environment and other influences. Most importantly, it helps change relationships in the workplace and can help break down barriers to learning and skills development that may have previously existed. ULRs do not just help raise the skills level in workplaces – they can transform lives through learning.

Who can be a Union Learning Rep?
ULRs are elected or appointed according to the rules of their union. Some will already be experienced union reps but most unions are keen to encourage members without any previous history of union activity to take up the role.

What are the daily activities of a ULR?
The day-to-day activities of a ULR can be very wide-ranging. They include signposting a range of courses to members, arranging for college tutors to come to the workplace to deliver learning at a time to suit members' needs, supporting members with Everyday Skills needs or developing and running a workplace learning centre.

ULRs in the workplace can:
- Promote the value of learning;
- Support learners;
- Arrange learning and training;
- Support workplace learning centres; and
- Help promote awareness of Everyday Skills.

How are ULRs trained and developed?
TUC Education has developed a comprehensive training and development package for ULRs. The training programme meets the requirements of the Employment Act 2002, which says that new ULRs should attend suitable training within 6 months of their appointment. All TUC ULR training is accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) so they will achieve between 3 and 9 credits at Level 2 or 3 (SCQF Level 6 or 7) according to the length of the course.

ULR Course Content
The core course for Union Learning Reps includes:

• Getting organised, including the role of the ULR and the statutory rights and facilities for ULRs;
• working with members, including involving members, Everyday Skills, learning needs surveys and organising to improve learning opportunities;
• working with employers, including top tips for a learning workplace, training and learning opportunities and organising to improve learning opportunities;
• Skills Notes; and
• ULR workplace toolkit.