Dear Sister / Brother

FBU Union Learning Fund – Regional Co-ordinator Region 5

Over the last three years the FBU has been promoting and advocating a Lifelong Learning agenda within the union and in the UK Fire and Rescue Service funded by the Union Learning Fund.

Over the next two years the FBU aims to have a network of Union Learning Representatives in place throughout the regions and have a sustainable framework in line with the FBU policy. The project aims to deliver Lifelong Learning opportunities to FBU members and Fire Service staff in partnership with other Trade Unions, FRS Colleges, Employers and Education Providers.

FBU Union Learning will continue to encourage & support our members in Lifelong Learning and help them meet learning and skills issues driven by Workforce Development and the Integrated Personal Development System.

This is another key service the FBU is providing for its members.

Having achieved further funding until April 2010, a position of Regional ULF Co-ordinator exists in Region Five. Where this would involve a secondment to the project, appropriate agreement will be required with the successful applicant’s brigade.

The enclosed job specification and job advert should be displayed on the FBU notice board and brought to the attention of all FBU members.

Please note Monday 7 th April 2008 is the closing date for applications which should indicate how you meet the job description and other additional information that may support your application. This will be accepted by email or in writing.

For further information contact:

Trevor Shanahan – Mobile 07917759473 or e-mail Trevor.shanahan@fbu.org.uk

Yours in Unity,

Dean Mills
National Officer

FBU Union Learning Fund (ULF) Regional ULF Co-ordinator
Based & working within Region 5.
Secondment or consultancy re-imbursement up to £28,000 (Dependant on Role)

A full-time seconded post of up to 2 years is available to work within FBU region 5 due to the successful FBU bid for funding from the Union Learning Fund. The post will play a key role in the implementation of Lifelong Learning throughout the Fire and Rescue Service and importantly for Fire Brigades Union members.

This will be a demanding but worthwhile opportunity to take the union forward in providing Lifelong Learning opportunities for FBU members and FRS staff within your region. You will be involved in the delivery of a learning needs analysis within each brigade along with ULF presentation’s. You will be directly involved in encouraging union members to become Union Learning Reps (ULR’s), the provision of training for ULR’s and exploring opportunities to establish Union Learning Centres. You will work closely with the ULF manager and be a member of the FBU ULF co-ordinators learning committee. You will build regional links with Unionlearn, Local Learning Skills Council and develop working partnerships with a variety of parties & agencies including senior managers. This is an opportunity to promote the FBU’s commitment of providing another key service for its members and enhance its role with the affiliated unions of the TUC.

You will possess the following;

• Knowledge of the FBU Lifelong Learning agenda
• Knowledge of Unionlearn’s role in delivering the learning agenda
• An enthusiasm to deliver the learning agenda in the FRS through the FBU
• Have an understanding of the Union Learning Fund and the government’s objectives in Lifelong Learning
• Understanding of Trade Unions and their responsibilities
• Commitment to Equality and Diversity Issues
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

If you feel you are able to fulfil the above as essential requirements of the job, then we will be happy to hear from you.

Applicants should write or E-mail their interest in the post, outlining any previous ULF involvement and how they meet the job description marking it private & confidential to:

Trevor Shanahan,
FBU National ULF Manager
FBU Learning Centre
Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service Loansdean,
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2ED

Tel: 01670 534685 Mob: 07917759473 Email: Trevor.shanahan@fbu.org.uk

Closing Date: Monday 7th April 2008

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an informal interview and prior to offer of the post, endorsement obtained from the National Officer & Regional EC Member.

• Job Title: FBU ULF Regional Co-ordinator
  
• Main Purpose of the Job
  1. To be responsible for the regional development and implementation of the FBU’s Lifelong Learning strategy in a proactive manner within the FBU structure and with project partners.
  2. To develop the capacity of Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) within their own region.
  3. To promote Lifelong Learning throughout the workforce.
  4. To develop a Regional FBU framework for ULRs.
  5. To develop and explore opportunities to set-up Regional Learning Centres
  6. To develop strong regional & local partnerships with Unionlearn.
  7. To develop strong regional partnerships with local & regional Learning & Skills Councils provides

• Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Carry out work in line with the FBU Union Learning and FBU policies.
  2. Report to the FBU National ULF Manager as required and attend meetings of the regional co-ordinators.
  3. Carry out workplace presentations to all Fire and Rescue Service staff promoting the Lifelong Learning agenda.
  4. Carry out a learning needs analysis in each brigade within the regional area.
  5. Identify FBU officials/members who wish to become ULRs.
  6. Work with TUC trade union studies departments to provide & source accredited ULR courses.
  7. Promote & support the ULRs by engaging with Unionlearn to provide further course provision. i.e. Skills for Life
  8. To produce newsletters, circulars, reports, etc in a timely and professional manner with a corporate image.
  9. To manage, report and effectively deliver Union Learning in line with nationally set auditable procedures.
  10. To be able to work within the FRS on a partnership basis to develop learning opportunities.
  11. To oversee and assist with the setting up of new learning centres within the FRS.
  12. To seek out and establish funding mechanisms in order to enhance learning opportunities and sustain Union Learning.
  13. To attend meetings, seminars and training or development opportunities as relevant to the post.
  14. Develop working relationships with Union Learning partners
  15. Develop links working with the TUC Learning Services within the region

ULF Co-ordinator Specification