4 – 20 November 2025
Online via Teams
Stewards are an essential part of UNISON, supporting members and organising workplaces.
It’s essential that stewards get the training and help they need, and the new stewards course is the first step on this journey. Normally it’s held in five-day blocks in person or online, but we know how hard this can be for staff in social care — particularly in workplaces where UNISON isn’t recognised — to get along.
That’s why we’re offering this special course for new stewards in social care. There are six modules to be completed online with your tutors on Tuesdays and Thursdays over three weeks.
Each session is run in the morning and afternoon to help work around your shifts — you just choose which you can attend each day.
If you have any questions about the course, please contact Marianne.
What will the course help me to do?
- Understand the role of an organising union in social care;
- Recognise the importance of equalities in UNISON;
- Work with members to tackle issues in the workplace;
- Work with members in resolving cases;
- Know where and when to seek advice and guidance;
- Understand how procedures work in practice;
- Handle grievance and disciplinary and similar types of cases as the representative of UNISON members within your workplace;
- Be certified as competent to accompany members at a disciplinary and grievance hearing in line with Employment Relations Act 1999;
- Understand the broader roles in which UNISON operates, including internationally.
When does the course run?
The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays over three weeks. The dates are 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 and 20 November. You have a choice of attending the morning session — 9.30am to 1pm — or afternoon session — 4pm to 7.30pm each day.
You don’t have to pick all mornings or all afternoons, the choice is there to fit around your shifts. You’ll be asked to indicate your choices below.
Can I get time off to learn?
If you UNISON is recognised in your workplace, you are entitled to time off provided you give reasonable notice – see ACAS guidance.
However, if you are not in a recognised workplace you may need to take the course in your own time. Please speak to your branch if you are unsure.
How much is the course?
There is a charge of £60, which your branch will pay. 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 so it is important you do your best to attend. You need to complete all six module to be accredited at the end of the course.
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.