Fifteen UNISON Learning Reps, Education Coordinators and Lifelong Learning Coordinators got together to network and share good practice at the new Yorkshire and Humberside ULR forum in Leeds that held its first meeting at the end of March.

Delivered by National Learning and Development Organiser Jon Tennison and Regional Learning & Development Organiser Rose Bent, the forum looked at the full spectrum of the UNISON learning offer, with a special emphasis on how to use Kickstart funding from Learning And Organising Services to help launch learning activities at local level.

Those attending came a number of different employers from across the area, which ensured a wide range of experience could be shared and drawn upon. Employers included; Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS, Barnsley General Hospital, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield City Council and National Probation Service.

Feedback from participants was very positive.

Very useful, particularly for sharing ideas and good practice.” said one.

It was good to know that ULRs are important to UNISON.” commented another.

I will endeavour to provide a multi-branch workshop.” pledged a third.

Rose said;

It was really good that they all got together to talk about ways to engage with members through activities they could easily set up.

We’re looking at organising another forum in the autumn to keep up the momentum.”