Welcome to the matrix: Barclays and Barclaycard in the North East make the grade

Unionlearn in the northern region would like to extend very hearty congratulations to two more of the region's union-led projects and workplaces as they achieve the prestigious matrix Standard.

The Inspire and Insight projects (led by Unite the union)in Barclays Sunderland and Barclaycard Stockton respectively, have been supported by unionlearn for several years through the Learning for All Fund. Both projects now have learning centres and with the union have developed strong local partnerships to make the innovative initiatives a success for everyone involved. At the core of each project is the increasing ability to provide colleagues with high-quality learning advice, guidance and opportunities that benefit both individuals and the business. So, the achievement of the matrix award is a fitting culmination of all of the hard work and dedication put in by the ULRs, staff, providers, union and employer to ensure Barclays and Barclaycard are 'an employer of choice'.

Some of its achievements so far include:

• Over 250 people receiving Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) from the Union Learning Reps across both sites.
• Almost 100 people have achieved 6 or more hours of learning.
• Over 100 colleagues have signed up for Skills for Life* course, with over 90 of them achieving a qualification already.
• 120 colleagues on or completed NVQs* in Customer Service, Business Administration or Team Leading.

	This is undoubtedly a fantastic achievement for all involved in the 2 projects

May I offer my congratulations to all of the UNITE ULRs at Stockton and Sunderland. This is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to partnership in practise in both centres in such a way that adds value for union members and the business alike.

'This could not be more timely both in respect of the partnership renewal negotiations between Barclays and UNITE which I am currently involved in. We are looking to focus more and more going forward on learning and development in terms of joint bank/union initiatives, and also in relation to the situation in Stockton regarding the potential TUPE as a demonstration of the positive difference that the Insight centre makes in the workplace.

I have already flagged up this fantastic news with the senior UNITE team in Barclays will be looking to bring this to the attention of the Barclays Partnership team also.

Well done again and thank you for all that you are doing.

The partnership between Unite, the Union Learn and Barclaycard has provided greater visibility of the learning agenda across the business whilst enhancing the options available to all colleagues. The relationship has helped us to pursue our ambition of being an 'employer of choice

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