UNISON East Midlands Education & Training

20/10/2026

Pre-Retirement Workshop - 18 November
Leicester

To apply, visit: https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning
Leicester City UNISON Leicestershire County Unison

15/10/2026

Get Tech Certified 2026

The government has announced the return of their popular scheme to support the digital skills of public sector workers with 'Get Tech Certified 2026'.

Working with a number of partners, these free courses provide a pathway in a number of topics.

As you'll see, even if the level is basic, the topics are not. They include:
* High Performance Computing
* AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals
* Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
* Analytics Fundamentals
* Data Literacy: Building Confidence with Data
* AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner
* Practical Guide to Quantum Computing
* Beginner’s Guide to Programming in Python

If any of those words make sense to you, then this looks like a really valuable offer. To be eligible, you must be a public service worker. Sadly those who contract are not eligible.

Please pass on to colleagues who are digital and data specialists or are looking to move into this area.

During Autumn 2025, all civil and public servants can access 200+ free learning and certification pathways across key digital and technology areas.

14/10/2026

Understanding Depression & Su***de - 3 November

This free 1 day workshop for UNISON East Midlands members aims to help you identify the signs of depression and gain the understanding and skills to support others.

It is delivered by a registered mental health nurse with over 25 years experience of training in health & social care.

To apply: https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning

12/10/2026

Our UNISON East Midlands member programme for Nov-Dec is now open for applications.

* Excel
* Depression & Su***de
* Neurodiversity Understood
* Pre-Retirement Planning
* Grief in the Workplace
* Anxiety
* Sexuality in Older Adults

For details: https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning

28/09/2026

UNISON East Midlands is running its first regional ESOL course for members this Autumn at our regional centre in Nottingham.

Free to all UNISON members who speak English as a second language, it will be delivered by The WEA: Adult Learning Within Reach.

An enrolment session will take place on 12 October (5.30 - 7.30). To register see: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/C63Naz1aW7

03/09/2026

Introduction to Makaton - 21 September

We will be running two introduction sessions for members on 21 Sept (10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm).

Delivered by EG training, it will provide the basics for those who support Makaton users.

https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning

Please note that places are limited but we will be running these courses again in 2027.

28/08/2026

UNISON members in Social Care - Please complete UNISON's survey and help to shape the first ever Fair Pay Agreement.
👇

📢 Care workers: your chance to shape the first ever Fair Pay Agreement.

UNISON will lead negotiations on the Fair Pay Agreement in care in England in 2027, and we want to hear what matters most to you. Complete our short survey and help strengthen the fight for better pay, conditions and recognition across social care.
🔗 https://unsn.uk/CareFPA

Not a UNISON member? Join today and make sure your voice is heard.
🔗 unison.org.uk/join

28/08/2026

With the new UNISON website, there have been changes to the way members manage their email preferences. It's meant many no longer receive emails from us regarding UNISON Learning.

To check your preferences, go to https://my.unison.org.uk/ and follow the steps below.

27/08/2026

Thank you so much to all those who have promoted our programme. We've had 225 applications and the email only went out on 21 August.

Many are now full, or have a waiting list:
- Bipolar Awareness (3 Sept) - Still places available
- Building Confidence & Self-Esteem (18 & 25 Sept) - Very limited spaces
- Write Your Life Story - Full, and sadly postponed due to ill health
- Makaton (am and pm) - Still spaces available
- Practical Self-Care for Professionals (1 October) - Limited spaces
- Excel Improvers (7 & 8 October) - Waiting list only
- Deaf Awareness and Intro to Sign Language (12 October)
- Neurodiversity in Children and Young People (14 October) - Waiting list only.

See https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning

We appreciate that sending it out at the end of August is not ideal, but we will be running most of these courses again. HOWEVER, please check that you are receiving emails from UNISON about learning at https://my.unison.org.uk/

The regional member-learning course programme for August - October is now open for applications.

This can be accessed via our new regional website: https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning

24/08/2026

Understaning Bipolar - 3 September

A new course for members.

To apply, visit: https://unison.org.uk/east-midlands/learning/member-learning