NEW: The RCM has successfully won funding from the Scottish Union Learning Development Fund and the Wales Union Learning Fund to deliver learning opportunities through the ULR project in both Wales and Scotland.
The Wales Union Learning Fund will instigate a 3 year project for members in Wales, starting April 2013. The project aims to support Midwives and MSWs to access lifelong learning opportunities, support essential skills in the workplace and promote access to Welsh language courses. The project will work with partners, local health boards and the National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Health (NLIAH) to promote, engage and deliver over 300 learning opportunities. The project will allow the RCM to continue to build the network of union learning representatives (ULRs) in the RCM and provide dedicated support to ULRs in Wales.
The ULR Project in Scotland, has also successfully secured funding for 2013- 2014. The funding will support the RCM in our drive to promote and improve access to lifelong learning opportunities for members in Scotland. With a suite of learning opportunities ranging from holding a Bereavement Conference to CV Writing Workshop and courses on Time Management & Stress. Both sets of funding will compliment the learning offer already provided through the England Union Learning project.
Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) are workplace representatives who assist and advise other members on their training and development needs and promote opportunities to access learning.
Like stewards and health & safety representatives, ULRs are elected by fellow members in a Branch or workplace and accredited by the RCM. They have the same rights under the Employment Act 2002 to time off for carrying out their duties and to undertake training.
ULRs have been part of the RCM workplace reps family for 3 years. The RCM has been granted funding from the Union Learning Fund to recruit and train RCM Union Learning Representatives to increase learning opportunities for RCM members.
Our objective is to recruit a ULR in every maternity workplace. Could it be you?’
What do ULRs do?
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Promote a positive attitude to learning and skills
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Assist members to take up promotion and progression opportunities
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Advise members on meeting the criteria of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)
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Provide accessible independent advice and support for members about learning in the workplace
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Advise on RCM learning resources and events
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Help develop a 'learning culture' where training and education is available and valued by all.
For more information about the Personal and Professional Learning in the Royal College of Midwives Project contact the ULR Project team
ULR training
As a ULR you are entitled to paid time off to undertake training to fulfil your role.
The training will assist you to:
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Develop your skills and knowledge about the role of ULRs
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Build contacts within the RCM and with outside organisations
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Find out what the RCM policies are around learning
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Integrate learning and skills in wider RCM activities and structures
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Promote the value of learning and skills within the workplace
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Identify RCM members learning needs
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Support RCM members in managing their own learning
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Represent the interests of RCM members
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Use a systematic approach to problem solving
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Develop a learning strategy incorporating equality for all
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Work with other union reps on learning issues
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Work with your employer to develop learning opportunities
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Collect and record information
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Find out about Government policies and programmes for learning and skills.
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Develop a personal progression route
For further information email ulr@rcm.org.uk
