NOCN Level 2 Award in Trade Unions Today

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the background and origins of specific health and safety legislation affecting the workplace.
• Know the main legal requirements of specific health and safety regulations.
• Understand how specific health and safety regulations can be used to improve health and safety standards at work.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of basic skills to members, including literacy, numeracy, and digital skills
• Understand the role of the union representative in promoting the need for basic skills training, raising awareness and encouraging participation
• Understand strategic ways of working with employers and providers to improve the standard of basic skills in the workforce, including negotiating training opportunities and advocating for quality provision

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how building confidence can positively change the lives of union members, both personally and professionally.
• Understand how confidence can be damaged by stereotyping in the workplace, and the impact this can have on individuals and the union.
• Understand how to bring about positive change in the workplace through collective action and effective representation.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of discrimination in the workplace and the role of the union in addressing it
• Understand the various methods and support systems available for building equality in the workplace and within the union
• Plan strategically for building equality both within the union and throughout the workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the potential health and safety risks associated with hazardous substances present in the workplace
• Understand the requirements outlined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
• Conduct a thorough COSHH risk assessment for a specific workplace scenario
• Specify the necessary actions to effectively address problems related to hazardous substances in the workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Source, read and respond to written trade union materials effectively.
• Use written communication skills for different trade union purposes, such as writing reports and correspondence.
• Take part constructively in trade union discussions on a one-to-one and group basis.
• Make a clear and informative presentation on a trade union related topic.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the hazards associated with workplace health conditions
• Know the legislation that relates to health conditions at work
• Know how company policies relate to health conditions at work
• Understand hazard prevention measures in the workplace
• Understand hazard control measures in the workplace
• Action measures for a specific workplace health condition

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the causes and effects of discriminatory attitudes
• Understand the importance of challenging misunderstanding and prejudice

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the nature of specific intimidating behaviours that may occur in the workplace, including bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
• Understand how relevant legislation and organisational policies can support the challenging of specific intimidating behaviours at work.
• Develop a comprehensive trade union plan for effectively dealing with intimidation in the workplace, including prevention, intervention, and support strategies.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the key events in trade union history and their significance.
• Explain the changes that have influenced trade union membership over time.
• Explain the relevance of trade unions in the workplace and wider society today.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the trade union approach to disability issues, including relevant legislation and best practices.
• Understand the role of the trade union Disability Champion, including their responsibilities and authority.
• Work effectively with other Disability Champions, fostering collaboration and sharing best practice.
• Understand issues faced by members with disabilities in the workplace, including barriers to employment and discrimination.
• Produce a plan to establish the role of Disability Champion in own workplace, outlining objectives, activities, and resources.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand why domestic violence is a trade union issue, considering its impact on members and the workplace.
• Support members experiencing domestic violence, including signposting to relevant resources and providing appropriate assistance.
• Identify trade union action on domestic violence, such as policy development, awareness campaigns, and workplace support mechanisms.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the main features of changes relating to employment law, including specific legislation and regulations
• Understand the relevance of specific resources to understanding the application of changes relating to employment law, such as government guidance and legal advice
• Plan for the potential impact of changes relating to employment law on the organisation and its employees

What you'll be able to do

• Know the legal provisions related to equal rights at work, including relevant legislation and regulations.
• Relate equal rights provisions to the experiences of members at work, identifying instances of discrimination and inequality.
• Know actions that trade unions can take to promote equal rights at work, such as policy development, negotiation, and advocacy.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the main features of recent and proposed changes relating to equalities law in the UK
• Understand the relevance of changes relating to equalities law to workers and the workplace
• Understand how to support workers in response to changes relating to equalities law, ensuring fair and equitable treatment

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the various forms of inequalities that can exist in learning and their potential impact on individuals.
• Understand how a union representative can effectively support learners in accessing and engaging with learning opportunities.
• Effectively represent the interests of learners when collaborating with external partners and training providers.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the hazards and risks associated with specific equipment used in the workplace
• Understand how relevant legislation relates to the safe use of specific equipment at work
• Understand how organisational policy relates to the safe use of specific equipment at work
• Understand prevention measures for risks associated with specific equipment at work
• Understand control measures for risks associated with specific equipment at work
• Understand protection measures for risks associated with specific equipment at work

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role of trade unions in European health and safety decision-making processes.
• Know the European Union structure and its main institutions dealing with health and safety regulations and directives.
• Recognise the influence of Europe in UK health and safety standards and legislation.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key concepts of globalisation, international development, and social justice, and their interrelationships.
• Understand the impact of globalisation on various aspects of society, including labour markets, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity.
• Give an overview of the trade union approach to international development, including its principles, strategies, and priorities.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the basic economic relationships of globalisation, including trade, investment, and migration.
• Understand the role of key international financial institutions in development, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
• Understand the role of multi-national companies in world trade, including their impact on employment and labour standards.
• Understand trade union strategies to deal with multinationals, including international solidarity and collective bargaining.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the types of changes that can affect the workplace and their potential impact.
• Research appropriate legislation, organisational policies, and other relevant information related to change at work.
• Identify potential problems and opportunities for trade unions arising from change at work.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand problems which affect members in the workplace
• Understand information relevant to a specific problem affecting members
• Produce a plan on how to take up a specific problem affecting members
• Identify communication skills required to handle members' problems
• Apply communication skills when handling members' problems

What you'll be able to do

• Know the specific health hazards associated with exposure to asbestos, including the potential for developing asbestos-related diseases.
• Understand the minimum legal requirements concerning asbestos management and control in the workplace, as stipulated by relevant regulations and legislation.
• Understand appropriate prevention and control measures for asbestos, including safe handling procedures, risk assessments, and the use of personal protective equipment.

What you'll be able to do

• Know how health and safety legislation affects workplace procedures and systems
• Understand how changes in health and safety legislation can affect the workplace or the union's operations
• Know the types of actions that may be required as a result of changes in health and safety legislation

What you'll be able to do

• Use skills in working co-operatively and collectively with others to achieve common goals.
• Understand the key functions of the union health and safety representative in the workplace, including their roles and responsibilities.
• Record and organise information in an appropriate way, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the various health and wellbeing issues that can arise in the workplace
• Understand the trade union's approach to promoting health and wellbeing at work
• Develop a plan for effective action to improve health and wellbeing arrangements within their workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the hazards and risks associated with specific illnesses that may be encountered in the workplace.
• Understand how relevant legislation and company policies relate to the management of specific illnesses at work.
• Understand the prevention and control measures that can be implemented to manage specific illnesses at work.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key features of relevant legislation, policies and agreements concerning information and consultation in multinational companies
• Understand different forms of worker representation within companies, including their roles and responsibilities
• Understand arguments to promote best practice for a specific form of worker representation, advocating for effective employee engagement

What you'll be able to do

• Understand a range of collective bargaining issues relevant to own workplace and sector, including pay, working conditions, and equality.
• Recognise a range of appropriate sources of information relevant to the bargaining, negotiation and consultation process, including company data, industry reports, and legal advice.
• Understand where employment law supports access to and use of information for bargaining, negotiation or consultation, including the rights of trade unions to request information from employers.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain why international health and safety issues are relevant to individuals and their members.
• Describe the role and structure of international trade unions and other international organisations in relation to health and safety.
• Recognise the steps needed to develop an international approach to health and safety within an organisation.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role and structure of international trade union and labour organisations, including their aims and objectives
• Understand the reasons for, and importance of, international links between unions, including solidarity and mutual support
• Identify the steps needed to make and strengthen international links, such as communication, collaboration, and joint campaigns
• Understand the benefits of international collaboration for trade unions and their members

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how the trade union organises for health and safety within their organisation
• Understand the implications of an organising approach for meeting the health and safety needs of working people
• Understand how an organising approach can contribute to building the union

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how the union organises within their organisation, including its structure and methods of operation.
• Understand the implications of adopting an organising approach to effectively meet the needs of working people and build a stronger union presence.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand pensions provision, including different types of pension schemes and their benefits.
• Understand the trade union role in protecting pensions provision for its members and ensuring compliance with regulations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different pension options available
• Understand pension terms, concepts, regulations and information
• Understand the details of own occupational pension scheme

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the purposes of trade union education, including its role in empowering workers and promoting social justice
• Understand how best to meet the purposes of trade union education, considering different learning styles and needs
• Empathise with learners, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment
• Understand the tutor role in promoting equality in the classroom, challenging discrimination and promoting diversity
• Plan and structure TUC learning activities, ensuring they are engaging, relevant, and effective
• Know procedures for quality assurance on TUC courses, ensuring they meet required standards and are continuously improved
• Facilitate learning in groups, encouraging participation and collaboration

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how a trade union utilises ICT systems to effectively capture and manage membership data
• Develop transferable database application skills applicable to a union context
• Understand how to adopt and implement good working practices when using ICT systems
• Apply database skills and knowledge to complete relevant tasks within a trade union setting

What you'll be able to do

• Participate effectively in the committee, contributing to discussions and decision-making processes.
• Review existing action plans, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
• Produce clear and concise action plans, outlining specific tasks, responsibilities, and timelines.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the relationship between hazard and risk in manual handling, including identifying potential hazards and assessing associated risks
• Understand the relevant regulations and their application in the workplace, including the Manual Handling Operations Regulations
• Use a systematic approach to deal with manual handling issues in the workplace, including risk assessment, control measures, and safe handling techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Use and maintain a membership information system
• Understand how to promote the union amongst the workforce
• Write a recruitment plan

What you'll be able to do

• Explain own role and responsibilities when mentoring union members.
• Describe ways to identify individual mentoring needs.
• Explain how to review progress through mentoring.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand issues that may arise for members from changes affecting pensions
• Understand how pensions are negotiated
• Produce a plan for negotiating improvements in pension schemes

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the benefits of online learning for trade union members and representatives.
• Manage your own online trade union learning effectively.
• Understand the technical and personal requirements necessary for successful online learning.
• Understand the importance of a collaborative approach to trade union education through online learning.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the organising approach to running campaigns
• Understand the key components of an organising campaign
• Develop an organising campaign in their union

What you'll be able to do

• Identify reasons for union membership change
• Understand current union organising practices
• Develop good practice around organising in the workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Identify a range of information needed to formulate a pay claim, including market rates, cost of living, and company performance.
• Understand the impact of a pay award on members’ income, including tax implications and potential benefits.
• Understand a range of benefits that could be included in a pay claim, such as pensions, healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.

What you'll be able to do

• Define the key concepts and terms used in pension scheme management.
• Explain the management of pension schemes and funds, including relevant regulations and best practices.
• Deal with common issues that may arise in pension schemes, such as contribution problems or benefit disputes.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the ways in which pension provision can potentially be discriminatory
• Understand the various inequalities issues that can arise in relation to pension provision
• Produce a comprehensive plan for reducing inequalities in pension provision within a specific context

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise different negotiating styles in various situations.
• Negotiate effectively as part of a team, contributing to achieving desired outcomes.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the union’s negotiating position in relation to specific issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Use information relevant to trade union goals to prepare a case, claim or response
• Improve bargaining information strategy
• Improve negotiation information strategy
• Improve consultation information strategy

What you'll be able to do

• Create and edit a multi-slide presentation on a trade union topic, ensuring clarity and accuracy of information.
• Use animation and slide transitions effectively to enhance the visual appeal and engagement of a presentation.
• Use multimedia content, such as images, audio, and video, to enhance a presentation and support key messages.
• Make a presentation using electronic visual aids, demonstrating confidence and effective communication skills.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key characteristics of project work, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Know how effective project work can assist the work of trade unions, such as improving member engagement or addressing workplace issues.
• Understand tools and techniques for effective project work, including project management software and communication strategies.
• Identify potential project opportunities for trade unions, aligning projects with union priorities and member needs.

What you'll be able to do

• Produce an outline for the content of a film.
• Film appropriate scenes for a film.
• Edit the content of a film.
• Publish the finished film.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how disability discrimination can occur in various forms and contexts, including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
• Identify sources of support and guidance for tackling disability discrimination, such as legislation, policies, and advocacy organisations.
• Know different ways of tackling disability discrimination, including raising awareness, challenging discriminatory practices, and promoting inclusive policies and procedures.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how discrimination can occur in various forms.
• Understand the legislative sources and organisational policies designed to tackle discrimination.
• Understand different ways of tackling discrimination and promoting equality in the workplace.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the value of prior experience and learning in personal and professional development
• Understand own learning processes, including preferred learning styles and strategies
• Understand the characteristics of the current learning environment, including available resources and support
• Reflect on progress as a learner, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement
• Know how the current learning programme will impact on own role(s) at work, including potential career progression and increased job satisfaction

What you'll be able to do

• Carry out a union research project in the workplace that aims to challenge discrimination and promote best equality practice.
• Report on research project findings and recommendations for action.
• Evaluate own learning and performance throughout the research project.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key legal requirements concerning risk assessments
• Understand the risk assessment process
• Relate risk assessment to strategies for improving health and safety at work

What you'll be able to do

• Understand own development needs for health and safety skills, including identifying areas for improvement and setting development goals
• Review own health and safety skills development opportunities, including training courses, mentoring, and on-the-job learning
• Understand development planning for own health and safety skills needs, including creating a personal development plan and tracking progress

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the key features of state provision for pensions.
• Explain how state pension schemes affect members.
• Calculate contributions and benefits related to state pension schemes.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about the range of learning and skills opportunities available within your own workplace.
• Recognise equality issues related to learning and skills in the workplace.
• Understand how to identify and address individual learning needs.
• Understand key national and local initiatives in learning and skills development.
• Know what information is required to support learning in the workplace.
• Understand how to develop and implement action plans for learning and skills in the workplace.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the legal basis of occupational pension schemes, including relevant legislation and regulations
• Know the roles and responsibilities of different parties involved in occupational pension schemes
• Deal with pension scheme issues, such as member queries, benefit calculations, and scheme administration
• Escalate complex pension scheme issues to the appropriate authority or expert

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key features and components of a Trade Union Partnership Agreement.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in a Trade Union Partnership Agreement, including union representatives, management, and employees.
• Understand the skills required to ensure the effective implementation of a Trade Union Partnership Agreement, such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Understand the process of solving problems and resolving disputes through the Trade Union Partnership approach, including conflict resolution techniques and collaborative decision-making.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how trade unions can support members within the workplace
• Recognise when to signpost members onto appropriate support structures
• Plan to implement procedures in the workplace to offer counselling support

What you'll be able to do

• Decide on a research project to challenge discrimination in the workplace
• Decide on a research project to promote best equality practice in the workplace
• Understand appropriate research methods that can be used in developing action on equalities
• Plan a research project to challenge discrimination and promote best equality practice

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of political activity within the trade union movement and its impact on members.
• Understand the reasons for and processes involved in affiliation with political organisations.
• Produce a plan to increase political influence for the trade union, considering various strategies and resources.

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise the common symptoms of ill health that can be caused or exacerbated in the workplace.
• Explain the potential effects of ill health on individuals and the organisation.
• Identify hazards in the workplace that may cause ill health.
• Summarise the appropriate legislation, policies and sources of information relating to ill health at work.
• Describe how a trade union can take action to prevent occupational ill health.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role and structure of European Union Institutions and related trade union organisations, including their functions and relationships.
• Understand the impact of the European Union on national employment rights, including legislation and regulations.
• Know European Union economic and social policies, including their objectives and implementation.
• Understand the relationship between European Union policies and trade union policies and strategies, including areas of alignment and divergence.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand aspects of the legal system that affect trade unions, including their rights and responsibilities.
• Understand different types of law relevant to trade unions, such as employment law and contract law.
• Understand trade union law, including legislation related to industrial relations and collective bargaining.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand environmental changes affecting the workplace and their potential impact.
• Identify key information appropriate to environmental changes at work, including relevant data and regulations.
• Identify environmental issues for trade union action, advocating for sustainable practices and worker well-being.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the structure and operation of occupational pension schemes.
• Understand how own pension scheme affects its members, including their rights and responsibilities.
• Calculate contributions, funding levels, and potential benefits within own pension scheme.
• Identify areas for potential improvement in own occupational pension scheme, considering factors such as investment strategy and member communication.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify key collective agreements relevant to the workplace, understanding their scope and application.
• Identify key features of disciplinary and grievance procedures, including employee rights and employer responsibilities.
• Identify bargaining issues within the workplace, prioritising areas for negotiation and improvement.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the reasons why individuals choose to join trade unions
• Identify the range of services that trade unions provide for their members
• Understand the role of the union within the workplace environment

What you'll be able to do

• Explain how trade union democracy operates within the workplace.
• Describe the role of the union branch.
• Describe how to improve union branch attendance.
• Identify elements of a union’s regional and national democracy.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the key functions of a union learning representative in supporting members' learning and development
• Identify the different types of support available for union learning representatives, including training, resources, and networks
• Consult with union members effectively on learning issues, gathering their views and representing their interests
• Explain how unions organise for learning, including their structures, policies, and partnerships
• Outline the trade union approach to learning, including its values, principles, and priorities

What you'll be able to do

• Locate, accurately document, and systematically file information relevant to learning and development opportunities.
• Select and effectively utilise information to promote union learning initiatives to members.
• Apply a structured and systematic approach to progressing and resolving learning-related issues raised by members.
• Communicate effectively with members in the role of a union learning representative, providing information and support.

What you'll be able to do

• Demonstrate skills in co-operative and collective working within a trade union environment.
• Find trade union information and other related information from appropriate sources.
• Know the key functions of a trade union in the workplace, including representation and negotiation.
• Create a comprehensive union contacts list for effective communication and networking.
• Know how trade union documents, such as constitutions and policies, guide the actions of union representatives.
• Organise information in an appropriate way for effective record-keeping and communication.

What you'll be able to do

• Use different methods to identify learning needs of individuals and groups in the workplace
• Record union representative activities accurately and comprehensively to collect relevant information and data
• Plan learning activities and programmes for union members, taking into account their diverse needs and learning styles
• Carry out a project to develop learning opportunities and resources in the workplace, evaluating its impact and effectiveness

What you'll be able to do

• Understand union structures and their relevance to learning initiatives within the workplace.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to promote learning opportunities.
• Identify and address learning-related issues through appropriate actions and interventions.

What you'll be able to do

• Create a database for a specified trade union task
• Use a database effectively for various trade union tasks
• Understand protocols for database usage within a trade union context

What you'll be able to do

• Operate a computer effectively.
• Organise trade union information in a structured manner.
• Store trade union information securely.
• Retrieve trade union information efficiently.
• Know safety practices when using ICT equipment.
• Know security practices to protect trade union information.
• Know the main components of a personal computer (PC).

What you'll be able to do

• Enter and format data accurately and efficiently in a spreadsheet
• Use formulae to calculate data in a spreadsheet, including basic arithmetic and statistical functions
• Present data in graphical form using appropriate chart types, such as bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs
• Sort and manage data in a spreadsheet using filters and other data management tools
• Analyse data using spreadsheet functions

What you'll be able to do

• Effectively use a range of word processing functions.
• Add text and graphics from different sources into word processing documents.
• Produce professional trade union documents using word processing software.

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise how membership systems support various trade union activities
• Know the essential database application skills required to effectively use a membership database
• Understand the regulatory framework governing the use and management of databases, including data protection
• Apply relevant skills and knowledge to complete tasks using a membership database

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise how membership systems support union communications, facilitating effective engagement and information dissemination.
• Know how database application skills support union communications, enabling efficient data management and targeted messaging.
• Understand the regulatory framework for electronic communications, ensuring compliance with data protection and privacy legislation.
• Apply skills and knowledge to communication tasks, contributing to effective internal and external communication strategies.

What you'll be able to do

• Access information on the internet that is relevant to trade union activity.
• Send and receive emails effectively for trade union purposes.
• Explain internet safety and security issues relevant to trade unionists.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand employment law relevant to issues that commonly arise in the workplace
• Prepare arguments, based on employment law, that may be used in collective bargaining negotiations

What you'll be able to do

• Identify effective ways of presenting trade union issues to the media, considering target audiences and communication channels.
• Design and write news releases that effectively communicate trade union messages and activities.
• Develop interview skills to confidently and effectively represent the trade union in media interactions.
• Plan to use the media strategically to raise awareness of trade union issues and campaigns.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand a range of issues affecting women workers internationally, including discrimination, pay inequality, and access to opportunities.
• Recognise the importance of international links between women workers and their representative organisations, fostering solidarity and collective action.
• Understand ways of making and strengthening international links, including networking, information sharing, and collaborative projects.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the causes and symptoms of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDS), including risk factors and early warning signs.
• Understand the main legal requirements and policies in relation to WRULDS, including employer responsibilities and employee rights.
• Make proposals for prevention and control of WRULDS in the workplace, including risk assessments, ergonomic improvements, and training programmes.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the changes taking place in the organisation of work time within different organisational contexts.
• Understand the various options available for reorganising work time to benefit union members.
• Understand the potential benefits that can arise from union and management working in partnership to address work-life balance issues.
• Understand the relevant standards and organisational policies regarding work-life balance.
• Understand different ways to achieve work-life balance for union members, considering individual needs and circumstances.

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise opportunities to develop skills in the workplace for individuals and teams.
• Understand how to work collaboratively with employers to meet the skills needs of individuals and the organisation as a whole.
• Understand the key components of a learning agreement and their relevance to the role of the union learning representative.
• Understand how equality and skills for life issues underpin effective learning agreements and strategies.

What you'll be able to do

• Solve trade union problems involving numbers.
• Approximate, estimate and check results.
• Interpret given statistical information and report for trade union members.
• Present and interpret secondary data relating to trade union tasks.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain how learning relates to the union team and organising in the workplace.
• Develop knowledge of learning initiatives relevant to the workplace.
• Describe how to promote union learning opportunities to members.