Modernisation project will keep reps up to date

Teaching union ATL is launching a two-year plan that will equip its reps to undertake a broader role within their branches.

The union has received £91,000 from the Union Modernisation Fund (UMF) to modernise its branches and help reps keep pace with technological advances. It aims to achieve this through an improved communications infrastructure and a training and development programme.

Branch officers will be offered regionally based training on the union’s new membership system, branch communications and organising skills. ATL general secretary Mary Bousted says the plan “will enhance our capacity to keep pace with a changing world”.

The UMF was set up two years ago by the government to help unions adapt to a changing labour market and modern workplaces. The ATL’s was one of 28 successful bids in the latest round, in which a total of £2.8 million was awarded.