EC Meeting Papers July 2018

FOUNDATION SKILLS FUNCTIONAL SKILLS EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES ARTS & CULTURE ADVANCED SKILLS EVENTS INTERNATIONALISM HOW TO SIGN UP

Mental Health Awareness

EA47

Days: 1

Date: 5 March 2019

Location: Quorn Grange Hotel

It is well known that our mental health can be influenced, for better or worse, by our everyday working environment. Indeed, one in four workers in Britain will experience some form of mental disturbance, or ill health, during their lifetime. Job insecurity, rising levels of personal debt, cuts to public services and workplace stress are all contributory factors. This one day course, held at Quorn, seeks to identify contributory factors and suggests means of controlling detrimental situations. Led by experts in the field, this course will endeavour to examine a range of issues concerning the causes and prevention of mental health issues at work. It will also suggest ways in which the unions can reshape the workplace in order to respond to, and assist, those with pre-existing mental health issues. This one day course, held at Quorn, centres upon developing and understanding of the needs and obstacles of members facing mental health issues and aims to encourage increased representation and advocacy of members with these problems. The course will include:

• Identification of need in the workplace • Myths & fears • Planned support in the workplace • A guide to the most common variety of mental health problems • Areas of discriminatory practice by employers and HR managers • Representation in the workplace • The implications of the 2010 Equality Act • Good practice around workplace policies • Good practice for reducing workplace stress • Organising workplace forums • The role of trade unions in championing mental health issues at work

Tutor:

Neuro-Diversity

EA30

Days: 1

Date: 21 November 2018

Location: Quorn Grange Hotel

Neuro-Diversity is increasingly being discussed in the Trade Union Movement in order to describe an emerging sub-category of workplace diversity and inclusion that is focused upon people with alternative thinking styles. We all have different patterns of behaviour and characteristics. Some of these can be misinterpreted by managers and employers. Yet their root causes originate in the different ways in which we are hardwired. Most trade unionists will have heard of dyslexia and dyspraxia, and maybe of ADHD and autism. However, there are many other neurological conditions within the human condition that require special attention by union Reps in the workplace. This course will provide a fascinating overview of a burgeoning area and will look at:

• Definitions of Neuro-Diversity • Awareness of the implications of Neuro-Diversity in the Workplace (disclosure, ‘underperformance’, disciplinary issues) • The implications of the 2010 Equalities Act • The potential for discrimination in recruitment processes • Occupational health risks • The positive benefits of a Neuro-Diverse workforce • Policies for inclusion • How to tailor the workplace towards, and offer support for, Neuro-Diverse members

Tutor:

27 For arrangements and how to sign up for courses and events please go to HOW TO SIGN UP