Time Off for Trade Unions - Training Requirements

As part of this agreement the University of York fully supports the training of recognised Trade Union representatives. In so doing both the University of York and recognised Trade Unions have agreed a level of training expected of Trade Union representatives which should meet the following guidelines.

Training should be in aspects of employment relations relevant to the duties of the official and must be approved by the Trades Union Congress and/or by the recognised Trade Union of which the employee is an official.

The University of York agrees that, for employees who are recognised Trade Union officials, training that can be considered as part of reasonable paid time off may include:

• Initial training in basic representational skills for Trade Union officials as soon as possible after their election or appointment; noting that suitable courses may be infrequent
• Further training for Trade Union officials with special responsibilities
• Training courses to develop Trade Union officials’ skills in representation, negotiation, consultation and communication
• Where there are proposals to change the structure and topics of negotiation, consultation and communication.
• Where significant changes in the organisation of work are being contemplated
• Where legislative change may affect the conduct of employment relations at the place of work and may require reconsideration of existing agreements

The University of York agrees that specific training for Health and Safety Representatives may be supported as is reasonable in the circumstances to enable the representatives to fully carry out their role.

The University of York also agrees that Union Learning Representatives, to qualify for paid time off, must be sufficiently trained to carry out their duties as a learning representative either at the time when the Trade Union gives notice to the University of York in writing of the individual nominated as a learning representative or within six months of that date. In the latter case the Trade Unions must notify the University of York that the learning representative is undergoing such training and when they have completed the training. This training may be considered part of reasonable paid time off.

• The six month qualifying period during which a Union Learning Representative must receive sufficient training to continue operating as a learning representative may be extended with agreement to take into account any significant unforeseen circumstances in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice 3.

To satisfy the training requirements of a Union Learning Representative an employee will need to be able to demonstrate to both the University of York and their recognised Trade Union that they have received sufficient training to enable them to operate competently in one of more of the following areas of activity relevant to their duties as a Union Learning Representative:

• Analysing learning or training needs
• Providing information and advice about learning or training matters
• Arranging and supporting learning and training
• Promoting the value of learning and training

Reasonable time off will also be considered for further training to help Union Learning Representatives develop their skills and competencies.

Sufficient training to enable an individual to operate competently as a Union Learning Representative should be by way of completing a training course approved by the Trades Union Congress or by the recognised Trade Union of which the individual is a Union Learning Representative and/or by showing that they have previously gained the relevant expertise and experience to operate effectively as a learning representative.

Previous experience and expertise in the fields of teaching, training, counselling, providing careers advice and guidance or human resource development, may well be relevant, as may periods of extensive on-the-job training and experience gained in shadowing an experienced Union Learning Representative.

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• Last reviewed and updated: 5 August 2021