Matthew Mulroy is the PCS Branch Learning Coordinator at Cobalt House which is part of Child Maintenance Group (CMG) which is part of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Thanks to Matthew’s hard work PCS’s DWP Northumbria Branch has seen a resurgence in workplace learning and skills development.

Matthew began to research possible companies to deliver training into Cobalt House via his PCS Union Learning Rep (ULR) Role.

He made connections with Sunderland College and arranged to meet with Christine Murphy. Christine is the Employer Relationship Manager from the college, and started linking up with Matthew to set up a new working relationship between PCS and Sunderland College.

Matthew negotiated with management a room to use each week for lessons to take place, along with one hour per week for each learner to attend. He organised car parking and security access into the building, and then advertised the courses during the Civil Service Learning Week.

Allyson Hepple, a Tutor from Sunderland College, arranged to deliver a 12 week Training Programme in Cobalt House to learners from the workplace. This was held in the office in conjunction with PCS to staff in Cobalt House - and Sunderland College enrolled 12 learners onto a Maths functional skills course, six at Level 1 and six at Level 2

The result has been very positive and the learners were presented with their certificates at a celebration event at the workplace on February 1st this year.

Clare Hownam is PCS’s Northern Regional Learning Organiser, and worked with Matthew from day one to support him to deliver the learning his colleagues were looking for.

Clare said

Matthew faced some problems with regards to the room being needed by management some weeks and things needing re-arranging but this was resolved and the training schedule kept to plan.

Matthew involved myself in the beginning for advice on whether he was following the correct procedures and approaching things the correct way to invite external business onto the premises. I was always on hand to offer Matthew help where needed."

The courses proved very popular with staff and helped them develop maths skills both for work and home use.

Natalya Kelly said

I went on the course to be able to help my son with his homework as this has changed so much. From attending the course I am now confident to help when he struggles."

Whilst Donna Toole added

I thoroughly enjoyed the level 2 maths course, my tutor was excellent. I have refreshed my maths knowledge and learned new skills that enable me to consider data and prepare monthly statistics."

Matthew also had the support of the CMG manager at Cobalt House, Clare Thompson. It was Clare who arranged the set-up of the room, the red carpet, the mortar board hats and the buffet for the celebration event when the awards were presented.