I have been involved in the trade union movement since the age of 16 (my first role was collecting the ‘subs’ for the National Union of Hosiery & Knitwear Workers).  My present career, which I enjoy immensely, is based on skills gained through work and trade union-based training.

For the East Sussex Area Branch of UNISON I manage their learning centre; work with the Branch Officers/linked employers on embedding skills and recruiting and supporting Union Learning Representatives. ULRs are trained to develop innovative workplace learning programmes that offer new life chances to people usually excluded from learning.  Members can access ULR services to extend their range of skills and this personal/professional development brings benefits both for employees and employers.

I am a lecturer for unionlearn TUC, delivering training in employment law, health and safety, and the learning agenda at Sussex Downs College. I am also undergoing NVQ assessor training.

My seconded role is as a Project Development Worker.  20 ULRs from various trade unions around Sussex are being trained in advice and guidance to NVQ L3 or 4.  Part of their NVQ is to organise impartial advice and guidance sessions, to enhance their skills at work and in society. These are proving extremely popular with employees. Nextstep are also supporting this initiative and are making useful links with the trade unions/employers via these ULRs.

3 new partnership learning agreements have been signed covering in total nearly 17,000 staff. ESAB UNISON have signed 2 learning agreements –one with East Sussex County Council and one with Sussex Downs College.  This is proving a three-way successful partnership, which we are all working on to develop.  Crawley UNISON and District Council have also signed.  West Sussex, Wealden, Rother and Hastings UNISON branches are also working towards signing agreements with their employers.  2 UNISON branches are also ready to sign agreements for their staff. My aim is for this project to be sustainable and that all parties continue to work together to develop and improve the skills within Sussex.