Union learning reps (ULRs) plays a pivotal role in getting learning going in the workplace. Equality and diversity mapping for the workplace is a useful place to start.
'Organise! A TUC Education Workbook' includes a detailed guide to mapping the workplace.
Mapping the workplace - an example
The table below is an example map of a production department. This model could be used to help identify potential learning issues.
Number of staff | Tip: consider part-time workers and shift workers Example: 35 staff 8am–5pm, 10 staff 5–9pm |
Breakdown of staff (days) | Tip: consider demographics such as gender, ethnicity, disability and age Example: 22 women (10 Indian, 12 Pakistani), 13 men (all White British, 1 with a disability) |
Breakdown of staff (evenings) | Example: 10 women (5 White East European, 5 Black Caribbean) |
Union members | Example: Days: 18 (9 Indian women, 6 Pakistani women, 3 White British men) Evenings: 2 (all Black Caribbean women) 1 day shift steward (White British man) 1 day shift H&S rep (Indian woman) |
Union training | Not known |
Adapted from Organise 2, a TUC Education workbook
ULR Equality and Diversity Checklist
The checklist below is designed to help ULRs identify and support learning issues related to equality and diversity in the workplace.
- Have I mapped the workplace?
- What are the potential barriers/equality issues for different groups within the workplace?
- How do I come across as a ULR to potential learners?
- Is our ULR team representative of the workforce?
- Do I have enough awareness around equality issues?
- Do I have enough awareness around learning issues such as dyslexia, visual or hearing impairment, and learning disabilities?
- Is the information we produce accessible for all?
- Is the learning environment suitable for all?
- Is timing, cost, levels, range or style of provision an issue for anyone?
- Am I recording information so I can monitor take-up in the workplace?
- Do I need further training?
If you have answered the questions and feel you need some more advice then contact your union’s learning project worker/ organiser.