Loughborough UCU

Tag: Training

  • Could You Be Our Next Caseworker?

    One of the most important things a union does is support members when they need help. Whether someone is facing a disciplinary process, concerns about workload, redundancy proposals, workplace adjustments, or other employment-related issues, having a trained and knowledgeable colleague by their side can make a real difference.

    Like many branches, LUCU relies on members who are willing to step forward and train as caseworkers. Casework can be challenging at times, but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to support colleagues and strengthen our union.

    You do not need to be an expert in employment law, HR procedures, or university regulations before getting involved. UCU provides excellent training and support to help members develop the skills and confidence needed to represent colleagues effectively. Experienced branch officers and regional support are also available to provide guidance when required.

    Being a caseworker offers the opportunity to:

    • Support colleagues through difficult workplace situations.
    • Develop valuable skills in representation, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
    • Gain a better understanding of workplace policies and employment procedures.
    • Play a direct role in protecting members’ rights and improving working conditions.
    • Strengthen the collective voice of the union within the university.

    We are particularly keen to expand our pool of trained caseworkers so that we can continue providing effective support for members across the university. Even if you are simply curious about what the role involves, attending an introductory training course is an excellent first step.

    Upcoming UCU Training Opportunities

    The following courses are available to members interested in developing their casework knowledge and skills:

    Representing Members: An Introduction to Casework

    An ideal starting point for anyone considering becoming a caseworker.

    Challenging Redundancy in the Workplace

    Particularly relevant given the pressures facing the higher education sector and useful for anyone involved in supporting members through organisational change.

    Reasonable Adjustments: Supporting Members

    Interested?

    If you have ever thought about taking a more active role in the union, becoming a caseworker is a great place to start. The training is accessible, the support is there, and the skills you gain can make a genuine difference to colleagues when they need it most.

    If you are interested in attending any of these courses or would like an informal conversation about what being a LUCU caseworker involves, please get in touch with the branch. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

  • Learning to be a Facilitator Course

    Learning to be a Facilitator Course

    Learning to be a Facilitator Course

    Course overview

    The ‘Learning to be a Facilitator Course’ explores how we create learning spaces which encourage participation and contributions from everyone in the room.  It covers essential facilitator skills and theory and provides opportunities for experiential practice and personal reflection.  Over five sessions, participants will explore psychological health and psychological safety in voluntary and paid workplaces as a working theme. Using techniques of peer support and co-operative learning, the sessions will model the very conditions that the course will explore: safety in working and learning together.

    See the flyer for more details: click here

    How will attendees benefit from the course?

    The workplace is changing rapidly and finding effective ways to connect and create together is key for teams and departments facing more work and less time.

    We all sit in meetings where only a few people talk, where decisions are rubber stamped or where little time is given over to really understanding the problems that teams face.  Having a facilitator in the room creates energy, focus and safety to contribute. It can support teams in creating real collaboration and honest conversations while also optimising the time spent in meetings.

    For more information about the course and an application pack please visit:

    https://vaughan.coop/course/learning-to-be-a-facilitator/ or email humanfactor@vaughan.coop.

    Closing date for applications is 17th September

  • Struggling with workload? Join this free CPD session on working safely

    With workload pressures continuing to affect staff across the University, Working Safely: Building Collective Strength provides a practical opportunity to explore the impact of work on our wellbeing, understand employers’ responsibilities, and develop confidence in raising workplace concerns.

    Tuesday 8 September, 1pm – 2:30pm

    Register here.

    Note: Attendance is open to all Loughborough University staff and is not restricted to UCU members.

    The way we work has changed significantly in recent years, but concerns about workload, stress and wellbeing remain. This interactive session will explore the impact that work can have on our physical and mental health, and look at the responsibilities employers have to ensure staff can work safely and sustainably.

    The workshop will also help participants understand the language and legal framework around health and safety, giving staff greater confidence to raise concerns and advocate for themselves and colleagues when workplace issues arise.

    During the session, participants will:

    • explore some of the challenges affecting safe working today
    • consider the impact of workload, stress and mental health
    • gain a better understanding of employers’ health and safety responsibilities
    • build confidence in discussing workplace concerns
    • learn about the support available through UCU

    Although workload pressures can often feel like an individual problem, they are frequently the result of wider workplace issues. This session looks at how we can respond collectively, support one another and help create healthier working environments for everyone.

    Whether you’re feeling the effects of workload right now or simply want a better understanding of your rights and the support available, this free CPD session is open to all staff and provides a useful opportunity to reflect, learn and share experiences.

    Book your place: https://my.ucu.org.uk/app/courses/course_booking/CourseID/1921

  • Struggling with workload? Free CPD session on working safely

    Struggling with workload? Free CPD session on working safely

    Struggling with workload? Join this free CPD session on working safely

    With workload pressures continuing to affect staff across the University, Working Safely: Building Collective Strength provides a practical opportunity to explore the impact of work on our wellbeing, understand employers’ responsibilities, and develop confidence in raising workplace concerns.

    Tuesday 8 September, 1pm – 2:30pm

    Register here: https://my.ucu.org.uk/app/courses/course_booking/CourseID/1921

    Note: Attendance is open to all Loughborough University staff and is not restricted to UCU members.

    The way we work has changed significantly in recent years, but concerns about workload, stress and wellbeing remain. This interactive session will explore the impact that work can have on our physical and mental health, and look at the responsibilities employers have to ensure staff can work safely and sustainably.

    The workshop will also help participants understand the language and legal framework around health and safety, giving staff greater confidence to raise concerns and advocate for themselves and colleagues when workplace issues arise.

    During the session, participants will:

    • explore some of the challenges affecting safe working today
    • consider the impact of workload, stress and mental health
    • gain a better understanding of employers’ health and safety responsibilities
    • build confidence in discussing workplace concerns
    • learn about the support available through UCU

    Although workload pressures can often feel like an individual problem, they are frequently the result of wider workplace issues. This session looks at how we can respond collectively, support one another and help create healthier working environments for everyone.

    Whether you’re feeling the effects of workload right now or simply want a better understanding of your rights and the support available, this free CPD session is open to all staff and provides a useful opportunity to reflect, learn and share experiences.

    Book your place: https://my.ucu.org.uk/app/courses/course_booking/CourseID/1921

  • Challenging the Far Right: Rebuilding Solidarity Training

    Challenging the Far Right: Rebuilding Solidarity – 25, 26, June 2026, In Person, Quorn Loughborough, National residential course

    Rebuilding Solidarity is a new course for UCU Reps and activists which will help participants to address and challenge far right narratives with knowledge and confidence, both in the workplace and wider community settings. Rebuilding Solidarity is being delivered in partnership with the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and will include a wide range of contributors including academics and activists.

    Please note: Applications for this course will close at 12 noon on Monday, 15, June, 2026. This is to allow all logistic, accommodation, adjustments and requirements to take place in good time. Application post the cut off date risk not being considered.

    Course content:

    Participants will be able to:

    • understand who is being drawn to the far right, what their key concerns are, where opportunities for relationship-building lay and solidarity exist. The course will use analysis and modelling undertaken around and since the 13 September 2025 ‘Unite the Kingdom’ demonstration in London and more recently, including the upcoming local and devolved authority elections
    • be able to identify the importance of a multi-layered approach to tackling divisive ideas, including the role of dialogue, education and community organising
    • know and describe the real causes of insecure work and housing, following an interactive session with an economist from SOAS University of London on the economic foundations of insecurity in Britain and how false narratives distract from structural causes of inequality
    • be able to challenge a range of myths related to migration, including identifying the key role these falsehoods play in dividing our communities and how social media works to maximise this
    • build skills and confidence in reframing these issues to promote solidarity, through dialogue and conversations in work and in communities
    • identify the specific role and function trade unions can play in providing alternative explanations for social and economic failings and offering a more hopeful future build on unity

    Rebuilding Solidarity is being delivered in partnership with the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and will include a wide range of contributors including academics and activists.

    This course is not a lecture and will require some participation from all attendees.

    More info and to register: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/13777/Challenging-the-Far-Right-Rebuilding-Solidarity—25-26-June-2026-In-Person-Quorn-Loughborough-National-residential-course

  • Challenging the Far Right: Rebuilding Solidarity

    Challenging the Far Right: Rebuilding Solidarity – 25, 26, June 2026, In Person, Quorn Loughborough, National residential course

    Rebuilding Solidarity is a new course for UCU Reps and activists which will help participants to address and challenge far right narratives with knowledge and confidence, both in the workplace and wider community settings. Rebuilding Solidarity is being delivered in partnership with the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and will include a wide range of contributors including academics and activists.

    Please note: Applications for this course will close at 12 noon on Monday, 15, June, 2026. This is to allow all logistic, accommodation, adjustments and requirements to take place in good time. Application post the cut off date risk not being considered.

    Course content:

    Participants will be able to:

    • understand who is being drawn to the far right, what their key concerns are, where opportunities for relationship-building lay and solidarity exist. The course will use analysis and modelling undertaken around and since the 13 September 2025 ‘Unite the Kingdom’ demonstration in London and more recently, including the upcoming local and devolved authority elections
    • be able to identify the importance of a multi-layered approach to tackling divisive ideas, including the role of dialogue, education and community organising
    • know and describe the real causes of insecure work and housing, following an interactive session with an economist from SOAS University of London on the economic foundations of insecurity in Britain and how false narratives distract from structural causes of inequality
    • be able to challenge a range of myths related to migration, including identifying the key role these falsehoods play in dividing our communities and how social media works to maximise this
    • build skills and confidence in reframing these issues to promote solidarity, through dialogue and conversations in work and in communities
    • identify the specific role and function trade unions can play in providing alternative explanations for social and economic failings and offering a more hopeful future build on unity

    Rebuilding Solidarity is being delivered in partnership with the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and will include a wide range of contributors including academics and activists.

    This course is not a lecture and will require some participation from all attendees.

    More info and to register: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/13777/Challenging-the-Far-Right-Rebuilding-Solidarity—25-26-June-2026-In-Person-Quorn-Loughborough-National-residential-course

  • CPD: Embedding Climate Education in the Curriculum

    CPD: Embedding Climate Education in the Curriculum

    Lboro UCU branch has organised an online CPD workshop, open to all LU staff. Masters and PhD students at LU are also welcome to attend the session. The Embedding Climate Education in the Curriculum CPD workshop will take place online on Tuesday 21st April from 2pm–3:30pm. In addition to helping you to improve your teaching practice, this CPD workshop can be referenced as evidence of pedagogical development in PDR/GLOW conversations and for academic promotion applications. Please come along and invite your colleagues (including those who may not be UCU members) to join us.

    This interactive workshop will look at detailed examples of how UCU members are incorporating climate education in their classroom practice in a way which we hope you will find exciting and empowering.

    The full aims of the interactive workshop are to:

    1. understand why sustainability issues are so important to students and staff
    2. explore how sustainability issues have been incorporated into a range of learning programmes
    3. reflect on how to amend your own practice
    4. consider how you could use your experience to support other staff members around sustainability issues.

    How the workshops will work

    The taught sessions will last for about 60 minutes, after which time it may be possible to take 15-20 minutes to discuss the issues raised with a UCU official, depending on availability. In that case the total time commitment will be less than an hour and a half.

    Sign up to the training here and please share this link with any other staff at Lboro who may be interested in coming along – https://cpd.web.ucu.org.uk/events/embedding-climate-education-in-the-curriculum-loughborough/.

    Upon signing up you should receive an email including an outlook calendar invite and a link to join the session within 3 working days. If you have not received this within a week of signing up, please contact ucu@lboro.ac.uk and we will make sure it comes through.

  • CPD: Embedding Climate Education in the Curriculum

    Lboro UCU branch has organised an online CPD workshop, open to all LU staff. Masters and PhD students at LU are also welcome to attend the session. The Embedding Climate Education in the Curriculum CPD workshop will take place online on Tuesday 21st April from 2pm–3:30pm. In addition to helping you to improve your teaching practice, this CPD workshop can be referenced as evidence of pedagogical development in PDR/GLOW conversations and for academic promotion applications. Please come along and invite your colleagues (including those who may not be UCU members) to join us.

    This interactive workshop will look at detailed examples of how UCU members are incorporating climate education in their classroom practice in a way which we hope you will find exciting and empowering.

    The full aims of the interactive workshop are to:

    1. understand why sustainability issues are so important to students and staff
    2. explore how sustainability issues have been incorporated into a range of learning programmes
    3. reflect on how to amend your own practice
    4. consider how you could use your experience to support other staff members around sustainability issues.

    How the workshops will work

    The taught sessions will last for about 60 minutes, after which time it may be possible to take 15-20 minutes to discuss the issues raised with a UCU official, depending on availability. In that case the total time commitment will be less than an hour and a half.

    Sign up to the training here and please share this link with any other staff at Lboro who may be interested in coming along – https://cpd.web.ucu.org.uk/events/embedding-climate-education-in-the-curriculum-loughborough/.

    Upon signing up you should receive an email including an outlook calendar invite and a link to join the session within 3 working days. If you have not received this within a week of signing up, please contact ucu@lboro.ac.uk and we will make sure it comes through.

  • Become a LUCU Caseworker – Training Opportunity

    The work of LUCU’s volunteer caseworkers remains at the heart of how we support members. Caseworkers provide confidential advice and representation to colleagues facing a wide range of workplace issues — from workload and contract concerns to matters of professional conduct or wellbeing. It is challenging and rewarding work that makes a tangible difference to members’ lives, and it also offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of university policies, employment practices, and the collective strength of the union.

    We are always keen to welcome new volunteers to the team. You do not need prior experience — only an interest in supporting others and a willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate. Comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring are provided.

    The next Introduction to Casework training session, organised for Lboro UCU by our UCU region, will take place online via MS Teams on Tuesday 18th November, 1:00–4:30pm. This session offers an excellent introduction to the role: what casework involves, how it is supported within UCU, and how you can contribute.

    If you are curious about becoming a caseworker — or simply wish to learn more about how the union supports members — you are warmly encouraged to attend.

    For further details about the training, or to discuss what being a caseworker entails, please contact our Casework Co-ordinator, Eleanor Roberts.

    By joining the casework team, you can play a direct part in strengthening the union’s ability to support colleagues and ensure fair treatment for all members.

  • Power Up! – New Organising Course for UCU Members

    We are inviting all members to take part in Power Up!, an exciting new online organising programme from Organising 4 Power (O4P), running this November and December.

    This four-part course is open to all UCU members, regardless of previous experience. It builds on O4P’s track record of training more than 45,000 people worldwide in effective organising methods, and focuses on giving us the tools we need to grow stronger branches and win campaigns.

    Why take part?

    • Learn proven organising methods used by trade unionists across the globe.
    • Work with other UCU members in short support sessions tailored to our own workplaces.
    • Strengthen our ability to build branch capacity and develop winning campaigns.
    • Be part of a global movement fighting back against bad bosses, billionaires, and authoritarians.

    Key details

    • Course sessions: 18, 20 November & 2, 4 December 2025 (5–7pm, online)
    • Pre-course UCU group session: Thursday 13 November, 1–1:30pm
    • Registration deadline: please let us know if you want to join by Friday 25 October so we can register our branch group in time.
    • Cost: Free to all UCU members.

    How to sign up

    If you would like to take part, please email ucu@lboro.ac.uk by Friday 25 October.

    This is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our organising skills, deepen our branch’s capacity, and connect with a global community of trade unionists. We strongly encourage all members to consider joining.

    Can’t make the course dates?

    You can still get involved! Our branch campaign group meets roughly every three weeks to plan campaigns, share ideas, and strengthen our union’s work locally. It’s a great way to contribute, even if you can’t join the Power Up! sessions.

    To get involved, just email ucu@lboro.ac.uk.

  • CPD Course: Allyship and Solidarity

    Lboro UCU branch has re-scheduled an online CPD workshop, open to all LU staff. Masters and PhD students at LU are also welcome to attend the session. The Allyship and Solidarity CPD workshop will now take place online on Tuesday 11th November from 12 noon – 1:30pm. Please come along and invite your colleagues (including those who may not be UCU members) to join us.

    “Allyship” has its roots firmly within the LGBT community and has more recently been a live discussion within the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. But how can real allies truly support each other? And how can we build that support into organisations that will help us realise the dreams of equality that we all yearn for.

    If you are fed up with seeing tokenistic gestures of solidarity on social media and want to explore what genuine and meaningful allyship looks like, at work and in your trade union, please join us.

    The full aims of the interactive workshop are to:

    • Know what we mean by “allyship”
    • Understand why allyship and solidarity is essential now
    • Understand the difference between meaningful allyship and performative allyship
    • Explore how we can build structures that allow us to support each other.

    The taught sessions usually last for about 60 minutes, after which time we take 15-20 minutes to discuss the issues raised with a UCU official, depending on availability. The total time commitment will be around an hour and a half. The Allyship and solidarity workshops are designed to be more interactive than most in order to help you discuss the issues and to find new allies of your own.

    Sign up to the training here and please share this link with any other staff at Lboro who may be interested in coming along – https://cpd.web.ucu.org.uk/events/allyship-and-solidarity-loughborough-2/.

    Upon signing up you should receive an email including an outlook calendar invite and a link to join the session within 3 working days. If you have not received this within a week of signing up, please contact ucu@lboro.ac.uk and we will make sure it comes through.

  • UCU Webinar – Asbestos Risks in Education

    Register for the UCU webinar on Asbestos risks in education which is taking place on Friday 26 September from 1-2:30pm

    https://ucu.wufoo.com/forms/asbestos-exposure-risk-in-education-reducing-risk/

    UCU are launching an asbestos risk register in partnership with Thompsons solicitors to protect workers who have been exposed to asbestos in the spaces where they work.

    This event will explore the legislative duty on employers to protect workers from harm and the steps reps can take to ensure employers are fulfilling their duty to manage asbestos under the regulations.

    UCU welcome attendance from all UCU members, especially safety reps and branch officers.

    There will be presentations from Thompsons Solicitors, UCU and Manchester Hazards Centre and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

    This event will be held on Friday 26 September on Zoom webinar from 13:00 – 14:30.