Courses for NASUWT Representatives

NASUWT WORKPLACE REPRESENTATIVES

This two-day course equips NASUWT Representatives working in schools covered by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) and the Conditions of Service for Teachers in England and Wales (the ‘Burgundy Book’) with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence needed to carry out the role of NASUWT Workplace Trade Union Representative. This is a perfect opportunity to mix with other colleagues working in similar circumstances and to discuss common problems with a skilled tutor. 

Following successful completion of the course, participants will be accredited as NASUWT Workplace Representatives.

NASUWT REPRESENTATIVES: CASEWORK

Dealing with members’ problems can be challenging. This course focuses on skills essential in successfully handling the more complex problems that come the way of Local Association Caseworkers. The course covers how to:

  • deal with problems in a systematic manner;

  • interview members;

  • research documents; and

  • assemble a ‘case’.

There are opportunities to discuss issues with experienced tutors.

DISCRIMINATION CASEWORK

This essential one-day course will equip caseworkers with practical skills and knowledge for identifying and tackling discrimination cases. The course will cover the Union’s legal avenue for addressing discrimination casework, as well as an overview of discrimination law and how this should be applied in practice. It includes practical case studies on identifying the different strands of discrimination and the prohibited conduct to be applied to each case.

Due to the importance of identifying discrimination in casework, this course can also be attended by Local Association and Federation Officers. Further clarification on attendance on this course should be sought by emailing the Equality and Training Team.

ACCREDITATION OF NASUWT CASEWORKERS

Completion of the NASUWT Workplace Representatives and NASUWT Representatives: Casework and Discrimination Casework courses will secure NASUWT casework accreditation. NASUWT casework accreditation is time-limited for three years, so it is imperative that Casework Representatives keep their skills and knowledge updated through attending relevant casework briefings, workshops and seminars.

NASUWT REPRESENTATIVES: NEGOTIATION 

Negotiation is a skill central to the role of any trade union representative. This activity-based course teaches the theory and practice of negotiation in a structured and practical way. Research into successful negotiating strategies is drawn upon and will inform discussions and activities. 

The course allows NASUWT members to practise and develop negotiating skills in a safe and supportive environment. Those who have completed the NASUWT Workplace Representatives course, or are already experienced NASUWT-accredited caseworkers, are eligible to apply for a place on this course. 

This course requires a minimum of six participants. 

NASUWT REPRESENTATIVES: HIGHER LEVEL CASEWORK 

This is a course for experienced NASUWT caseworkers. Using a mixture of simulation, presentation and discussion, participants deal with a complex and serious issue on behalf of a fictional member. In the process, caseworkers examine the nature of difficult decisions that have to be made, how to use procedures effectively and how to access the Union’s legal services appropriately. 

Applicants will have already completed the NASUWT Representatives: Casework course and have experience of handling members’ cases. The course requires at least three participants to run. 

NASUWT REPRESENTATIVES: ADVOCACY

After developing the skills and competencies necessary to represent a member, the member’s case may have to be presented and argued before a third party, such as a governing body.

This course teaches:

  • the practical skills of organising and presenting a case orally;

  • how best to argue the case; and

  • how to question witnesses.

Applicants will be expected to have completed the NASUWT Representatives: Casework course. The course needs at least four participants to run.

FAST-TRACKING OF CASEWORKERS

From time to time, it becomes apparent that, due to a shortage of caseworkers, a member may need to be fast-tracked through the casework accreditation process. Where this is the case, support MUST be sought from the member’s National Executive Member before a place on the courses is granted.

For clarification on this, email the Equality and Training Team.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE NASUWT TRAINING PROGRAMME

The NASUWT programme of training courses is structured in levels. There are introductory courses for members and Representatives, courses aimed at school- and college-based Representatives, and higher level courses for those who are more experienced, working across Local Associations or Local Officers. Representatives will normally complete a course at each stage before progressing.

NASUWT Workplace Representatives can undertake the following courses:

  • NASUWT Workplace Representatives;

  • NASUWT Workplace Representatives: Independent;

  • Schools NASUWT Representatives: Casework;

  • Discrimination Casework;

  • NASUWT Representatives: Higher Level Casework;

  • NASUWT Representatives: Negotiation;

  • NASUWT Representatives: Advocacy.

The NASUWT offers a wide range of courses and events for all members.

Local Association Officers

Local Association Officers can undertake the following courses:

  • Organising in the Local Association;

  • Local Secretaries Course: Stage 1;

  • Local Secretaries Course: Stage 2;

  • Equality Officers;

  • Local Treasurers’ Course - training can be arranged by emailing the Finance Team;

  • Benevolence Officers’ Course - training can be arranged by emailing the Legal and Casework Team;

  • Benevolence Officers’ Briefings (annual event).

Health and Safety

Health and Safety Representatives can undertake the following courses:

  • Health and Safety Representatives (Stage 1);

  • Health and Safety Representatives (Stage 2);

  • Health and Safety Organising (Stage 3).

There is also an annual Health and Safety Seminar as well as separate Health and Safety Conferences in each of the devolved nations.

Union Learning Representatives

Union Learning Representatives can undertake the following courses:

  • Learning Representatives (Stage 1);

  • Learning Representatives (Stage 2).

Equality Courses

Equality Officers can undertake the following courses:

  • Equality Officers;

  • Neurodiversity Awareness;

  • Workers on the Autism Spectrum and Trade Union Support;

  • Introduction to Trans Awareness;

  • Promoting Safe Workplaces for LBGTI teachers.

In addition to the training courses, the NASUWT regularly hosts Equalities Training and Development Days.

The NASUWT also hosts annual Consultation Conferences for our under-represented groups. These are for:

  • Black Teachers;

  • Women Teachers;

  • Disabled Teachers;

  • Young Teachers;

  • LGBTI Teachers;

  • Supply Teachers.

There are also courses for Equality Officers, Treasurers and Staff Governors and various ICT courses, which can be found on our Training Courses pages.

There are also annual Equalities Conferences held in each of the devolved administrations.

All the Conferences are open to members who identify with each particular group as listed above.

Other courses

The NASUWT offers other member training courses. These include:

  • Behaviour Management (one- and two-day courses);

  • Working Assertively (one- and two-day courses);

  • Dignity at Work: Your Rights, Their Responsibilities;

  • Staff Governors;

  • Tutoring and Accrediting NASUWT Courses;

  • Mental Health First Aid;

  • Mental Health First Aid: Adult;

  • Mental Health First Aid: Youth;

  • Mental Health First Aid: Refresher Course.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.