22 – 23 October 2025
Bristol
Making Equality Central To Your Union Practice + ERA Refresher Training
This course will cover UNISON mandatory training for activists for equality and will meet the requirements of the Employment Relations Act (ERA) recertification.
It is UNISON policy that every steward attends a refresher course every five years to maintain their accreditation to represent members under the Employment Rights Act. If you think you are approaching the five year point please speak to your branch.
It involves group work and discussion. It is also a good opportunity to network and share ideas and experiences.
Day 1: Making equality central to your practice
Equality is written into our rule book and into our objectives and policies but making equality part of everyday business is no small task. Making equality central to your union practice is a course that explores internal and external tools, which can support equality bargaining, negotiating, and representation.
The aims of this course are:
- To understand Equality in UNISON
- To introduce equality legislation and how you can use it in your role as a UNISON activist
- To make equality central to your union practice
To find out more about UNISON’s equality campaigns - To look at how you can contribute to your branch equality action plan
Day 2: ERA Refresher Training
The course will:
- Update reps on new legislation relevant to their role
- Introduce new developments in UNISON
- Develop new skills and ideas including preparing for, and representing, cases and encouraging and supporting new activists.
2 days in person | 09:30-16:30
Location: UNISON Regional Office , Bristol.
Please note:
- Please ensure that you have completed GDPR training PRIOR to registering for this training.
- Lunch will not be provided however there are various shops/cafes etc. in close proximity to the venue. Alternatively you may wish to bring along a packed lunch. Tea & Coffee is available, as is the use of a microwave.
You should make your Branch aware that you are attending this course in order for them to keep their records up to date and ensure you receive up to date information relevant to your role.
If you are in need of support to request time off from your work to attend please talk to the branch to gain support.
When attending any UNISON course or event you should never be out of pocket. Please keep receipts for parking , bus fare , train travel and speak with your branch about claiming these costs back or for gaining support for them to help you book in advance.
You may have a local policy to support with gaining reasonable time off to attend training from your employer. There is also guidance via ACAS – Time off advice
If you have any questions about the course please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Email: SW Education Enquiries
Note for Branches
Course Cost: FREE! There is no charge to the branch for this course.