Equity’s industrial effectiveness relies on an educated and organised membership.
Equity’s political and industrial activist education programme aims to give members an understanding of the structures of their industry, so that they are prepared to campaign and bargain for better terms and conditions.
There is in person and online training available for members at all levels of activism, from briefings on health & safety at work, to the threat of the far right in our industry, to comprehensive Equity Deputy training course.
Take a look at our full education offer below. Some courses are open to all, whereas some are for specific groups of workers in the union and therefore invite only.
Equity training on offer
Equity Deputy Training
Open to anyone who is an Equity Deputy, wants to be a Deputy, or has been a Deputy in the past and needs a refresher. Our Equity Deputy Training is offered in two stages:
Stage One
Basic training module: A 2.5 hour foundational training on the role of an Equity Deputy. This module should equip you with the tools you need to be an effective Deputy for the union. Runs a minimum of four times a year (twice online, twice at Guild House, additional in person trainings in the nations and regions, and for specific workplaces or sectors on request).
Stage Two
Our agreements module: A follow on training from Stage One, this session will brief Deputies on the specifics of the union’s principle agreements, and how to use and enforce them effectively in the workplace.
Organising training module: A follow on training from Stage One to support Deps to organise their workplace, have organising conversations, and build the strength of the union where they work.
Health & Safety module: A half day session that will equip Deputies to identify and address health and safety issues in the workplace, and use it as an organising tool to build a stronger union in the green room.
Bargaining and Negotiations module: a bespoke training for Deputies at standing companies or on long terms contracts who are involved in regular negotiations with the employer over House Agreements or terms and conditions. Available on request.
Political & industrial education
This bespoke training exploring the basic issues surrounding capitalism and trade unionism, designed to raise expectations, political consciousness, develop networks of solidarity, activism and industrial confidence. Attendance is by invite or application only and is delivered in a mix of formats throughout the year, including an annual Residential.
Sectoral political education ‘how to win’ organising training: A dedicated training programme developed for specific industrial campaigns, negotiations or agreements (e.g. PACT, Subsidised Theatre, Audio), designed to prepare activists for industrial bargaining and inoculate them against pushback from bosses.
Annual political education residential: A retreat style residential education weekend, exploring historic and contemporary trade union and economic issues in depth, for experienced activists.
Organising 101: A stand alone course on the basic principles of organising, how to have an organising conversation, and how to build those conversations into a stronger union
Equalities training
Focusing on industrial issues, this training supports Deps, committee members, and activists to develop industrial demands around Equalities issues, and mainstream Equalities demands into our core bargaining, e.g. on the far right, protected characteristics. Attendance is by invite or application only.
Committee and Branch training
Offered every two years after committee and branch elections (or on request) this training programme prepares office holders (e.g. chairs, treasurers) to run their union structures effectively and with an industrial focus, supports branches to grow and thrive, and builds the capacity of committees and branches to contribute to the industrial objectives of the union
Campaigners’ training
On request training for branches and members on how to run a campaign. This should cover the key principles of campaigning to industrial priorities within Equity, and equip members with the skills to mobilise fellow members, organise in person activities, speak to press and hold politicians to account. To be complemented by online resources.
Council training
A two year long training offer for Councillors that familiarises them with the core work of the union, its industrial priorities; and equips them with the skills to carry out their core democratic role on the governing body of the union.
Responsive organising and campaigns training, issue briefings.
Bespoke and issue specific training to support reactive campaigns or emerging industrial disputes or issues as they arise.
Training dates and registration will be listed on this page and our events page when available.
Contact training@equity.org.uk for more information.
