UNISON East Midlands Education & Training

04/03/2026

Calling all Lincolnshire branches! We need your help

Since 2017, the Lincolnshire Union Learning Reps (ULRs) have worked together to support thousands of members with courses in Public Speaking, Confidence Building, Cooking on a Budget, Christmas Wreaths, Project Management, Literacy and much more.

However, we need more ULRs in order to keep going. Our next ULR course runs in June and most members will get paid time-off to attend. Please can you spread the word?

More details, including a video, can be found at: https://eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/learning-reps/

Did you know?
- Lincs ULRs were granted £3000 this year to run projects across the county. This has included handing out books to15 'Reading Champions' in workplaces across the county.
- Lincs was the first county in the country to come together as a group of branches to organise courses for members, and have run courses in Gainsborough, Boston, Horncastle, Skegness, Lincoln, Sleaford and elsewhere
- This autumn, UNISON will run the AET Level 3 course for ULRs who wish to deliver their own learning.

Lincs Police Unison Branch Unison Lincolnshire Health Branch Unison EMAS Branch

25/02/2026

TUC Employment Rights Act update - What’s changed and how we make it work. Webinar for all trade unionists.

Mar 12, 2026 14:30

Major changes to employment rights are coming — and union reps will be on the frontline of putting them into practice. New employment rights are coming in — but knowing how to use them is what makes the difference. This webinar provides a timely and practical update on the latest developments in...

24/02/2026

Learning at Work Week 2026 will be taking place the week of 18-24 May.

We are once again asking all UNISON East Midlands branches to get involved (events, talks, stalls, lunchtime crafts, Bookswaps...)

Please start planning. A resource page will be available soon.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be visible in our workplaces and promote the values of the union.

23/02/2026

Lincolnshire members.....

2Aspire (Lincs County Council) are running a series of free Introduction to BSL courses.

Please pass on as we know from our regional courses that these are extremely popular.

04/02/2026

Calling all Leicestershire members📢📢📢

If you love learning, why not become a Union Learning Rep?

Training is coming up in April and most members will get paid time-off to attend.

See https://eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/learning-reps/

26/01/2026

There are many ways to get involved in UNISON. One of these is the Union Learning Rep (ULR), a role that promotes and supports education amongst members.

A ULR would:
- Promote learning. Just make sure people know what's available
- Give support. Help colleagues to overcome their barriers
- Identify needs. Find out what people want to learn
- Organise courses. If ULRs feel able, they can organise courses themselves

Most ULRs will get paid time-off to attend the training and to carry out the role.

Training is coming up in Leicester, Lincoln, and Derby. (Nottingham and Northampton later in the year).

For details, visit: https://eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/learning-reps/

19/01/2026

We are very pleased to launch our UNISON East Midlands member-learning programme for Jan - July 2026

Visit here for the details: https://eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/members/

16/01/2026

Our Leicestershire ULRs held their county forum AGM yesterday.

Representatives of 8 Leics branches attended and a dizzying programme for 2026 planned!

12/01/2026

Derbyshire Branch Secretary, Martin Porter, launches UNISON Year of Green Activity from onboard Greenpeace's Witness boat. A little windy, but a brilliant message. Unison College

07/01/2026

It's UNISON Year of Green Activity and what a hero we have to wish us well!

Chris Packham, tv presenter and wildlife champion is urging is on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4dVp0S874

Sign up here for the official launch event: https://www.unison.org.uk/events/unison-year-of-green-activity-official-launch-event/?utm_campaign=Copy%20of%20Activist%207%20Jan%20-%20for%20staff&utm_content=Sign%20up%20to%20the%20Year%20of%20Green%20Activity%20launch%20event&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Communications

https://www.unison.org.uk/2026-unison-year-of-green-activity/

06/01/2026

Our Lincolnshire '6 Book Challenge' is now underway. If you are a Lincolnshire member and would like to be a 'Reading Champion' to run it in your workplace get in touch via: https://eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/learning-lincs/

Below are just some of the 700 books Champions will be able to give out!

05/01/2026

This year is the 100th anniversary of the 1926 General Strike. As part of this history, the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Labour History Society are organising a talk on 7 February in Nottingham.

Non-members are welcome.