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Branch welfare officer (BWO) training 2008

From 2007, all BWOs dealing with financial assistance applications or giving advice need to have undertaken training for their role.  Previously trained BWOs may also wish to attend for refresher training.

An initial two-day residential course on Systems, Procedures and Communication Skills, (BWO Training Parts 1 & 2), will enable BWOs to:

• Understand their role and the confidentiality it involves
• Understand the UNISON Welfare charity and the application process
• Understand the importance of promoting and publicising UNISON Welfare
• Identify different communication styles and practice active listening
• Help a member feel at ease and gather sensitive information from them
• Handle problems in an assertive manner

A one-day course on Promotion Publicity and Influence (BWO Training Part 3) will follow to enable BWOs to:

• Review their work
• Develop influencing skills
• Promote Welfare to managers and as part of recruitment drives
• Practice presentation skills

Courses will be delivered on a cross-regional basis: 

	Two-day residential course:  Systems, Procedures and Communication Skills		One-day follow-on course: Promotion Publicity and Influence
REGION	Course Dates	Closing date for applications	Course Dates	Closing date for applications
South West Cymru/Wales N. Ireland	4/5 March '08 in Bristol	29 January '08	30 September '08 in Bristol	22 August '08
Northern Yorks & Humbs Scotland	2/3 April '08 in Newcastle	27 February '08	2 October '08 in Newcastle	22 August '08
East Midlands West Midlands	23/24 April '08 in Nottingham	19 March '08	21 October '08 in Nottingham	16 September '08
North West Scotland (alternative option)	13/14 May '08 in Manchester	8 April '08	5 November '08 in Manchester	1 October '08
London South East Eastern	24/25 June '08 in London	20 May '08	18 November '08 in London	14 October '08

BWOs who live nearer to another course location than their regional one can apply for that course. BWOs who are unable to attend their regional course can apply for another date and we will accommodate them where possible.

Application Form:
Visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3049.pdf for an application form or contact UNISON Learning & Organising Services, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ. 020 7551 1116 Email: Learning&OrganisingEnquiries@unison.co.uk . Or you can contact Janine Humberstone in UNISON Welfare on 020 7551 1620.

Charges: Branches will be charged a fee of £80 per course place for the two-day course, and £40 per course place for the one-day course. Accommodation, travel and care costs will be paid nationally, as well as a £10 per day out-of-pocket allowance.

Facilitation and Dependent Care: It is UNISON policy that no member should be deterred from applying for courses because of facilitation needs, necessary childcare or other care commitments.

Cancellation Policy:  A charge will be made for course places cancelled without good cause:

• Cancellation within two weeks of the course start date: 50% of the course cost
• Cancellation within one week of the course start date: 100% of the course cost

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