What is LAOS?
Lifelong learning
UNISON Learning and Organising Services (LAOS) co-ordinates trade union education and lifelong learning opportunities for members. This includes training and development for union reps as well as personal and career development courses ranging from Skills for Life through to professional qualifications. We also offer learning discounts and a small educational grants scheme.
LAOS News
Newcastle learning rep briefs minister on skills
(12/09/08) Felicity Mendelson, MBE, Senior Learning and Development Officer at
Newcastle City Council, and UNISON Union Learning Representative, briefed
David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills, on trade union-led learning across Newcastle City Council.
Learning opportunities
(24/07/08) London Metropolitan University offers a range of higher education courses especially designed for trade unionists
ULR to MBE!
Congratulations to Felicity Mendelson, Senior Learning and Development Officer, Newcastle City Council, and UNISON Union Learning Representative (ULR) on receiving an MBE in the Queen's honours list announced on Saturday, 14 June 2008. The award is for services to Skills Training in Local Government.
Recent documents
UNISON's response to the DIUS consultation on informal adult learning
UNISON believe that workplace learning and the support of trade unions can make that vital difference to many people. We are calling for an entitlement to time off work for learning up to Level 2 and a new system of individual learning accounts.
Acrobat PDF (438582 bytes)
UNISON and the Skills pledge
The Skills Pledge is a government initiative aimed at securing a right to free training and development for employees who usually miss out in this area.
Acrobat PDF (95511 bytes)
Getting GOing in local government
A guide to the GO Award for UNISON learning reps and branches
Getting GOing in local government
LAOS Annual Review 2007
UNISON's learning and organising services unit undertakes a wide range of activity which contributes to the overall achievement of the union's objectives and priorities.
LAOS Annual Review 2007
The recruiting and organising activist
A brief introduction to Recruiting & Organising Activist materials with a flexible approach to learning for Branch Officers, Stewards, Union Learning Representatives and Health & Safety Representatives.
The recruiting and organising activist
Learning in UNISON - Organising for Success
How Barnet Branch organised around learning - case study
Acrobat PDF version
Video