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I
have been the elected UNISON Education Officer for the London
Ambulance Service branch for the past 3 years.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the role of LAS
UNISON Branch Education Officer. The title sounds rather grand and a
practical working description would be Education Co-ordinate. My
first task has been to arrange for your UNISON representatives, at
each station throughout the LAS, to undertake and complete
UNISON/TUC courses in 'Introductory Stewards', Handling Grievances
and Disciplinaries 'Health and Safety' and various other union
related courses. The courses are designed to help assist your
democratically elected rep or branch officer with the tools, skills
and knowledge needed to give you the best possible advice and
representation as and when you need it.
I
have now set up a database so we can have a record of the courses
and dates branch officers and reps have undertaken, as well as
adding any new reps to it so they can be fully accredited and
undertake appropriate courses.
Whilst coming into contact and liaising with various educational
establishments I have managed to set up free computer courses for
all ambulance personnel and their family's at the College of North
East London. I hope to be able to set up more courses at educational
establishments at various locations throughout London in the
forthcoming year. Recently myself and the communications officer
organised and set up the first London Ambulance Service UNISON
Branch IT course at the Workers Education Association. This was to
help improve and speed up communications between all branch officers
and reps throughout the service, so the branch can act decisively
and quickly on issues concerning you, giving you the support you
deserve.
I
believe our branch of UNISON is a very strong and pro active branch,
striving to serve all our members at all times. |
