Trade Union Learning And Education - The Forgotten Jewel
Behind every successful female and male trade union official, and especially union safety reps, there-in lies a specialist forged and developed in the training that the TUC, and indivudal Trade Unions provide for their membership activists.
It is no exageration to say that when it comes to education and training, union members oftenbecome more knowledgable and have expertise, greater than their line and senior managers, when it comes to employment rights, health and safety, and Mental Health support.
For example, look at those who have gone through union learning and training, and become ahead of their chosen areas of expertise. People like TUC General Secretary, Paul Novak, Greater Manchester Hazards officers (now retirees) Hilda Palmer and Janet Newsham, CWU General Sec, Dave Ward; not to mention Unite's General Sec, Sharon Graham, and our own Jamie McGovern previously Area Safety Rep and now CWU's National Health & Safety Policy Adviser.
They all have one thing in common - Trade Union education and training!
Trade Union Learning teaches specialisms from negotiating with employers, right through to being a Union Safety Rep; and a whole lot more in-between. It leads to a form of activism in the workplace and being a Trade Union official at Branch and national level and being specialist with expertise in chosen and important areas affecting the workplace, employees and the wider community, including within the political arena of the country.
And, it must be acknowledged that the issues of workplace Health and Safety along with Mental Health Safety and Support, are the two major concerns that Trade Unions are involved with. Both issues blight workplaces across the UK, and in worst case scenarios, cost lives. It is because of these issues that people join trade unions, and not as many will tell you because of wanting the best pay possible.
It is no exageration to say that both Union Safety Reps and Mental Health First Aiders save lives!
Two attendees to a CWU training course, Stephen O'Neill and Richard Fraser are perfect examples of the CWU membership now going through training and education that only Trade Unions can deliver.
Here they tell Unionsafety readers of their life changing individual experiences under the title of:
My Learning Experience / Journey- Stephen O'Neill
"I am Stephen O'Neill, a delivery and collection driver at Parcel Force, Leeds. I was already well-being and mental health ambassador, when I was elected IR and HS Rep in October 2025.
At the “Introduction to Health and Safety Part One Course” held at Quorn I worked with colleagues from across the company. These brought a broad range of background and experience which informed discussions in formal and networking sessions.
The aims were to give us a good grounding in our main legal rights and functions along with real world examples on securing a safe working environment.
Tuition was through theoretical input, practical exercises with reflection and discussion, all aimed at empowering us in our roles.
I found knowing the breadth and detail of H&S, and experiencing the support available to me, to be deeply empowering. I now feel more able to fulfil my role and work in partnership with colleagues and management in ensuring a safe working environment.
I recommend this course with confidence and look forward to Part Two."
My Learning Experience / Journey - Richard Fraser
My name is Richard Fraser, and I am a postie at the Nottingham North Delivery Office.
Becoming a Health and Safety Representative for the Communication Workers Union has been a journey of learning, listening, and standing up for my colleagues in ways I never imagined when I first considered the role.
From the very beginning, I understood that health and safety was about more than ticking boxes or following regulations — it was about protecting people, safeguarding their dignity, and ensuring that every worker feels respected and supported. That understanding deepened during one of the most challenging times in our workplace: the strikes.
During those strikes, I saw first-hand the toll that pressure and poor practices could take. I watched colleagues being unfairly targeted over their mental health, women reduced to tears on the shop floor, and a culture where performance targets were placed above safety and wellbeing.
These moments were not just upsetting — they were a turning point for me. They made it clear that my role as a Health and Safety Rep would not be passive; it would require courage, persistence, and a willingness to speak up, even when it was uncomfortable.
My training was a big part of building that confidence. I had the privilege of meeting some truly quality people — from Jamie McGovern (the “big boss”) whose leadership and insight were inspiring, to Ady Prins, our tutor, whose knowledge and patience made the learning process engaging and practical. I also shared the experience with fellow students who brought good humour, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs along the way.
More importantly, the training reinforced a sense of solidarity — the understanding that we are all in this together, standing shoulder to shoulder to protect each other’s safety and wellbeing.
The skills I gained through the CWU’s guidance have been invaluable. I learned how to identify hazards, conduct thorough inspections, and challenge unsafe practices. I developed the confidence to raise issues with management, not just to meet legal requirements, but to push for real, lasting improvements. I also learned the importance of communication — listening to colleagues’ concerns, understanding their experiences, and making sure their voices were heard at every level.
This journey has taught me that safety is not just about preventing accidents; it’s about creating a culture where wellbeing is prioritised, where mental health is taken seriously, and where no one is made to feel small or powerless. It’s about recognising that every conversation, every inspection, and every small change can make a difference.
I am proud to stand as a representative for my colleagues, committed to ensuring that our workplace is not only compliant with regulations but genuinely safe, healthy, and supportive for everyone. The challenges we’ve faced have only strengthened my resolve, and I will continue to fight for a workplace where safety and wellbeing always come first.
Unionsafety is proud to be able to bring you reports from across the Trade Union movement from individual activists and officials that are the life-blood of the TU movement, making a difference to the lives of workers, both trade union members and non-members across the country.
