#SRtRCSpotlight: Training Today, Leading Tomorrow – Tameside Unison Ambassadors
In March, 14 Unison Ambassadors from across the UK completed a 7-week training programme with our North West team.
Participants explored a range of themes, including: Unconscious Bias; Racism in the Workplace; Everyday Racism and Microaggressions; Language and Terminology; Privilege; Challenging Racism; Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Anti-Romany Gypsy and Traveller Discrimination. The course ended with discussions around embedding anti-racism in the workplace and reflection on what actionable next steps can be taken. They are now able to join our SRtRC North West Ambassadors’ Network, which was established in 2023 to provide a platform for members to support one another, develop resources and ideas and share best practice for challenging racism in their workplaces and union branches.
As well as previous Unison course ambassadors, the network also includes NEU and NASUWT members who have attended a similar programme, and representatives from our Salford Ambassadors programme, who work across a range of fields, including education and local government.
The Ambassador Network holds quarterly online meetings, and provides opportunities for members to attend SRtRC events in the North West. We are hoping to hold our first in-person meeting during 2025, bringing together members from across the UK, as far afield as Glasgow, North Yorkshire, Brighton, South Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition to our Ambassador Programme, we have also been delivering a range of educational events with Unison members and workplace representatives. This includes a full day of face-to-face and / or in-person Anti-Racism 101 training, as well as 2-hour and half day programmes, focusing on Recognising Racism and Challenging Conversations.
Our latest full-day branch training event was with Tameside Unison at Hyde Town Hall on Friday 28th February. 13 participants attended the day, and engaged enthusiastically in a range of discussions and practical activities, described as: “a great session, really informative and interactive”; “I feel it has enhanced my skills with working and living with people around me.”; “informative but relaxed atmosphere”.
We have also held training sessions for Unison members from Lancashire Police and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, while participants in our wider programmes have represented Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS, Merseytravel, Dimensions, Environment Agency, Cheshire Police, Manchester Metropolitan University and Stockport, Salford, Manchester and Lancashire Councils.
If you would like to find out more about our Ambassador Programme, please contact nwadmin@theredcard.org