Ivan Judd and Kevin Watts are both employed by POA Learning as Learner Supports at HMP Dartmoor. Both Ivan & Kevin have recently completed their Union Learning Representative (ULR) Stage Two accreditation courtesy of unionlearn and South West TUC Education

The dynamic duo received their certificates from tutor Mike Lamprell and are just the latest staff that have benefited from POA Learning's continual and positive investment in the CPD of their staff. This has had a positive impact on the overall success of the POA Learning project since initial inception. 

The HMP Dartmoor Learning Centre has engaged well over 4500 new learners from both prison establishments and the local community since opening its doors in April 2010, which is positive testimony to the investment that POA Learning makes in its ongoing staff development.

POA Learning South West Regional Manager, Andy Harding said:

Ivan and Kevin are a shining example of the ULR role and a credit to POA Learning. The POA have a number of very good learning centres run by its ULRs - Eleven ULRs operating within the South West area alone.

ULRs provide excellent support for staff, families and increasing engagement within the wider local community. ULRs have been the essential key in championing the importance of training and development within the workplace."

The ULR role involves:

• Promoting the value of learning
• Supporting learners
• Arranging learning/training
• Supporting workplace learning centres to embed learning in the workplace

One of unions’ key contributions to the learning and skills agenda is the ability of ULRs to engage learners that are otherwise hard for providers to reach. ULRs offer support and guidance to learners throughout their learning journey and it is important to note that the support is ongoing.

ULRs don’t just engage learners, they offer information, advice and guidance, carry out initial assessments of skills, link learners up with providers or assist them through union learning centres, arrange flexible provision for shift workers and plan next learning steps.

If POA members want to become ULRs, they should first discuss it with the relevant workplace structure of their union (for example, branch or local POA committee or nearest POA Learning Centre staff). All ULRs are given training for their role through courses provided by TUC Education and individual unions. 

Ivan Judd said:

This ULR stage two accreditation will underpin my ongoing CPD with POA Learning. I am currently building on my CPD with the level 4 Information Advice and Guidance qualification being offered by POA Learning which I am finding of great benefit."

Andy Harding added:

The quality, needs based and ongoing training provision provided by POA Learning to their staff ensure that POA Learning employees are appropriately trained to provide individualised and valuable support ensuring the best outcomes for our many learners.  

Successful organisations invest in their staff CPD and POA Learning is an ongoing success story – it’s a win-win situation."

To find out about ULR training in your area or online go to: https://www.tuceducation.org.uk