The following is an account of a discussion with Mariano on his role as a Unison Branch Secretary and impact on:

• the workplace
• the union as a whole
• the members
• the organisations business and value added.

I have attended Derby Trade Union Education Centre for many years and have completed my Health and Safety Stage 1 and 2 plus Employment Law. I have also completed a number of short courses training to support my Union responsibilities. I have found the Johnson Building where the courses are held to be very comfortable, with good teaching facilities and well placed for transport links. The Centre offers a high quality delivery through the teaching staff, who are very competent and enjoy a good reputation amongst learners. I do recommend the Centre to other learners.

While attending the courses I have always valued the opportunity to interact with other trade unionists, which I feel enhances the course experience.

I have enjoyed all training courses undertaken and as a mature learner recognise the value of returning to learning. This has re-kindled my passion for learning and improving my knowledge base.

My Health and Safety qualifications have enabled me to be recognised by Management and I am often sought out by members with issues to raise, this I believe raised the moral of members at challenging times. I am able to support members and management and my self-confidence has improved greatly as a consequence. Other workplace colleagues have been sent on courses at Derby as a consequence of my attendance at Derby TU Centre.

Within my role as Branch Secretary, I have found that skills learnt on training have been transferred as a benefit to both members and the organisation who I work for. Good working relationships have been fostered with management and members.

I am more confident in –

• being effective and meaningful with members and management
• working with Human Resources and Management on strategic board meetings and being valued and recognised
• seeking improvements through my trained specialist area
• adding value to key issues within the workplace
• planning for the future and change management which is negotiated.

The skills and associated knowledge gained from training has been transferred to my work role; this has been acknowledged by Senior Staff and is seen as a benefit to the Union.

Within the Branch I feel I am more valued and respected as a consequence within my union role and by management.

With the knowledge gained union members value and respect me as a representative and we are now able to get them on board with the value and benefits union membership brings. There is an acknowledgement that the aims of the union and the business are the same; both want a positive outcome. It is positive to produce a synergy with all involved.

I have inspired others to learn more and to look at being a Union Rep themselves.

I have been inspired to learn more and will be looking at progression courses for my future development at Derby Trade Union Education Centre.

Derby College should be proud to have this Centre as part of it’s offer.

Mariano Kaminski