Free learning for UNISON members

Digital Skills

1.Making progress in Excel

If you have some existing knowledge of Excel functions and wish to enhance and refresh your  skills, this course is for you. Learn to organise table data, enhance the look and appeal of workbooks by adding graphic objects. Manipulate more complex formulas and functions and create and modify charts. This is a 2 day course and you must be free to attend both days.

  • 23rd & 24th September 2026, 9.30am-1.00pm

Apply here: Making Progress in Excel | UNISON – the public service union

2. Staff Skills academy+ online courses

  • Computers and internet for beginners certification
  • IT Certificate level 2
  • Microsoft Word certificate levels 1-3
  • PowerPoint Diploma
  • + many more courses available on the platform

Apply for your free licence to access this platform: Staff Skills academy+ | UNISON – the public service union

Deaf awareness and BSL

1.Introduction to BSL basics

Join us for an engaging and informative Deaf Awareness session designed to increase  understanding and confidence when communicating with Deaf and hard-of hearing individuals.  This session introduces key aspects of Deaf culture, communication tips, and practical ways to create a more inclusive environment at work, school, or in the community. you will need a  working camera to get the most out of this session.

  • 25th August 2026, 9.00am-10.00am

Apply here: Introduction to basic sign language | UNISON – the public service union

OR

  • 29th September 2026, 4.00pm-5.00pm

Apply here: Introduction to basic sign language | UNISON – the public service union

2. Deaf Awareness

This session will identify the communication differences of Deaf and hearing people, building up an awareness of the many challenges faced by the Deaf community. This will be an insightful  session encompassing many elements of daily life that present additional challenges for Deaf  people and people with hearing loss. This interactive session will demonstrate ways that the  hearing world can work with the Deaf community to promote equality and inclusion.

  • 23rd July 2026, 9.30am-12.30pm

Apply here: Deaf awareness | UNISON – the public service union

Loss and Bereavement

Loss and Bereavement Awareness

The session will reflect on the grieving process, using current models of grief to help attendees understand. It will help participants to understand why people grieve differently and the factors that influence how they grieve as well as exploring the impact of loss and grief on individuals, friends, families and colleagues. You will also explore how to provide emotional and practical  support and how to communicate effectively and compassionately to someone who is grieving.

  • 10th August 2026, 7.00pm-9.30pm

Apply here: General loss and bereavement awareness | UNISON – the public service union

Dealing with Difficult…

1… face to face conversations

This online course, delivered by a specialist conflict management tutor from 2Resolve, via zoom  is aimed at all members who have face to face conversations during their work day and may  often be faced with tackling difficult conversations or topics, or who may have conversations with people who are aggressive or angry while face to face.

  • 24th August 2026, 1.30pm-4.30pm

Apply here: Dealing with difficult face-to-face conversations | UNISON – the public service union

2…. telephone conversations

This online course is aimed at members tackling difficult conversations or topics, or who may often have service users who are aggressive or angry on the telephone. Learn how to communicate effectively over the telephone and how to de-escalate challenging callers.

  • 25th September 2026, 9.30am-12.30pm

Apply here: Dealing with difficult telephone calls | UNISON – the public service union

Preparing for change

1.Coping with change

This 3 hour UNISON workshop is suitable for all members who may find change difficult or how feel they may be facing upcoming or current changes in their workplace or homelife and want  support in dealing with this. At the end of this session participants should expect to:

  • Understand what we mean by ‘change’
  • Explore how change affects us
  • Identify the type of changes that may happen or are happening in our work places and what effect they may have
  • Explore strategies for coping with change
  • 13th August 2026, 10.00am -1.00pm

Apply here: Coping with change | UNISON – the public service union

OR

  • 5th September 2026, 1.00pm-4.00pm

Apply here: Coping with change | UNISON – the public service union

2. Power to be you

This 1 hour UNISON webinar focuses on understanding and building confidence and self-esteem , exploring growth mindset and recognising personal achievements.

  • 17th July 2026, 1.00pm-2.00pm

Apply here: Power to be you | UNISON – the public service union

3. Your skills, your future

This bitesize 60 minute UNISON webinar, delivered via teams, is suitable for all members who want support in understanding how to recognise and utilise their skills and build self-confidence.

  • 5th August, 4.00pm-5.00pm

Apply here: Your skills, your future | UNISON – the public service union

4. Interview Skills

This 60-minute UNISON workshop is suitable for all members who want support in preparing for interviews. At the end of this session participants should expect to identify key factors in  preparing for an interview, understand the STAR technique for answering questions in  interviews and explore example answers and how to construct their own.

  • 14th September 2026, 12.00pm-1.00pm

Apply here: Interview skills | UNISON – the public service union

Neurodivergence

Staff Skills academy+ online courses 

  • ADHD Awareness Certification
  • Understanding Autism Certification
  • Dyslexia Awareness certification
  • + many more courses available on the platform

Apply for your free licence to access this platform: Staff Skills academy+ | UNISON – the public service union