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 organiser 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
How to be an effective health and safety rep
Greenfield training: gaining union recognition
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 to 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
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 organiser 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.
Understanding Civil Service Pensions
Courses to support health and safety rep development
Prospect health and safety reps have access to a range of courses to support their ongoing development.
Prospect provides new reps with level one health and safety training, a course called the Effective Health and Safety Representative. This introduces reps to the role, functions and unique legal powers of the health and safety rep and equips them with all the information necessary to operate effectively in the workplace. We run this course regularly, both online and in person. Find out more about the Effective Health and Safety Representative
Prospect also provides a range of level two training courses in more specialist areas, many of which will be useful to health and safety reps. Courses include Bargaining for a mentally healthy workplace, Negotiation skills and Reps part 2: Handling personal cases. Find out more about our next steps courses
TUC Education provides further health and safety training which goes above that provided in our level one course. These courses support experienced reps with more significant responsibilities in their branch and in supporting and bargaining for members. The stage 2 Next steps for safety reps and Stage 3 Diploma in occupational health and safety courses are delivered across the country by colleges and adult education centres, and are taught both in person and online. If you are interested in attending a TUC course, please speak to your FTO.
TUC Education also has interactive learning modules addressing a diverse range of issues, including a many health and safety topics, such as long Covid, risk assessments for homeworkers and health and safety and organising. Find out more about TUC training
Other courses available
As Prospect 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.