UNISON’s Union Learning Fund (ULF) Project Team were awarded the 2015 Business Liaison Award by Sign Language Studies Centre (SLCS), a Newport based organisation which provides deaf, deafblind and disability training and consultancy services to both individuals and organisations across the UK.

The UNISON team ran a British Sign Language (BSL) taster at this year’s UNISON Union Learning Reps (ULRs) national forum. 

ULF Project Manager, Davinder Sandhu, takes up the story:

The taster was very popular so we then we delivered a two day Deaf & Deafblind Awareness and Introduction to Sign Language for ULF project staff based regionally and at the national office. Staff learnt how to finger spell and conduct an introductory conversation using basic BSL, they all achieved a Level 1 in Deaf Awareness and Communication and an Introduction BSL national certificate."

Achieving these qualification means that UNISON project staff can support members by being more aware of needs of members that are deaf, visually impaired or blind. This will help the team with planning training delivery, assisting members on courses and making sure we are accessible. 

The feedback from the team has been very positive. Edna Warwick is a UNISON Learning and Workforce Development Officer and picked up the award on behalf of the team. Edna said:

When SLSC presented our award they gave a really nice introduction, saying that they are very proud to work in partnership with us as we have similar values to them and believe in making learning accessible to all. They said we were a great learner centred organisation and hope that they can work with us again in the future - something we are very keen to do."

Jon Tennison is National Learning and Development Organiser and said:

The course was challenging but fun. I enjoyed learning the finger spelling alphabet, and the tutors were very engaging and well-informed. I would strongly recommend the course as it helps to increase awareness about deafness, issues around it and some of the adjustments that can be made to assist better communication for deaf and hearing people."

Whilst Emma Lipcombe, Learning and Workforce Development Officer, was looking forward to practising the skills she had gained and added:

I got a lot out of the course, both the awareness section and practical. It was a first-rate learning experience and great fun learning something that I hope to use in my workplace and community"

The courses came about through the funding UNISON gets from its ULF project and Davinder said that this was vital, adding:

It was only because we had access to ULF funds that we were able to put on this training which everyone involved found really valuable, enjoyable especially as one of the trainers can speak but was deaf through illness described as ‘deafened’  but can lip read and the other trainer was deaf from birth so can only communicate in sign."

The team are now looking to the future and hoping to develop a deaf awareness course for ULRs using the skills they have learnt on the courses.