The overarching aim of this evaluation is to review the process and impact of the work undertaken by Wales [Trades Union Congress] TUC with the funding they receive from the Welsh Government and to assess the effectiveness of Wales TUC in achieving their objective of engaging employers and employees in learning activity. The evaluation has a particular focus on determining the efficacy of the investment in terms of promoting lifelong learning (amongst both employees and employers), supporting unions in engaging their members (and others) in learning opportunities and brokering appropriate lear
... Show more
The overarching aim of this evaluation is to review the process and impact of the work undertaken by Wales [Trades Union Congress] TUC with the funding they receive from the Welsh Government and to assess the effectiveness of Wales TUC in achieving their objective of engaging employers and employees in learning activity. The evaluation has a particular focus on determining the efficacy of the investment in terms of promoting lifelong learning (amongst both employees and employers), supporting unions in engaging their members (and others) in learning opportunities and brokering appropriate learning provision. It extended to assessing the role of all other types of Union Workplace Representatives [UWRs], given that funding was utilised to fund training for these roles.
Key findings of the report are that: (1) Wales TUC contributed, via the union led learning model, to adult learning in Wales; (2) the period 2010-13 was difficult for employers, employees and unions alike; the recession led to significant redundancies; however, Wales TUC was regarded as a constant in a changing environment; and unions largely understand the Wales TUC offer and appreciated where it could add value to their members in terms of the benefits of having trained UWRs; (3) overall, on the basis of the research undertaken and the evidence available the investment in UWR learning has had a considerable benefit to workplaces, but particularly to the employees supported; (4) the research identified that almost seven in 10 of all representatives believed that the training and support received during 2010-13 had a significant contribution on them being able to deliver their role; (5) the evaluation found that the Welsh Government's Basic Skills contract post-2010 was regarded as much more effective than the previous contract; and Wales TUC Learning Services knew the value of the product to employees and employers and were well positioned to capitalise on this programme as a lever to engage employers and employees; (6) the evidence indicates the ULR role has had significant impact on employees through improving levels of motivation, morale and personal development; (7) overall 43 per cent of UWRs highlighted that they did not have sufficient facility time to undertake the role; UWRs have been trained to fulfil the role but are often limited by their employer as to how they can actually deliver the role; and (8) there is strong support and appreciation of the Wales TUC role in assisting [Wales Union Learning Fund] WULF projects and the WULF Project Managers; the response from the majority of unions interviewed to the support on offer was largely positive; Wales TUC offered both capacity i.e. to support unions do more in terms of delivering the WULF project and expertise, i.e. advice and guidance that directly translated to more successful outcomes.
Excerpts from publication.
Show less
