Trade union awareness training

Build confidence, strengthen relationships, and lead with clarity on trade union relations

This practical training gives school and trust leaders the skills needed to manage union interactions professionally and positively.

Navigating trade union relationships in education can feel complex - especially when workload conversations, performance concerns, or industrial action arise. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to strengthen existing skills, this session gives you the guidance to deal with real scenarios in your education setting. With our support you'll learn how to overcome misunderstandings or strained relationships with trade unions (understanding 'interest vs position'), confusion about legal requirements and meeting rights (including paid vs unpaid time, and JCC/JNCC settings), challenges during industrial action periods, and a lack of confidence in difficult staff conversations.

Course highlights

After joining our senior HR leaders, Alex (Director of HR Services) and Georgie (Head of People Services Operations), you'll leave with a clear understanding of how trade unions work, how to communicate effectively with representatives, and how to lead conversations - even when they're challenging:

• understanding of trade union roles and processes, including how to work with them day to day - from history, collective bargaining, and recognition to ballots, industrial action, and statutory rights
• confidence in meetings and consultations - including preparation, agenda setting, tone, questioning, and emotional management
• ability to strengthen and manage working relationships with union representatives
• practical communication strategies to support difficult conversations - active listening, non-verbal communication, and delivering messages with confidence
• knowledge of statutory rights for representatives - know what counts as duties vs activities for paid purposes, and your legal responsibilities as a leader.

This training gives education leaders the practical tools they need to communicate effectively, avoid disputes, and build professional, productive union relationships. 

Reduced rates are available to EPM customers.

Payment Terms

Payment must be completed via the payment link provided in your booking confirmation email at least 48 hours before the training date to secure your place.

If your organisation requires a purchase order number to be included on the invoice, please email this to finance@epm.co.uk following receipt of your booking confirmation. Please include the attendee’s name and training date.

For any queries, please contact consultancy@epm.co.uk.

Cancellation Terms

• If training is cancelled or rescheduled more than 7 days before the training date, no charge will apply and a full refund will be issued.
• If training is cancelled or rescheduled less than 7 days before the training date, 100% of the training fee will be payable.
• If training is booked less than 7 days before the training date, cancellations or rescheduling can be made free of charge within 24 hours of booking. After this time, the full fee will apply.

To cancel or reschedule your training, please email finance@epm.co.uk)