About The Learning Rep Network

Background

To enable the Trade Union movement to derive maximum benefit from the Government's new "Learning and Skills Agenda," the Trade Union Congress has developed the role of the Learning Rep.

This role is seen as key not only to the general development of Unions as we enter a new era, but also the development of the invaluable role they have to play in widening participation amongst non-traditional learners, and engaging individuals who otherwise would probably not consider additional learning.

To address these issues, a training programme (Front Line Advice and Guidance) was developed by the TUC Learning Services in conjunction with the DfEE and NICEC, and has been highly successful in building Union capacity to bargain and maximize the benefits available around learning for their members, and is now in operation across the country.

As this role is still largely unchartered for most Unions, and TU Education in the region was producing an increasing number of activists who were becoming actively involved in negotiating around learning issues, a means of support for Learning Reps was seen as crucial to future success.

What is the Network?

The Learning Rep Network (LRN) is essentially a support mechanism for Union representatives who are actively involved in promoting learning opportunities to their members.

Currently, the Network has over 300 members, from over 40 different sectors, with nearly 20 unions represented.

The easiest way to look at the Network and how it functions is to consider the 5 key elements around which it is built:

• LRN Database - this provides both a contact and mailing list, but also allows analysis of the different sectors, workforce sizes, and locations in which Learning Reps are active.
  
  
• NW Learning Rep Newsletter - published quarterly, 'Learning Rep News' is currently the primary means of publicising the Network and the activities of Learning Reps in the region. Learning Rep News publishes features on new initiatives and developments and also shares some specific exxamples of good practice and achievements.
  
  
• Regular meetings - these provide a more direct method of exchanging information and ideas. Up to now, these have been organised on a geographical basis, but others based on sectoral groupings may also be held.
  
  
• LRN Web site - you're here! Although only a relatively small proportion of Learner Reps currently have internet access, the web site has been developed to augment the paper based materials. As internet access increases, it is envisaged that this site will play a greater role in supporting the network.
  
  
• LRN Conference - currently in the planning stages, the conference will include keynote speakers from the DfEE, the TUC and other organisations involved in developing the role of the Learning Rep. There will also be workshops and opportunities for discussion at both a formal and informal level, involving people from different backgrounds, including Reps, education providers, people working in advice.

Back to Learning Rep Network home.