NASUWT Representatives

12 www.nasuwt.org.ukcompletion of the course, the NASUWT will accredit participants as ‘WorkplaceRepresentatives’.REPRESENTATIVES (STAGE 2): WORKING TOGETHERThis is a course for NASUWT Representatives in all educational settings who have completedWorking Together Stage 1.Experienced trade union tutors help participants acquire a deeper understanding of theissues facing teachers, particularly the context of individual and collective issues forNASUWT members. The course helps participants develop negotiating, casework handlingand organising skills needed to tackle issues in the modern workplace.REPRESENTATIVES (STAGE 3): NEGOTIATIONNegotiation is a skill central to the role of any trade union representative. This activity-basedcourse teaches the theory and practice of negotiation in a structured and practical way.Research into successful negotiating strategies is drawn upon and will inform discussions andactivities.The course allows NASUWT members to practise and develop negotiating skills in a safe andsupportive environment.Those who have completed Working Together (Stage 2), or who are actively engaged innegotiation at either Local Association or Federation level, are eligible to apply for a place onthese courses. The course usually needs a minimum of six participants.REPRESENTATIVES (STAGE 3): CASEWORKDealing with members’ problems can be challenging. This course focuses on skills essentialin successfully handling the more complex problems that come the way of Local AssociationCaseworkers. The course teaches how to deal with problems in a systematic manner; howto interview members; how to research documents; and how to assemble a ‘case’. There areopportunities to discuss issues with experienced tutors.Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be accredited by the Union as a‘Casework Representative’. After achieving this accreditation, it is important that CaseworkRepresentatives keep their skills and knowledge updated through attending relevant annualCasework Briefings.Those who have completed Working Together (Stage 2) are eligible to apply for a place onthis course. The course usually needs at least six participants to run.REPRESENTATIVES (STAGE 4): CASEWORKThis is a course for experienced NASUWT caseworkers. Using a mixture of simulation,presentation and discussion, participants deal with a complex and serious issue on behalf ofa fictional member. In the process, caseworkers examine the nature of difficult decisions thathave to be made; how to use procedures effectively; and how to access the Union’s legalservices appropriately.Applicants will have already completed Casework (Stage 3) and have experience of handlingmembers’ cases. The course usually needs at least three participants to run and is currentlybeing revised to take account of change to the law, school procedures and the changingeducational landscape. Please keep an eye on the NASUWT website for the new coursebeing advertised.Background Information