A training programme for Unite Health & Safety Representatives is currently drawing to a termly end at Swansea’s Unite Office. The “Health & Safety Reps Certificate Module 1A & 1B” course, delivered by Unite in partnership with Adult Learning Wales, equips Health and Safety Reps with the essential skills and knowledge to champion workplace safety, empowering them to make tangible differences in their respective workplaces.

The 10-week course is designed to provide Unite Health and Safety Reps with the confidence and understanding needed to effectively carry out their duties, while also exploring how broader economic factors influence the health, safety, and welfare of working people. Key topics covered included the role of a Unite Safety Rep, the legal framework of Health & Safety, the rights of Safety Reps, involving members in Health & Safety, and crucial aspects like accident investigations and risk assessments.

The course is delivered by Adult Learning Wales Trade Union Tutor Vince Edwards. Vince has been a tutor with Adult Learning Wales for three years and has also served as a Trade Union Rep in various roles since 1996. Vince said:

“It’s great that I can pass on my knowledge and experience on to the learners. My favourite part of the job is seeing new Reps start on a course with little or no experience and by the end of the course see them as confident, knowledgeable and excited people able to go forward and carry out whichever particular role they chose. It’s even better when the learners come back on another course and can see how they have blossomed. It’s brilliant!” 

Some of the Health and Safety Reps taking part in the course have shared their testimonials about the impact of the course on their ability to advocate for their colleagues and implement meaningful changes in their workplaces.

Mike Reece, a Pest Control Officer with extensive union experience, underscored the importance of the training:

“With Health and Safety, you need to know your stuff, knowledge is power. This course gives you the knowledge, the knowledge of the current legislation around health and safety, and the knowledge of what is right and wrong in the workplace. This content is good and the pace is not too intensive. Vince (tutor) is a big help and you are able to ask him questions. By having more knowledge on health and safety, it helps with my work; you can draw on the information provided in the course, it’s always there if you need it.”

Sarah Rees, a Specialist Biomedical Scientist and Union Rep for two and a half years, has already implemented significant changes in her workplace thanks to the course:

 “If you want to be organised about Health and Safety in the workplace and you want to make a difference, do this course!”

Sarah joined the course because she had concerns that health and safety was “lapsing” and “not being treated seriously” at her workplace.

“I wanted to make a difference… to learn how to approach managers and other staff members to raise the seen issues around health and safety, and how I could use the current legislation to change their thinking. I’m making a difference already by putting risk assessments in place; overall security has improved; doors to labs are now being locked, and the lone working environment has changed. Other staff members have now joined the Union due to the changes I have made to improve their working environment. A safer workplace is a happier workplace.”

Sarah also highlighted the personal growth she experienced:

“By taking this course, I have grown in confidence and learnt how to approach other team members, including managers, in a calm manner to talk about difficult situations. I now know more staff members across the company, it has improved my working relationships, and I can now talk to others within senior positions with confidence that they will listen to me and they will take the issues raised seriously to make the relevant changes.”

Rob Shannon, a Paramedic with the Welsh Ambulance Service for over 17 years and a relatively new Union Rep, joined the course to better support his colleagues:

“I wanted to offer support to others at work, we seem to have similar issues, and from personal experience, I felt I could make a difference within the workplace. I joined this course to increase my knowledge of health and safety, including the procedures and policies. I have grown in confidence as a rep as the course has gone on.”

Rob credits the course with providing a crucial starting point to deal with situations in a professional manner:

“It has taught me how to conduct myself properly with management if there is an issue that needs to be raised. It has given me direction to deal with different problems and at times difficult issues. The course has been taught at a pace that works for me, and I’ve been able to talk to Vince if I need further support. If health and safety is an issue in your workplace, this course will equip you with the tools you need to be a better rep and to make changes for the better.”

Simon Rogers, a Bus Driver with First Cymru has been a Union Rep for a year, also found the course invaluable for navigating workplace challenges:

“There are many hurdles and challenges in my job implementing safety across the board. This course has helped me manage the challenges and stresses at work related to health and safety concerns. The course has been really interesting; it has helped me break down the basics of health and safety.”

Simon emphasised the tangible benefits of participating in this course and representing other Union members:

 “It has shown me the benefits that act in the interest of the Union members, I can act upon issues raised, put appropriate policies in place with management and look to prevent any major issues from occurring in the future. I represent my colleagues through the Union and help to give them a voice that can be heard when they have concerns about health and safety.”

This course for Health and Safety Reps is part of a clear 20-day training pathway, structured into four modules. The progression of this course leads onto Module 2A, then Module 2B, which builds upon the knowledge learnt in Modules 1A and 1B. Unite and Adult Learning Wales offer a wide range of courses across Wales, both in the classroom and online, for those interested in undertaking Health and Safety training in the new academic year, beginning in September 2025. More information can be found at www.adultlearning.wales/business-courses-landing/trade-union-studies/.