Resources
Learning and development for RCN Representatives
About the Learning and Development programme
As an RCN Representative (Rep), you can expect individualised support, based on a self-assessment of your own learning and development needs. Focused on the principles of work-based learning, and combining facilitated learning with structured supported learning, you will practice your skills as an RCN Rep. Experienced RCN Officers and Reps will assist you in developing your competence in key areas of the Rep 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 Reps in the workplace (ENTO standards) and are organised into three modules: Module 1 - shared foundation, Module 2 - specific development, and Module 3 - advanced, masterclass and bespoke workshops.
The purpose of the pathways is to enable you, as an RCN Rep, to develop the competence and confidence to perform in your role.
Based on 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 competencies detailed in the RCN role descriptors.
A guide to the learning and development pathway for new RCN reps for 2013/14 will be available shortly.
Module 1 - 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 1 is designed to be a general introduction to the RCN and the essential role of Reps. The module focuses on the RCN generic role descriptors and Reps 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 assessed at the end of Module 1 to confirm that the Rep is making good progress on providing evidence of their learning. Reps will also be expected to develop and maintain a personal development plan in relation to their role.
All Reps attend Module 1, which creates an excellent opportunity for developing joint working between Reps in the future. The module is based on national occupational standards for trade union Reps in the workplace (ENTO standards).
To access Module 1 training within the Yorkshire and the Humber region, please contact Katherine Wood either by phone on 0113 386 0501 or by email, katherine.wood@rcn.org.uk. The facilitated learning and the first day of supported learning usually take place in the regional office. The second day of the supported learning is work/home based.
The current dates are:
- Facilitated: 29, 30 and 31 January, 2014
- Supported: 3 and 25 March 2014
Please contact Katherine Wood if you would like to attend other than the dates above for alternative dates and venues.
Module 2 - Development Module
When a Rep has demonstrated good progress in providing evidence of their understanding of the generic role descriptors through their learning portfolio, they can undertake Module 2. This module is specific to the role of Steward, Safety Rep or Learning Rep. The focus of each specific module is on facilitated learning, and using the knowledge and skills already acquired in the workplace to develop and build up confidence. Module 2 has been designed to help Reps learn about the specifics of the RCN Steward, Safety and Learning Rep roles.
This is a five-day programme and is made up of both a facilitated workshop element and work-based supported learning. During this module, Reps 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 thes can be applied in the workplace. The module is based on national occupational standards for trade union Reps in the workplace (ENTO standards).
The training dates for Module 2 are shown below. The facilitated learning and the first day of the supported learning will take place at the regional office. The second day of the supported learning is work/home based.
Stewards
- Facilitated: 22, 23 and 24 May 2013
Supported: 21 June 2013 and 26 July 2013
Venue: RCN Yorkshire and Humber region, Leeds - Facilitated: 25, 26 and 27 September 2013
Supported: 28 October 2013 and 22 November 2013
Venue: RCN North West region, Bolton - Facilitated: 6, 7 and 8 November 2013
Supported: 6 December 2013 and 10 January 2014
Venue: RCN Northern region, Sunderland - Facilitated: 15, 16 and 17 January 2014
Supported: 17 February 2014 and 13 March 2014
Venue: RCN North West region, Bolton - Facilitated: 12, 13 and 14 February 2014
Supported: 14 March 2014 and 11 April 2014
Venue: RCN Northern region, Sunderland - Facilitated: 19, 20 and 21 March 2014
Supported: 17 April 2014 and 23 May 2014
Venue: RCN Yorkshire and Humber region, Leeds
Learning Reps
- Facilitated: 18, 19 and 20 June 2013
Supported: 18 July 2013 and 15 August 2013
Venue: RCN Headquarters, London - Facilitated: 17, 18 and 19 September 2013
Supported: 15 October 2013 and 13 November 2013
Venue: RCN Headquarters, London - Facilitated: 4, 5 and 6 March 2014
Supported: 1 April 2014 and 29 April 2014
Venue: RCN Headquarters, London
Safety Reps
- Facilitated: 8, 9 and 10 May 2013
Supported: 25 June 2013 and 12 July 2013
Venue: RCN West Midlands region, Birmingham - Facilitated: 10, 11 and 12 September 2013
Supported: 9 October 2013 and 13 November 2013
Venue: RCN South West region, Exeter - Facilitated: 8, 9 and 10 January 2014
Supported: 18 February 2014 and 26 March 2014
Venue: RCN West Midlands region, Birmingham
To access a place on the development module, please contact Learning and Development Administrator Pamela D'Silva at the RCN West Midlands office (Lyndon House, 58-62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PE), either by phone on 0121 450 4320 or by email on pamela.d'silva@rcn.org.uk. A nomination form (Word 60KB) must be countersigned by the relevant RCN Officer/mentor before places can be allocated.
Module 3 - Advanced, masterclass and bespoke workshops
Module 3 training is available for experienced and trained Reps. A continuing professional development for experience RCN representatives and other activists in England prospectus for 2013/14 will be available shortly. Dates and workshop/masterclass details are:
- RCN Stewards - Analysing, challenging and responding to organisational policy
Date and venue: 30 April 2013, RCN North West region, Bolton - RCN Safety Reps - Influencing the agenda using corporate and clinical risk management to promote patient safety
Date and venue: 26 June 2013, RCN Yorkshire and the Humber region, Leeds - RCN Learning Reps - Effective support for members who have capability and competence issues
Date and venue: 21 August 2013, RCN Northern region, Sunderland - All Reps - Developing and delivering a brief lobby for change
Date and venue: 9 October 2013, RCN North West region, Bolton - RCN Stewards - TUPE or not TUPE and organisational change
Date and venue: 2 December 2013, Yorkshire and the Humber region, Leeds - Details to be confirmed
Date and venue: 5 February 2014, RCN Northern region, Sunderland
To access a place on one of the above workshops/masterclasses, please contact Learning and Development Administrator Pamela D'Silva (RCN West Midlands office, Lyndon House, 58-62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PE) either by phone on 0121 450 4320 or email on pamela.d'silva@rcn.org.uk. A nomination form (Word 60KB) must be countersigned by the relevant RCN officer/mentor before places can be allocated.
Transition arrangements
If you are already an accredited RCN Rep and have attended part of your pathway you will have the opportunity to access the new pathway. For more information, please contact Learning and Development Facilitator Gaynor Bradley, either by phone on 01204 552456 or email on gaynor.bradley@rcn.org.uk.