Jennifer Lynas is a GMB Union Learning Rep (ULR) at Cumbria County Council and is working hard to offer Council staff the opportunity to raise their skills.

Jennifer is working with education provider Learning Curve Group to offer flexible learning opportunities. Courses available are national recognised qualifications in a wide range of topics which include business administration and English and maths.

One such course offered was a Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Dementia Care. This proved popular and a group of staff wanted to enrol, so Jen organised an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) session for them where a representative from Learning Curve came along and signed them up onto the course and supported them during their learning.

Several weeks later they all completed their course meeting the criteria set by Learning Curve Group and were sent their certificates. 

Jennifer Lynas said:

I love my role as a ULR and get great satisfaction from seeing staff achieving new qualifications and learning opportunities."

Ken Gyles from Northern TUC said:

I have supported Jen from the first day she was trained and it is great to see Jen work so hard to offer staff opportunities to raise their skills.

Jen is a fantastic ULR and sets a great example of how to carry out the role of a ULR, working tirelessly and often in her own time, to make a difference to staff within Cumbria County Council."

Jennifer continues to work with providers to advertise other courses and continue guiding staff towards further qualifications.