Learning and development for RCN representatives

About the learning and development programme

As an RCN representative you can expect individualised support, based on a self-assessment of your own learning and development needs. Focused upon the principles of workbased learning and combining facilitated learning with structured supported learning you will practice your skills as an RCN representative. Experienced RCN officers and representatives will assist you to develop your competence on key aspects of the representatives' role.

This programme aims to make the process of choosing a pathway clear and simple. The pathways are based on national occupational standards for trade union representatives in the workplace (ENTO standards) and are organised into three modules, ie module one - shared foundation, module two - specific development and module three - advanced, masterclass and bespoke workshops.

The purpose of the pathways is to enable you, as an RCN representative, to develop the competence and confidence to perform in your role.

Based upon the principles of work-based learning, the application of learning to practice will be underpinned by a learning agreement and a programme of mentorship/support.

As part of the programme, and as a means of demonstrating you meet the requirements of the role, you will be asked to keep a portfolio as evidence of your learning in relation to the competences detailed in the RCN role descriptors.

A guide to the learning and development pathway for new RCN representatives for April 2012 to March 2013 (PDF 1.24MB) [see how to access PDF files] has been developed and provides more information about the learning and development programme.

Module one - shared foundation module

This module is a five day programme and is made up of both a facilitated workshop element and work-based supported learning. Module one is designed as a general introduction to the RCN and the essential role of representatives. The module focuses on the RCN generic role descriptors and representatives will be expected to work on a mandatory learning portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of these and how they can be applied in the workplace.  This portfolio will be formatively assessed at the end of module one to confirm that the representative is making good progress on providing evidence of their learning. Representatives will also be expected to develop and maintain a personal development plan in relation to their role.

All representatives attend module one which creates an excellent opportunity for developing joint working between representatives in the future. The module is based on national occupational standards for trade union representatives in the workplace (ENTO standards).

To access module one training within the north west region contact Carole Glaister either by telephone on 01204 552441 or by email: carole.glaister@rcn.org.uk. The three days facilitated learning and the second day of the supported learning usually take place in the Bolton office (Chesham House, St George's Square, Bolton, BL1 2HB). The first day of the supported learning is work/home based. The current dates are shown below:

  • Facilitated: 17, 18 and 19 April 2012
    Supported: 18 May 2012 and 15 June 2012
  • Facilitated: 17, 18 and 19 July 2012
    Supported: 16 August 2012 and 17 September 2012
  • Facilitated: 9, 10 and 11 October 2012
    Supported: 12 November 2012 and 7 December 2012
  • Facilitated: 12, 13 and 14 February 2013
    Supported: 18 March 2013 and 12 April 2013. 

Module two - development module

When a representative has demonstrated good progress in providing evidence of their understanding of the generic role descriptors through their learning portfolio, they can undertake module two. This module is specific to the role of either steward, safety representative or learning representative. The focus of each specific module is on facilitated learning, using the knowledge and skills already acquired in the workplace to develop and build up confidence.  Module two has been designed to help representatives learn about the specifics of the RCN steward, safety representative or learning representative role.

This is a five day programme and is made up of both a facilitated workshop element and work-based supported learning. During this module, representatives will be expected to continue to develop their personal development plan and learning portfolio. They will also need to demonstrate their understanding of the relevant specific role descriptors and how they can be applied in the workplace. The module is based on national occupational standards for trade union representatives in the workplace (ENTO standards).

The training dates for module two are shown below. The three days facilitated learning and the second day of the supported learning will take place at the regional office indicated. The first day of the supported learning is work/home based.

Stewards

  • Facilitated: 20, 21 and 22 March 2012
    Supported: 20 April 2012 and 18 May 2012
    Venue: RCN Yorkshire & The Humber office, Leeds
  • Facilitated: 19, 20 and 21 June 2012
    Supported: 20 July 2012 and 17 August 2012
    Venue: RCN North West office, Bolton
  • Facilitated: 25, 26 and 27 September 2012
    Supported: 26 October 2012 and 23 November 2012
    Venue: RCN Yorkshire & The Humber office, Leeds
  • Facilitated: 22, 23 and 24 January 2013
    Supported: 22 February 2013 and 22 March 2013
    Venue: RCN North West office, Bolton.

Learning representatives

  • Faciliated: 17, 18 and 19 July 2012
    Supported: 9 August 2012 and 5 September 2012
    Venue: RCN West Midlands office, Birmingham
  • Facilitated: 29, 30 and 31 January 2013
    Supported: 26 February 2013 and 28 March 2013
    Venue: RCN West Midlands office, Birmingham

Safety representatives

  • Facilitated: 12, 13 and 14 June 2012
    Supported: 12 July 2012 and 8 August 2012
    Venue: RCN West Midlands office, Birmingham
  • Facilitated: 5, 6 and 7 November 2012
    Supported: 4 December 2012 and 7 January 2013
    Venue: RCN West Midlands office, Birmingham 

To access a place on the development module contact Pam D'Silva, learning and development administrator, at RCN West Midlands office (Lyndon House, 58-62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PE) either by telephone: 0121 450 4320 or email: pam.d'silva@rcn.org.uk.  A nomination form (Word 60KB) must be counter-signed by the relevant RCN officer/mentor before places can be allocated.

Module three - advanced, masterclass and bespoke workshops

Module three training is available for experienced and trained representatives. A continuing professional development for experience RCN representatives and other activists in England prospectus for April 2012 to March 2013 (PDF 0.99MB) [see how to access PDF files] has been created. Dates and workshop/masterclass details are shown below:

  • RCN representatives and RCN forum members - what a team!
    12 June 2012, RCN North West office, Bolton
  • Understanding financial performance
    6 November 2012 - RCN North West office, Bolton
  • Subject to be confirmed
    11 December 2012 - North West office, Bolton 

To access a place on one of the above workshops/masterclasses contact Pam D'Silva, Learning and Development administrator (RCN West Midlands office, Lyndon House, 58-62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PE) by either telephone: 0121 450 4320 or email: pam.d'silva@rcn.org.uk.  A nomination form (Word 60KB) must be counter-signed by the relevant RCN officer/mentor before places can be allocated.

Transition arrangements

If you are already an accredited RCN representative and have attended part of your pathway you will have the opportunity to access the new pathway. To discuss this further contact Gaynor Bradley, Learning and Development Facilitator, either by telephone: 01204 552456 or email: gaynor.bradley@rcn.org.uk.