This is an official circular from RMT General Secretary Bob Crow.

The National Education Centre Programme – The centre (Doncaster) continues to be the focal point for our Union’s National Education Programme, within its excellent facilities, the following courses are currently scheduled throughout the year:

• Workplace Reps Level 1 and 2 - Courses aimed at the new or potential RMT Workplace Reps. Providing all the key core skills to support your members and build a stronger RMT in the Workplace.
• Branch Officials Level 1 and 2 – Both courses (Level 2 near completion) specifically to provide all Branch Officials with the core skills to organise and develop the Branch and also ensuring all Branch Officials are aware and confident to carry out the required duties of the roles.
• Organising for a Winning RMT – Course designed to provide interested activists and Officials with the skills and knowledge to organise and be involved in Organising campaigns, locally and regionally. The first course is being targeted specifically towards assisting the current Regional Lead Recruiters, week of 7th March 2011.
• RMT Political School – held twice a year and offers an insight and an opportunity to discuss the political world we live and work in (Contact RMT Political Officer, James Croy).
• ULR Courses – Regular courses designed to equip new activists to become RMT Union Learning Reps.
• Winning in the Global Workplace – Courses to enable RMT Officials and activists to look at the world of work and trade unions from a global perspective.
• Vulnerable Workers Courses – As part of the RMT’s Union Modernisation Fund Project, one day courses to increase awareness of the problems many workers face and how the RMT can make the difference.

All of the above course details are available on the RMT website at the Education Section as are application forms.

I can also report that as part of the development of a coordinated and structured Regional Programme linked to our National provision through the provision of RMT Lay Tutors and RMT developed materials the following courses are available upon requests from Regional Councils to the Education Officer:

• Workplace Reps Introductory Course – 3 day course to give potential officials and activists an insight to Union activity and work as well as giving the Region a platform to develop a link with all new activists and their future development through the RMT Education programme.
• Health & Safety – in addition to the TUC Part 1, 2 & 3 courses, RMT Tutors have been fully briefed to deliver 5 separate (mostly one day) H&S seminars on issues important to RMT members: these cover Using H&S Procedures, Risk Assessments, Accident Investigation and Railway Specific H&S Legislation.
• Vulnerable Workers Courses – these one day courses can be run regionally if attending Doncaster is problematic, utilising RMT Tutors and materials.
• Industrial Action Ballots – Focusing on the importance of the local work needed to comply with the Trade Union Legislation this 2 to 3 hour education course could be of vital assistance to officials who may be leading any campaign to successfully ballot our members for action. (Available February 2011 onwards).
• General – of course there is much still to develop but it is crucial that what is developed and delivered is what Regions and the membership need, so if any of the national courses are required to be delivered locally, or there are specific other requirements please contact the National Education Officer in the first instance at a.gilchrist [AT] rmt.org.uk

In conclusion I can report all of our currently active RMT Lay Tutors have attended an accredited Tutor Training course to ensure they are able to support and deliver these courses to the highest standards.

I hope you will bring these courses and the opportunities to your member’s attention and encourage them to apply to attend – they will be the key to a strong RMT now and in the future.