THERE FOR YOU BRANCH WELFARE OFFICER TRAINING APPLICATION FORM

Jobs have been cut and benefits have been reduced putting a strain on household budgets and finances. Members are feeling the impact on their household income. Now more than ever, we need our Welfare officers to be aware of the difficulties members are facing and to help them overcome these pressures with practical advice and support. By attending the training, volunteers will learn how to develop their role and learn how to promote 'There for You' to their branch and members.

The training will help Branch Welfare Officers (BWOS):

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

• Promote Welfare to managers and as a part of recruitment drives.
• Practice presentation skills and to handle problems in an assertive manner.
• Understand the importance of promoting and publicising 'There for You'.

Courses are delivered to cross-regional groups as indicated below and welfare officers should sign up for all three training days. 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.

*Priority for these courses will be given to delegates within these regions. If any other officers wish to apply for a place on either these courses, allocation will depend on any spare capacity after the closing date. For these courses only you should contact the regional education contacts if you wish to apply. UNISON direct will be able to assist you with this information on 0845 355 0845.

Application Form:  Visit for an Application form or contact UNISON Learning and Organising Services,UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY
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 branches, 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.