Branch welfare officer training 2010

Branch welfare officer (BWO) training is provided over a three-day training course. The course is run in two linked sessions, a one-day introduction with a two day follow-on session a couple of weeks later. Completion of the course will equip officers with the skills and training which is essential for their role and participants must sign-up for both blocks. Whilst the training is a requirement for newly elected welfare offices, it can also be used for those officers who have been in post for some time but have not yet had an opportunity to attend training.

The training will help BWOs:

• Understand their role and the confidentiality it involves.
• Understand the UNISON Welfare charity structure and staff responsibilities.
• Understand the application process.
• Understand the key areas which welfare can assist members.
• Develop influencing skills.
• Develop communication styles and practice active listening.

• Promote Welfare to managers and as a part of recruitment drives.
• Practice presentation skills.
• Understand the importance of promoting and publicising UNISON Welfare.
• Handle problems in an assertive manner.
• Review their work

The course is delivered in two linked sessions to the cross-regional groups indicated below.  Welfare officers should sign up for both sessions of the course. BWOs who live nearer to another course location than their regional one can apply for that course.  BWOs who are unable to attend their regional course can apply for another date and we will accommodate them where possible.

Application Form:  Visit http://www.unison.org.uk/file/B3049.pdf for an application form or contact UNISON Learning and Organising Services, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ
Tel: 0207 551 1116.  Email: Learning&OrganisingEnquries@unison.co.uk

Charges: Branches will be charged a fee of £225.00 for the three day course.  Accommodation, travel and care costs will be paid nationally, as well as a £10.00 per day out of pocket allowance.

Facilitation and Dependent Care: It is UNISON policy that no member should be deterred from applying for courses because of facilitation needs, necessary childcare of other care commitments.

Allocation of Course Places: In order to ensure the effective application of UNISON principles of Proportionality and Fair Representation places are allocated on national courses as soon as possible after the closing date instead of on a first come first served basis. In the event of courses being oversubscribed, selections will be made on the basis of achieving Fair Representation and Proportionality, as set out in UNISON Rules, and will ensure a fair spread of participants from regions and sectors where appropriate.

Cancellation Policy: A charge will be made for course places cancelled without good cause:

• Cancellation within two weeks of the course start date: 50% of the course cost
• Cancellation within one week of the course start date: 100% of the course cost.

"We cannot put into words how much this break did us the world of good."