Success for RCN Union Learning Fund project in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the RCN joined the Union Learning Fund [ULF] project in September 2011. The objectives up to March 2014 are to promote learning representatives, scope the learning needs of health care assistants [HCAs]in non-unionised environments such as nursing homes, and promote essential Ssills training.

The project is co-ordinated by RCN Employment Relations Officer Marie McAteer and overseen by a project board  chaired by Head of Professional Development Carolyn Mason The success of the project to date has been due to the unwavering enthusiasm and support of nine RCN learning representatives who have given up so much of their own time to support the plan.

The project started by mapping out five advanced workshops for learning representatives. Five key objectives were agreed and these have been used to provide both individual and group mentorship.

The project is now entering its final year. The survey of HCAs' learning needs has been completed and will be published shortly. The results will help map a way forward. Individual action plans for each learning representative are being drawn up in order to achieve the project's objectives for 2013-2014.

The RCN gratefully acknowledges the support of the Northern Ireland Executive Department for Employment and Learning [DEL] and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The RCN's ULF project will continue to guide investment in lifelong learning, particularly in non-unionised practice environments.

Further information about the project is available at the links below.

Project overview (Word 18.8KB)

Project plan 2011-2012 (Word 55KB)

Project plan 2012-2013 (Word 18.9KB)

Project plan 2013-2014 (Word 16.3KB)

Key actions for learning representatives (Word 30.5KB)

Promoting essential skills (Word 310KB)

Promoting learning representatives in the independent sector (Word 19.2KB)