Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Partnership to strengthen trade union education
Pictured left to right: Alan Smith, Professor Peter Slee, Doug Nicholls and Professor Phil Cardew.
Leeds Beckett has signed an official memorandum of understanding with the GFTU to help deliver training to Trade Union Educators.
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett, said: “Leeds Beckett University and GFTU have a long history and tradition in promoting education for all, and this new partnership underlines our commitment to the way education can transform the lives of individuals, communities and society.
Alan Smith, Principal Lecturer in the School of Health at Leeds Beckett, added: “Both organisations have been working together for two years to develop a shared understanding of the changing needs of Trade Union Education and to ensure it is of the highest quality. We will work together to deliver training for Trade Union Educators, to help them inspire learners and create opportunities for people to change their lives, and the lives of those they work with.”
Doug Nicholls, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions, said: “Signing this memorandum marks a significant point in our work together. In October we will launch what we believe will be the first ever trade union specific trainers courses. This will be followed shortly after by the publication of a new and dedicated book on current issues in trade union education, published by the new trade union publishing imprint Workable Books, a joint venture between New Internationalist and the General Federation of Trade Unions. The book is called Trade Union Education: Transforming the World.”
The General Federation of Trade Unions represents affiliated Unions from across a very diverse membership, including: the Musicians Union, Professional Footballers Association, Professional Cricketers Association, League Managers Association, National Association of Probation Officers, Artists Union, Social Workers Union and the National Union of Journalists.