Learning Newsletter
September
2013
PCS DWP- Wigan Branch
Dear Colleague
Welcome to the Wigan Learning
Newsletter. My role as the Learning Co-ordinator within your branch is to
encourage all staff to further their education /learning.
This edition includes items of
interest from outside agencies that I hope will be of interest to you all.
Please Note:
Enrolment for evening classes is likely to take place in the next two weeks in
all Local Authorities.
If you are interested in taking
up any learning opportunities please use the links provided to access your
local council’s adult education services or contact your local learning rep
whose detail can be found on the PCS website.
Look in details of your branch.
Recent News:
Changes
to Attendance Management Procedures (read more)
Step by step guide to
accessing competency frame work on civil service learning (read more)
Does demand outstrip ability to supply through Adult Skills Budget? (read more)
Take the NEC 50 hour learning challenge and learn something new today! (read more)
Have you thought of joining the PCS Credit Union? (read
more)
Preparing
to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) (read more)
PCS Members Benefits- Legal Services (read more)
Changes to Attendance Management Policy (read more)
Get the
Message- Your Union needs you to take action now (read
more)
Learning Opportunities:
In Local Authorities: (click
here)
Events in your local Area? (click here)
More useful links:
PCS PROUD (LGBT) this group is free to join
(read more)
To join
PCS (click here)
NATIONAL PCS WEBSITE:
http://www.pcs.org.uk/
Wigan branch website http://pcswiganblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Please
check the website !!!
I hope
you all found the new format more reader friendly.
If anyone
is wondering about the image at the top of the newsletter-Its Rivington
Gardens.
Thank you
for taking the time to peruse our newsletter. If you have any ideas for future
articles please let me know.
Toni
Matthews
Regional Learning
Officer
Wigan Branch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes to Attendance Management Procedures
Are you due to
have an operation? Has your manager told you to take annual leave to recover or
even ‘just accept that your going to get a formal warning’ ?
Please note:-
Warning
procedure revised
DWP has
revised the Attendance Management warning procedure. in response to PCS concerns that the Department should
strengthen the support managers are expected to provide for members who have sick leave directly caused by an operation or
treatment which could help improve attendance or prevent sickness absence.
This
change has been introduced on 26th
July 2013. and .
Warning not appropriate
Attendance Management Procedure 3.2(a) originally included
an instruction for managers that a warning should not be given when the absence is directly caused by an operation or similar medical
procedure aimed at correcting the health condition. From 26 July 2013 this provision has
been revised to state that a warning should not be given when:
The absence is directly caused by an operation or
treatment which could help to improve attendance or prevent sickness absence
Better support for absences
The revised instruction has been introduced following
discussion of examples of bad practices where warnings have been given in cases
where an operation would not “correct” the health condition but would have
obviously supported improved attendance. Branches should continue to report
perverse decisions to PCS at the
address below as such cases provide evidence to support improvements.
The revised instruction is intended to provide better
support for employees where their absence is directly related to an operation
or treatment which could help
improve attendance and should have a wider impact than the terms of
the previous provision. In all cases, managers also continue to have discretion
not to give a warning, under Attendance Management Procedure 3.2(b), where they
believe that a warning would be inappropriate for reasons not detailed in the
list of circumstances under paragraph 3.2(a).
Step by step guide to accesing competency frame work on civil service learning
PART 1 - Registration
(please ignore if already registered on civil service learning)
1)
open dwp homepage using internet
explorer
2)
select civil service learning
under most searched items on right hand side of page and left click
3)
select register now ( red writing
under log in button) and left click
4)
complete personal details screens
and submit please note your email address must be your work email address as
this allows the system to recognise you are a civil servant
5)
an email will be sent to your
outlook inbox
6)
open the email note the password
and click on the link
7)
input email and password
8)
You are now registered on civil
service learning and are on the my
account page complete relevant details.
PART 2- Competencies
9)
select home in top left corner and
left click
10) You
will see 5 small white circles in the bottom left corner of the top picture.
These allow you to select
1 of 5 pictures
In order these are
i)Welcome ( this screen
gives you access to explore the website)
ii) self asssesment (
this allows you assess yourself against the competency framework)
iii) new civil service
competency framework ( provides information about the frame work and required
standards
iv)
capabilities plan ( sets out the
priorities for civil service reform
v)
learning at work day ( a short
animation about learning and development)
11) select
3rd circle (new civil service competency frame work)
you will see on the left
a down loadable framework for each grade which allows you to look at standards
and evidence requirements in depth
on the bottom right there
is a tutorial that shows you round the framework.
Once you feel you
understand about the competencies move on to the self- assement by
12) return
to home using top left button
13) left
click on 2nd circle
14) left
click on read more
15) select
and click on assesment relevant to your grade
the assesment can be saved and returned
to at anypoint
it should be used as a starting point for
apprasal iscussions with your line manager.
Does demand outstrip ability to supply through Adult Skills Budget?
Increased recognition of the value of skills amongst
organisations working to support unemployed people could cause an increased
demand on the already under-pressure Adult Skills Budget, following the
publication of a survey of almost two thousand former learners.
The survey recently published by BIS – The economic and social benefits associated
with Further Education and Skills: Learning for those not in employment
- states that:
- 30% of men and 35% of women were in employment following the completion of their course
- Over 80% of former learners said they were more likely to undertake further learning
- 75% of former learners indicated that they now had a better idea of what to do with their lives
- 66% of former learners stated that their quality of life had improved as a result of undertaking education and training
- 30% mentioned that the course had enabled them to assist their children with school work
The report’s findings will further increase recognition
of the value of skills amongst organisations working to support unemployed
people. This is useful as this kind of recognition has sometimes been lacking,
however, increased recognition is also likely to generate increased demand on
the already under pressure Adult Skills Budget.
Recognition of the value of skills has greatly increased
amongst Work Programme providers, partly in response to NIACE’s 2012
publication called The Work Programme: What is the role of
skills? Before this, relatively small numbers of
Work Programme participants had been referred to skills providers, but now
these numbers have increased. However, with well over a million people having
started the Work Programme since it began in 2011, even a small increase in the
proportion of Work Programme participants referred, could prove difficult for
skills providers to supply. Housing providers have also recently increased
their referrals to skills providers in response to welfare reforms that make it
increasingly important for their tenants to secure employment.
Since the advent of freedoms and flexibilities, providers
are expected to flex their internal distribution of their Adult Skills Budget
allocation to accommodate increased demand from a particular group of learners.
But what if demand is stable or increasing amongst all learner groups within
every locality in England? What could be needed then is an increase in the
total Adult Skills Budget.
However, rather than funding being increased, it was
acknowledged in the Skills
Funding Statement 2012 – 2015, that as a contribution to the Government’s
deficit reduction requirements there has been a top line real term reduction in
funding of 25.1% for FE and Skills and a year on year decline in the total
Adult Skills budget since it began in 2011/12. Skills spending in the UK at
1.3% of GDP is already below the average 1.6 % of GDP spend on skills in OECD countries, which NIACE
called for in our submission to June’s Spending Review.
Rob Gray, NIACE Project Officer, said:
"NIACE would find it really helpful to be able to
gauge the extent of any demand providers cannot meet through their Adult Skills
Budget allocation. This would help us in our work to inform the development of
a more comprehensive future analysis of supply and demand. If you are a
provider, does demand outstrip your ability to supply through your Adult Skills
Budget allocation? If so, what type of learning tends not to happen despite
demand for it? You can let us know by emailing me: robert.gray@niace.org.uk."
Take the NEC 50 hour learning challenge and learn something new today!
The National Extension College has been providing distance learning courses for 50 years! To celebrate its 50th birthday in 2013, the NEC is challenging people to learn something new by offering 50 hours of FREE learning. Each topic is a self-contained extract from a full NEC course. There's something for everyone, with topics ranging from Children's Growth and Development, to Climate Change and Short Stories. Information is also included about the wider courses from which each of the topics are taken, if you would like to know more. The taster courses are a great resource for signposting people to further learning after your Family Learning Festival event.Visit NEC's website for more information or to download a topic.
PCS Credit Union
Everyone seems to be after your money.
Newspapers are full of adverts offering savings and loans so what makes a
credit union different?
What is a credit union?
A credit union is a mutual financial
co-operative, which offers a convenient way to save and provides low interest
loans to its members.
The union's aim is not for external profit but
to serve the financial needs of the PCS members, staff, retirees and household family
members.
What are the benefits?
Here are just some of the benefits of joining
a credit union
·
An
easy way to save
·
A
low cost way to borrow
·
Insurance
on savings and loans are paid for by the credit union
·
After
all costs are met profits can be returned to the members (through dividends on
their shares)
·
Owned
and run by members
·
Regulated
and insured so you know your money is safe
Want to know more?
Credit union resources
PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
Do you need to gain
this qualification but are busy at work all week?
Come to our EVENING PTLLS Course
We offer the course
over 2 evenings a week for 6 weeks. for the same price as our weekly course.
£475.00 or a deposit
of 200.00 and 2 instalments of £137.50
This is a Level 4
qualification accredited by Edexcel
We want you to have
the best learning experience so numbers are limited.
Call us today on
01942 866462
Preparing to Teach
in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)
12
credits at Level 4
Who is the programme
for?
This is an introductory award for anyone wishing to enter teaching or training in the Lifelong Learning Sector. This includes teachers and trainers working in work-based learning and community based learning as well as those in teaching and training in colleges of further education.
This is an introductory award for anyone wishing to enter teaching or training in the Lifelong Learning Sector. This includes teachers and trainers working in work-based learning and community based learning as well as those in teaching and training in colleges of further education.
The course provides an
introduction to the teaching role and would suit graduates, administrators,
anyone with a degree, an appropriate vocational qualification or experience,
who is interested in entering teaching. It is also relevant for people
with specialist or technical skills, who carry out teaching or training as part
of their current or future role
When will I start the
programme and how long will it take?
The next programme will start once there has been enough interest shown. The programme will take 16 weeks. There may also be days, evening and weekend provision dependant on demand.
The next programme will start once there has been enough interest shown. The programme will take 16 weeks. There may also be days, evening and weekend provision dependant on demand.
What will I study?
An individual record of
training and development will be initiated. Any learning and professional
needs will be identified, with a plan to address these being recorded and
developed through an individual learning plan. Candidates will be
expected to complete a micro- teach within this award in order to demonstrate
appropriate planning and teaching skills.
At the end of the unit you will have
developed:
·
Knowledge of the role, and its responsibilities in
relation to teaching.
·
The ability to demonstrate appropriate teaching and
learning approaches.
·
Skills in session planning.
·
Skills to deliver sessions which motivate learners
and which are inclusive.
·
The ability to use different types of assessment
methods.
The Learning Experience at Elite Training, Assessing &
Development CIC
This Level 4 programme provides a quality learning experience delivered by dedicated full time staff who have extensive experience in the field of teacher training.
This Level 4 programme provides a quality learning experience delivered by dedicated full time staff who have extensive experience in the field of teacher training.
Studying on a teacher
training qualification at Elite Training, Assessing & Development CIC will
provide you with the skills to develop in your career. Many employers are
keen to recruit individuals that have achieved this qualification as it is well
respected within the teaching profession. Studying on a teacher training
qualification is engaging and rewarding and can lead to a whole range of
fulfilling careers.
How is the programme
assessed?
You will be assessed through ongoing assignments that will take place throughout the programme and completion of a successful microteaching session.
You will be assessed through ongoing assignments that will take place throughout the programme and completion of a successful microteaching session.
What do I need to
enter the programme?
New entrants to Teacher Education programmes must possess a Level 3, or equivalent, qualification as a minimum in their own subject area and a minimum level 2 qualification in Maths and English.
New entrants to Teacher Education programmes must possess a Level 3, or equivalent, qualification as a minimum in their own subject area and a minimum level 2 qualification in Maths and English.
Money matters:
The course fee is £475. For details of fee remission categories, please contact Elite Training, Assessing & Development CIC. We provide a flexible learning and payment plan to suit your needs; deposit of £200.00 followed by two instalments of £137.50
The course fee is £475. For details of fee remission categories, please contact Elite Training, Assessing & Development CIC. We provide a flexible learning and payment plan to suit your needs; deposit of £200.00 followed by two instalments of £137.50
Future prospects:
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to progress onto the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to progress onto the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).
PCS Members Benefits- Legal Services
Legal helpline
Telephone 0800 916 9066 for legal advice on any issue apart from
employment or personal injury
The PCS legal helpline gives you immediate access to
the high-quality legal advice from Russell Jones & Walker, part of Slater
& Gordon Lawyers.
·
You
can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
·
You
can get advice about any legal matter (apart from employment issues or personal
injury), including family issues, neighbour disputes, consumer law, criminal
law and probate
·
Your
spouse, partner and dependent children can also use the helpline
There is no limit on the number of times you
can call
Call 0800 916 9066 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Personal injury
PCS members and their family can ring 0800 328 3255 to lodge a
personal injury claim over the telephone.
As a PCS member you are eligible to receive legal
assistance for all accidents or personal injury, including medical negligence,
work-place accidents or injuries, road traffic accidents and accidents such as
slips/trips on the street or while shopping, provided that the accident was someone
else's fault.
In addition, your family will be eligible to
receive legal assistance for non-work-place accidents or personal injury,
including, medical negligence, road traffic accidents and accidents such as
slips/trips on the street or while shopping, again, provided that the accident
was someone else's fault.
·
Call
0800 328 3255
·
Lines
are open from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday.
Will service
As a member of PCS you are entitled to a free will, using our
will service.
Make sure your loved ones are protected by
ensuring your will is up to date, and best of all it will cost you nothing.
For the free will service call 020 7801 2601 (select option 3).
Get the message
The government is trying to stop us communicating with our members.
How?
- By blocking PCS emails to your work email address.
- By limiting your work time access to this website.
What does this mean for PCS members like me?
It means we can’t keep you posted on vital union business - like our latest campaigning work on pay, pensions and terms and conditions.Get the message - update your contact details now
https://www.join.pcs.org.uk/en/campaigns/text-and-email-alerts/get-the-message.cfm
If you are unsure of your membership number contact you local rep.
Learning Opportunities: Bolton & Bury
Westhoughton High School:
Community Learning Brochure
Brownlow Fold Learning Centre:
Deane &
Derby:
New
Bury (Farnworth) Learning Centre:
Bury
College:
Learndirect
What is Learndirect?
Learndirect has been set up by the Government to provide access to high quality learning that is flexible - so people can fit learning into their lives at times and places that are convenient.Most Learndirect courses are offered through the internet (on-line) and can be accessed through Learndirect learning centres and designated access points.
Learndirect also offers a national telephone advice line - 0800 100 900 - that provides information and advice on any aspect on learning.
Civil Service Learning
Civil Service Learning is a new system giving access to a common
curriculum of learning for civil servants across all departments. There are a
wide variety of subjects on offer for all grades including dealing with stress,
pre-retirement, Excel spreadsheets and Power Point. (You will need to discuss
all requests for training with your line manager prior to requesting training).
Please take the time to register on the site as this is a great opportunity
for you to include some of the courses on your Personal Development Plan.
Branch Learning Coordinators attended a presentation by the staff of
C.S.L. in February and raised a few concerns which will be looked at over the
coming months. Our main concern being that it is predominantly e-learning for
the AA-AO grades.
To register and Learn more please follow the link below:-
Free
On-line Courses
For those of you interested in a
bargain and wishing to learn at home via your PC at your on pace. Why not try http://alison.com/AllCourses ALISON is the world's leading provider of
free online courses with certificates for basic and essential workplace skills.
They offer free online courses in I.T. (word, power point and excel) at
all levels. Business skills courses, Accounting, Maths, English, Chemistry,
Biology, Prevention of Identity Theft, Safety and Health in different
environments, Psychology, Legal Studies etc.
Useful Links:
Evening Classes in local areas:-
Listed below are links to the
adult or community learning areas of the local authority’s websites. If you are
struggling to find the information please contact me. Please follow the links:-
Wigan Council
St Helens Borough
Council
Bolton Borough
Council
Lancashire Borough
Council
Salford Council
Bury Council
Warrington Council (not a user friendly site-
contact me if you struggle to find a course your interested in)
Blackburn Council
Manchester Council
Events in the Local Area:-
Please follow the link below for
details of What’s On (this includes activities for all the family).
St Helens: http://applications.sthelens.gov.uk/WhatsOn
Liverpool: http://www.liverpool-360.co.uk/whats-on/
Warrington; http://www.welcometowarrington.com/site/whats-on
Bolton: http://www.bolton-life.com/
Blackburn: http://www.visitblackburn.co.uk/whats-on
Manchester: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/events
PCS PROUD (LGBT)
Proud is the equality group representing lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) members within the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). PCS represents civil servants across all government departments and outsourced workers in the commercial sector. We in Proud aim to support all LGBT members in the workplace and offer support and training to help those members tackle any problems they may face around their sexuality.PCS as a union has always been firmly committed to equality and diversity, and has actively campaigned on behalf of members in minority groups and communities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The group has a National Committee with reps organising in every region / country of the UK.
Proud is free to join, there are regular social events, seminars and training events: Details can be found on their website:-
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