Communicating to Win at the Activist Summer School

12 August 2024 9:30am–4:30pm

UNISON Eastern, Higdon House, Kempson Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7AR

For the 2024 Activist Summer School, UNISON Eastern’s landmark Communicating to Win returns for all activists.

You’ll be looking at how we make the most of communicating as a union and how it can help us in base building and campaigns.

Check out the full programme for the Activist Summer School.

What will the course help me to do?

The aim of the programme is to provide you with techniques, information and knowledge to communicate more effectively in the branch and workplace.

You will gain an understanding of and give thought to:

  • Common pitfalls which hinder effective communication;
  • How to use our communications to build the membership and activist base and increase our bargaining strength;
  • Techniques for effective workplace conversations;
  • Other methods of communication beyond emails and conversations;
  • How to communicate effectively in a variety of challenging scenarios;
  • How to embed effective communications into day-to-day branch practice.

Can I get time off to learn?

Yes, if you are in a recognised workplace the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the 1997 Safety Representative and Safety Committee Regulations give you the right to time off with pay to attend trade union courses. You just have to give your employer reasonable notice.

Guidance towards establishing what constitutes reasonable time off can be found in the ACAS Code of Practice.

How much is the course?

There is a charge of £50. Your branch will fund this cost and they will be invoiced once you have completed the course.

Please note there may be a charge for no-shows or cancellations giving less than 48 hours notice.

Sign me up!

Please register below. Once you’ve signed up and your branch has confirmed you need the training, we’ll get in touch to confirm your place.

If you have any questions please contact us here.

  • If you’re not sure what branch you’re in, please check UNISON’s branch finder.