Training for reps
We have a variety of training courses for reps to help you thrive in your chosen field. We offer three levels of training; this provides a manageable and phased approach to your learning and enables the union to support you at every stage of your role.
All courses are available both in the classroom and online. Please speak to your Bectu official about your preference as we plan our courses according to demand.
By taking part in the training, you will feel better equipped to help and advise your union members as they tackle the many challenges that face workers today. You’re also providing a visibility, relevance and skill set to ultimately promote Prospect in your workplace as a force for good. What’s more, you’ll be gaining a host of transferable skills which can help you develop in your own career.
- Induction materials
- Level 1: Integral courses for new reps
- Level 2: Next steps for active reps
- Level 3: Further training for experienced reps
- Other courses available
- Frequently asked questions
Prior to attending any training, we would encourage you to familiarise yourself with the induction for all new reps – see materials below.
Induction materials
This will provide an overview of why workplace representatives are so vital to your union. Read over the reps’ handbook, which will provide all the types of rep role you may consider taking on and the possible expectation as well as the links from our website in case you have further questions. Please also watch the video from Mike Clancy, our general secretary, on the real difference workplace representatives like you can make.
Integral courses for new reps
Following the induction, new reps must choose to take our Reps part 1: Key skills training or How to be an effective health and safety rep (or both!), dependent on the pathway you choose initially.
Reps part 1: key skills for union reps
Reps part 1: key skills for freelancers
How to be an effective health and safety rep (not available for freelancers)
Courses are are available online and in person. Please speak to your organiser about your preference so we can run courses with the maximum attendance possible.
Next steps for active reps
As a union rep, you can choose where you want to specialise. You can specialise in multiple areas if you like. When you have completed one of the integral courses listed above, you can choose one of the next steps courses below.
Reps part 2: handling personal cases
(not available for freelancers)
Bargaining for a mentally healthy workplace
Bargaining for a sustainable workplace
Effective campaigning for union reps
Effective organising for union reps
How to be an effective communication rep
How to run an effective meeting
Organising skills for freelancers
Public Speaking/ Getting ready for conference
If you would like to express an interest in participating in our training, or to book a training place, please contact your Bectu official in the first instance.
Further training for experienced reps
We also have some advanced courses for Reps, so once you’ve completed a course from the next steps section above, you may wish to further your skills by attending any listed below.
Other courses available
As Bectu is affiliated to the TUC, please see further courses available – ensure the branch can accommodate the training with any possible costs and note facility time may not always be applicable. The ACAS link will provide more details around facility time and if in doubt, please contact your full time officer.
Frequently asked questions
Booking onto a course
All places are subject to approval from your branch/Prospect Officer/Organiser. We offer a variety of formats including in-person and online – via both teams and zoom. Pleasespeak to your Prospect organiser or Bectu offical team about your preference as we plan our courses according to demand.
What happens after booking?
Once your placement request has been approved, you’ll receive future dates for the specific training course. Please choose the date that suits best and confirm, or if needed, request further dates (For example if you’re on leave for all dates offered).
What happens if I’ve booked, and I can longer attend?
For those reps in recognised workplace, you should receive facility time to attend the course. However, we appreciate life isn’t always predictable and if you need to cancel your place we will offer you the next available space on a future course.
Please note we have high demand for our Reps part 1 (Essentials Skills) and Reps part 2 ( handling personal cases ) so availability can be limited.
By letting us know as early as possible if you are unable to attend, we will be able to offer your place to another rep to attend.
Can I train with my branch reps?
All our courses can be offered as bespoke to suit your branch needs, please speak to your team about organising this via education.
If you have a place confirmed on a reps’ national course, we will endeavour to facilitate requests to move to a bespoke course but cannot guarantee.
I’ve completed my reps’ part 1 and part 2 courses, when will I receive my Prospect accreditation letters?
Once your full-time officer/negotiations officer has followed up with you, they will advise the education department.
Your status will then be amended to ‘case handler’ on the system and your accreditation letters are usually sent out within two weeks of this status change.
If, for any reason, you don’t want to receive ‘case handler’ status, please let your officer know.