Learning for Members

Each year 2000+ East Midlands members take part in some form of learning through UNISON

Below you will find details of UNISON’s Learning ‘offer’ which includes:

  • Regional courses

  • 1000+ courses via The Staff Skills Academy

  • Learning Grants

  • Level 2 Distance Learning Courses

East Midlands Member Learning Programme June – December 2025

Each year UNISON East Midlands creates a free member-learning programme for members across the region. Our programme for the second half of 2025 is below. To view, click on the image below.

NOTE: places can fill quickly and are filled on a first come, first served basis – a waiting list (up to 10) operates where courses are oversubscribed

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For a Word version without images please visit here.

Click here to apply for one of these courses 

Dementia Awareness – 1 September

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Excel Beginners – 2 & 3 September

Course full – Waiting list only

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Assertiveness – 19 & 26 September

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Excel Advanced – 29 & 30 September

Course full – Waiting list only

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Neurodiversity Understood – 1 October

Course full – waiting list only
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Loss & Bereavement by Suicide – 9 October

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Deaf Awareness and Introduction to Sign Language – 9 October

Course Full – Waiting list only

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Write Your Life Story – 15 & 22 October

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Excel Improvers – 4 & 5 November

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Pre-Retirement (Derby) – 7 November

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The Power of Perception – 18 November

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Makaton – 27 November (am)

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Makaton – 27 November (pm)

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Dyslexia – 1 December

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Therapeutic Activities in Dementia – 5 December

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Excel Beginners – 16 & 17 December

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Click here to apply for one of these courses 

Courses run by UNISON National Office

UNISON’s learning team in our National Office run many more courses each year for members. These are all via Teams/Zoom and in a huge range of subjects.

To see what’s coming up click here

1000+ Free Online courses with The Skills Academy

UNISON members can access over 1000 courses via The Staff Skills Academy at no cost. To register, visit the link below and submit your details.

Click here for more details


Free courses organised by Union Learning Reps (ULRs)

As well as courses organised by the Region, local branches are working together in their Counties to provide even more learning opportunities for members.

What is a ULR?

More courses are available in your county.  For details of these courses for members in each county that have been organised by ULRs follow this link

FREE courses organised by ULRs


Level 2 Distance Learning Courses

We are working with Leicester College to promote their programme of distance learning courses. There are almost 30 courses in:

  • Dementia Care
  • Bullying in Children & Young People
  • Team Leading
  • Counselling Skills

Click here for details


Getting more involved with UNISON

Members are encouraged to find out more about becoming more active in UNISON. We offer training to help you feel confident to listen to and understand the concerns of members and represent them in the workplace if they need help.

Have a look at our course guide and Workplace Rep and Branch Officer training page. You may also want to drop into your Branch to speak to an elected officer. Or, you can email your details to us: MakeADifference@unison.co.uk


2024 member-learning survey

Our annual learning survey is now available.  This was conducted as part of Learning at Work Week and seeks to identify what members want to learn, what is provided at work and how they value UNISON learning

Click here for the full report