PCS Branch Learning Fund
Lifelong learning and worker education are core trade union principles. Learning can transform individuals' lives - and regular PCS learning events are a great way to engage with members and build the union.
Build your union
Running regular learning events and activities should be a core part of your branch's work. The subjects and format will depend on your members' interests and branch priorities. The benefits include:
- Raising PCS's profile and making your workplace a 'PCS workplace'
- Reaching those 'hard-to-reach' members who don't vote in ballots, attend AGMs or other member meetings - you can encourage them to update their contact details on PCS Digital or communicate other key messages
- Increasing participation of women, black and other under-represented members - for example, over 90% of attendees at most learning events are women
- Providing a pathway into activism - our 'taster' equality sessions signpost members to the follow-on PCS course generating new advocates, activists and reps
- Contributing to your branch and group's bargaining and equality objectives
- Recruiting non-members.
How to book a session/tutor
- Have a look at the current subjects listed below.
- Discuss with your branch which subject you'd like to run first (or next)
- Email learningacademy@pcs.org.uk to request the session and book the tutor. Please include the following information:
- Your name and branch
- Which session you wish to run
- Any deadline or
- How you will use it to build PCS in your workplace, branch or group.
Note: we are moving away from using the request form although this will still be monitored.
Choosing the right session for your branch and members
Think about what your branch's current organising or bargaining priorities are. For example:
- Is sexual harassment, bullying or stress a current workplace issue? Book sessions on those subjects.
- Do you have low union density and/or member engagement? Run a survey to find out what members are interested in, then book it.
- Are your members facing organisational change, office closures or redundancy? Book one or more of our 'employability' sessions to help members apply and be interviewed for a new job.
Current subjects
Most sessions last one hour, except where stated. They are delivered online, although there is sometimes the potential for a tutor to deliver in-person. After the event you'll be provided with PowerPoint slides or other resources to give to attendees. Where the session is a 'taster' session, we'll give you dates of upcoming PCS courses to signpost attendees to.
Green workplaces and climate justice
A short introduction to climate change, what 'climate justice' is, and why trade unions have a crucial role to play in fighting for it. Trade union tutor.
Black history
Black histories are a vital part of Britain’s story, reaching back many centuries. Each session uncovers a different leader or aspect of black history. Learn about William Cuffay and many other Black Britons. Tutor: Ken Olende.
These are all taster sessions, designed to signpost members to PCS's longer one- and two-day courses on the same subject. All content is from a trade union perspective, and explores how these topics are workplace issues, and the union role in tackling them. All presenters are leading trade union tutors who deliver existing PCS Academy courses.
Racism and intolerance
The current threat by the far-right to our workplaces and communities, and constructive ways we can counter these threats as trade unionists.
Neurodiversity
An introduction to neurodiversity, whether it's autism, dyslexia, or another atypical condition. And the union role in improving workplace conditions for neurodiverse people.
Menopause
Understanding the symptoms of menopause, and workplace factors which may negatively impact on women workers experiencing the menopause, including potentially discriminatory practices.
Combatting domestic abuse
An insight into domestic abuse, and how you can support colleagues or family/friends experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
Sexual harassment
The law and sexual harassment, policies and practices, challenging workplace cultures which tolerate harassment, and organising around equality.
Women in PCS: pathways for women workers
To build the capacity of women members to progress in their careers and lives, and to overcome structural obstacles to making progress. To increase women's participation in PCS.
Women and voting
The history of how women fought for and won the vote. Can be linked to increasing women members' participation in PCS ballots.
Trans equality
What do we mean by “trans”? Transitioning, the law, Gender Recognition Certificates, and more.
These are all taster sessions, designed to signpost members to PCS's longer one- and two-day courses on the same subject. All content is from a trade union perspective, and explores how these topics are workplace issues, and the union role in tackling them. All presenters are leading trade union tutors who deliver existing PCS Academy courses.
Bullying
Spot bullying behaviours, start to define the ways that bullying can manifest itself, understand why bullying is a trade union issue.
Stress
PCS reps spend a huge amount of time supporting individual members and collectively organising around workload and staffing. No to 'resilience' and yes to PCS members standing together to reduce harmful stress at work.
Assertiveness
We all have a right to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, as long as we do so in a respectful way. Techniques and strategies to develop these skills, and to establish more effective personal boundaries.
Mental health in the workplace
Are we really in the middle of a 'mental health crisis'? Or is the high demand for therapeutic services, prescriptions of anti-depressants, etc, actually evidence of the terrible impact of social ills, such as soaring costs and increasing debt, inequality, discrimination, bullying at work, and other collective problems in our society?
Cancer
Find out more about cancer in the workplace, its causes and effects. How to support members experiencing cancer-related ill-health, and PCS campaigns to improve employer support for employees from diagnosis to rehabilitation, as well as for carers.
Applying for a job in the civil service: an introduction to 'success profiles'
90-minute webinar
An introduction to the civil service's 'success profile' recruitment and selection process. A packed session covers job adverts, Behaviours, Strengths, personal statements, evidence/STAR method. Examples are provided.
3 hour workshop
An introduction to the civil service's 'success profile' recruitment and selection process. A packed session covers job adverts, Behaviours, Strengths, personal statements, evidence/STAR method. Examples are provided. More interactive, with breakout sessions and time to practice and ask questions.
Applying for a job in the civil service: writing a personal statement
2 hour workshop
Review and value my skills
Participants are encouraged to identify their transferable skills - not just skills used at work, but in all aspects of our lives, as well as areas for development.
CV writing
How to create a CV for life, keeping it updated with lots of examples, making future applications easier and more effective, whether an employer asks for a CV or completion of an application form.
Assertiveness
We all have a right to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, as long as we do so in a respectful way. Techniques and strategies to develop these skills, and to establish more effective personal boundaries.
All tutors are from the WEA (Workers Educational Association).
Navigating the financial squeeze
Personal financial planning. A financial advisor helps members make the most of their money and improve their ability to secure their financial future. Quilter (Lighthouse) financial advisor
Resolving problem debt
We all have debts. Non-judgemental, sympathetic and practical advice from an experienced national debt advisor. This session looks at how to avoid our debts becoming unmanageable - and what to do if they do become overwhelming. Budgeting, financial planning, and accessing confidential advice. PayPlan national debt advisor
Credit union: savings and loans
Savings have a huge impact on our wellbeing and yet almost one-third of us have no emergency savings. How to join the PCS/CWU 1st Class Credit Union to access affordable loans whilst saving a small amount each month. 1st Class Credit Union manager
Getting on the mortgage ladder as a first-time buyer
Guidance and advice for younger members, and all first-time buyers (including shared ownership). Quilter (Lighthouse) financial advisor
Understanding Civil Service Pensions (bitesize)
1h 15m Short, introductory session covering some 'basics' of Civil Service Pensions: Alpha pension; the "McCloud" Remedy; Employee Contributions; Answering (or escalating) members' questions. PCS Pensions Officer
Pensions for Young Workers
Coming soon
Retirement and Pensions Explained
More general focus on pensions and preparing for retirement. Helps members improve their chances of securing a comfortable retirement. How pensions work, when to retire, accessing additional savings, tax considerations and countering inflation. Quilter (Lighthouse) financial advisor
Preparing for Retirement workshops
Focuses on the major legal, emotional, financial, tax, pensions and other key aspects of preparing for retirement. North West, Yorkshire & Humberside, Midlands only. Amber River (True Bearing) financial advisors
Introduction to Excel
2 hour course. Further Education College tutor
IT Skills - Level 1
Introduction to file management, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
IT Skills - Level 2
Develop your skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
If you're interested in putting on a Level 1 or 2 course for your members, contact PCS Learning at learningacademy@pcs.org.uk and you will be put in touch with your regional Further Education college.
Writing for Wellbeing
This session provides a safe, creative and inclusive space for members to explore through poetry how writing can lift our spirits and improve our mood. Presented by a professional writer
More subjects will be added in the coming months
The government's 'Multiply' budget funds TUC, college and local authority tutors to provide free sessions and courses aimed at improving adult numeracy.
To find out what's available in your region or area, email learningacademy@pcs.org.uk
Online and distance learning
There's a wide range of free learning for PCS members across the UK, online and 'distance' learning.
This includes leading online provider, The Skills Network, which offers free vocational level 2 qualifications (and some level 3 qualifications in Scotland). Due to the devolution of government adult education funding, this covers all Scottish postcodes and most English postcodes - the main exceptions in England are Merseyside and parts of the north west. Check the details of postcodes and eligibility criteria on the website.
Find out about free courses with the Skills Network for members in Scotland or about courses available from the Skills Network in England.
You can also sign up to over 20 accredited and non-accredited modules from leading eLearning provider Wranx.