2011-2012

The Equality Commission welcomes thisopportunity to work in partnership with theNorthern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congressof Trade Unions on the latest PETAL trainingprogramme. Building on last years programmePETAL aims to develop greater awareness andexpertise on equality issues among trade unionrepresentatives and officials. Addressing equalityissues in the workplace is a crucial part of theCommission's work to promote equality ofopportunity for all. We devote considerableresources to providing advice and guidance onemployment equality matters through ourEmployment Development Division, as well asadvising and assisting potential complainants on

issues of discrimination.The contributors to this programme have a wealthof experience and knowledge in their fields and Itrust that all those who participate will find it ofreal value in the important task of trade unionrepresentation.

Evelyn Collins CBEChief Executive of the Equality Commission forNorthern Ireland

When recession strikes the economy, there arealways calls for ʻtoughʼ measures. Invariablythese measures tend to be tougher on the alreadyweak and vulnerable, rather than the secure andcomfortable. Essential rights and protections aretreated as luxuries that ʻweʼ can no longer afford.That is why we hear so much about the ʻevilsʼ ofthe Human Rights Act and ʻElfʼnʼSafetyʼ, usuallyfrom people with a strong material interest inundermining such basic protections for all workingpeople.Initiatives like the PETAL Programme are needednow, more than ever. Those who take part in thisprogramme will learn skills and knowledge whichwill benefit not only the direct participants, butalso their co-workers. This is an educationexercise whose real results will not be measuredin Grades of A-D, but in the long term welfare oftheir workplaces, with benefits accruing to both

employers and employees It is an empirical factthat happy workplaces, where workers are treatedwith dignity and respect, are more productiveleading to greater financial benefits for all.The PETAL programme is not about participantsas passive consumers, but as active citizens. Therecession we are in is no excuse to stopcampaigning for safer workplaces and greaterequality, despite the Nay-Sayers. On the contrary,this time of economic crisis and its real causesought to make us more determined to advancethe interests and agenda of working people andtheir families. We in the trade union movementmust treat the present crisis as an opportunity tore-invigorate our commitment to equality, diversityand solidarity. PETAL is a vital component of thatcommitment. Be part of it.

Peter BuntingAssistant General Secretary, ICTU

1. Equality Law and Workplace PolicyA modularised training programme focusing on key employment equality issues for union representatives.

2. A Guide to the Tribunal ProcessTwo programmes, one tailored to the work of Workplace Representatives the other to Union Officials, focusing oncurrent practices and procedures at tribunal.

3. Disability Champions ForumEstablished to support the role of Disability Champions in the workplace and linked to NIC-ICTU DisabilityCommittee.

4. Mental HealthProgramme 1: Mental Health and Stress in the WorkplaceProgramme 2: Mental Health First AidProgramme 3: ASIST Suicide Prevention

5. Social Guardians

6. Mobilising for a Bill of Rights for NI - Past Efforts and Future Possibilities

7. Women and LeadershipProgramme 1: October – November 2011Programme 2: January - March 2012

8.“I Came Here For ….” Outreach Programme

9. Southern Activities

10. Meet your tutors

Contents

OverviewThis new modularised programme has been developed to en-sure representatives are aware of legislative developmentsand how they apply in the workplace.Delegates are encouraged to attend the full programme andmaximise on learning opportunities through the Trade UnionContinuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme.Focused on key workplace issues the sessions will providedelegates with an overview of:

• European and domestic law• case law developments• the impact of legislative developments on workplacepolicy and practice• best practice examplesEach module will be split into two key areas. The first sessionwill focus on the law including key developments whilst ses-sion 2 will focus on the application of the law on workplacepolicy and practice.

Age Discrimination

Flexible Working

Harassment

Redundancy

Agency Workers Directive

Disability

Recruitment and Selection

Positive and Affirmative Action

Wednesday 28 September

Thursday 13 October

Wednesday 30 November

Wednesday 18 January

Thursday 16 February

Wednesday 14 March

Thursday 26 April

Wednesday 16 May

1.Equality LawandWorkplacePolicyFacilitators:Michelle Morris - Equality Commission for NI, Sinead Mulhern and Geraldine Scullion

TRAINING MODULES DATE VENUE10am – 1pm

Training Room,Equality House

Programme 1 – Workplace representativesProgramme 2 – Trade Union OfficialsModule Aim:To provide delegates with an overview of the Equality Commissionʼs role in providing representation in strategiclitigation and familiarisation of the current practices and procedures at the Tribunal.Learning Objectives:By the end of the seminar participants should have had an opportunity to:1. Consider current practices and procedures at the tribunal2. Consider key issues for union representatives when advising members pursuing a discrimination case.3. Understand the role of the Equality Commission in providing representation in strategic litigation4. Understand the conciliation role provided by the Labour Relations Agency

2.AGuide to theTribunalProcessFacilitators: Mary Kitson and Lisa Taggart, ECNI Senior Legal Officers.

Workplace representatives

Date: 16th Nov

Time: 10am -3pm

Venue: Equality House

Trade Union Officials

Date: 6th March

Time: 10am – 3pm

Venue: Equality House

PROGRAMME 1 PROGRAMME 2

The key aim of the forum is to support theDisability Champions and other TUrepresentatives with a particular interest in thearea of disability. The forum will provide theopportunity for members to receive regularupdates on developments in legislation, sharebest practice, access advice and guidance andnetwork with other representatives and agencies.Each meeting will highlight a topical issue fordiscussion. The NIC-ICTU Disability Committeewill meet following these sessions (1pm) andwelcomes the attendance of the disabilitychampions.

Dates: 1 December 2011 & 5 June 2012

Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm

Venue: Equality House

3.DisabilityChampionsForum

PPrrooggrraammmmee 11:: MMeennttaall HHeeaalltthh aanndd SSttrreessss iinn tthhee WWoorrkkppllaacceeFacilitated by the Equality Commission for NI, the LabourRelations Agency and the Health & Safety Executive (NI).

Learning Aim: To outline legal and best practice provisions relating to howmental health issues should be managed in the workplace.This event will have a particular focus on the management ofstress and trauma.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the seminar participants should have had anopportunity to:1.Understand the key legal provisions underpinning themanagement of mental health issues in the workplace.2. Be aware of current best practice advice in terms of howmental health issues are managed in the workplace.

PPrrooggrraammmmee 22:: MMeennttaall HHeeaalltthh FFiirrsstt AAiidd Facilitated by the Public Health Agency.

Overview:Mental Health First Aid Provides an overview of commonmental health problems, causes, symptoms and treatments,and teaches people how to:

• recognise distress • recognise the difference between Therapy and First Aid

• be confident in administering help in a First Aid situation

• provide initial help and guide a person towards appropriate support

4. Mental Health

Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace

Date: Thursday 26 January 2012

Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Venue: UNISON

Programme 2: Mental Health First Aid

Date: TBC

Time: 2 full days

Venue: UNISON

PROGRAMME 1 PROGRAMME 2

PPrrooggrraammmmee 33:: AASSIISSTT SSuuiicciiddee PPrreevveennttiioonn Facilitated by the Health Promotion Agency.

Overview:ASIST teaches Suicide First Aid skills to anyonewho may come into contact with a person at risk,through the most widely used SuicideIntervention Model in the world. ASIST is fast becoming an essential tool for allworkplace representatives and communityactivists. With over 750,000 people trained world-wide, ASIST continues to grow as theprimary suicide first aid program.

Date: 1st course 10&11 November

2nd course 23&24 November

Time: 2 full days

Venue: UNISON

PROGRAMME 3

5. Social Guardians Facilitated by Women’s Aid.

Overview:We are all Social Guardians who have a responsibility tosupport those who may be vulnerable, feeling unsafe and/orat risk. This one day course will enable participants to gain abetter understanding of domestic abuse and its impact in theworkplace.It will be delivered via tutor presentation, small groupexercises, video, discussion and experiential learning.

Date: 7th December

Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Venue: UNISON

PROGRAMME 1

Learning Objectives:• To update participants on the Bill of

Rights process to date• To relate the debate, and human rights more generally to each participantʼs work

• To equip participants with the tools to engage in the Bill of Rights debate

• To work together to come up with new and creative ideas for Bill of Rights activism

Dates: Wednesday 5 October Adair Arms Hotel BallymenaWednesday 11 January UNISONWednesday 4 April UNISON

Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm

PROGRAMME 1

6. Mobilising for a Bill of Rights for NI – Past Efforts and Future PossibilitiesFacilitated by the Human Rights Consortium.

Overview:This OCN accredited (Level 2) training programmeis open to all women trade unionists who are inter-ested in exploring issues around womenʼs participa-tion in decision making bodies, trade unions andpublic life. Learning Objectives: By the end of the programme participants shouldhave had an opportunity to increase their knowl-edge and skills in the following areas:

• leadership styles and approaches• the concept of power• barriers to equality• role models and mentoring• lobbying and campaigning• networking• accessing public bodies• communication skills

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Module 5

Module 6

Module 7

Module 8

Wednesday 12 October

Wednesday 19 October

Wednesday 26 October

Wednesday 2 November

Wednesday 9 November

Wednesday 16 November

Wednesday 23 November

Wednesday 30 November

Equality House

Equality House

UNISON

Equality House

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

PROGRAMME 1 DATE VENUE10am – 4 pm

7. Women and Leadership Facilitated by Ann Hope.

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Module 5

Module 6

Module 7

Module 8

Wednesday January 18

Wednesday January 25

Wednesday February 1

Wednesday February 8

Wednesday February 15

Wednesday February 22

Wednesday February 29

Wednesday March 7

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

UNISON

PROGRAMME 2 DATE VENUE10am – 4 pm

Women and Leadership (continued)

Workplace or Community TrainingTrainers will be available to deliver this programme in theworkplace or community from October 2011 to April 2012.The programme is designed flexibly to meet the needs ofparticipants. It can be effectively run as a short awarenesssession on migration and racism or longer courses explor-ing rights, migration, racism, language, integration andcommunity/workplace participation.

OverviewʻI Came Here For ….ʼ was initiated during Race EqualityMonth 2009 and developed as part of last years PETALprogramme. Its key aim is to raise awareness around raceequality and to encourage employers and others to de-velop strategies to achieve equality of opportunity for bothemployees and customers/service users in our culturallydiverse society.This year sees the extension of the programme to traintrade union and community trainers to deliver the pro-gramme within their workplaces and/or communities.

The programme is designed flexibly to meet the needs ofparticipants. It can be effectively run as a short awarenesssession on migration and racism or longer courses explor-ing rights, migration, racism, language, integration andcommunity/workplace participation.

Date: 22-23 September 2011

Venue: City Hotel, Derry

Congress seeks to conduct its equality programme on an allisland basis. Activities planned in the Republic over thisperiod include:

Equality related publications to be launched in Autumn2011 include:• Resource on taking cases to Equality Tribunal; • Trade union resources on Lesbian Gay and Bisexual issues at work in partnership with Gay and Lesbian Equality Network and Trans Workers with Trans Equality Network Ireland

• Mental Health code of practice for trade unions• Towards a strategy for the integration and progression of migrants into trade unions

These will be launched at the Equality Authority on October12th by Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister for Disability, Equality,Mental Health and Older People. Events will be organised tofamiliarise affiliates with the content and potential use of theseresources.

This will include an equality training course aimed at increasedcapacity amongst trade unions to both promote workplaceequality for all of the grounds and to further enhance capacityto take cases under equality legislation on all grounds –building on the guide to taking a case resource produced withthe support of the Equality Authority. The course is beingdesigned and delivered as part of the general provision of theCongress Education and Training Service: see:http://www.ictu.ie/unionlearning/

The course aims to equip participants with the skills andcompetencies to improve their equality knowledge andcompetence in some of the following areas:• Legislation update and bringing an equality case;• Equality and collective bargaining – developing the arguments during recessionary times;• Workplace issues under specific grounds;

Congress will explore designing significant elements of thecourse as online training which will potentially reach aconsiderable audience.

FETAC are currently re-designing their approved courses to anew “Common Standard” designed to fit into the EuropeanQualifications Framework (EQF). The current Trade UnionStudies course is part of this re-appraisal. Congress willexplore whether the newly developed course can fit within themodular framework being devised by FETAC. This wouldensure both certification for the course and also contributesignificantly to the objective of mainstreaming equality trainingwithin the movement.

Women in Leadership Programme (Specifically designed for Women in Trade Unions)

Women at Work Skillnet is spearheaded by five Trade Unions,Mandate, CWU, IBOA INMO and SIPTU together with ICTU.The primary aim of the network is

9. Southern Activities

“To empower people especially women in vulnerableemployment to manage their careers and working lives in away that fulfils their potential, add value to their workplacesand optimises their contribution to the labour market and theeconomy.

Programme Aims• To grow and develop the cadre of women leaders within Irishtrade unions

• To strengthen capacity among women leaders to influence at a strategic level within their own Union and the movement in general

• To build on the positive outcomes of the earlier EU funded LIFT Programme and to increase the network of women trade union leaders in Ireland.

Content• The Self Aware Leader• Art and practice of leadership in a trade union context; leadership diagnostic – recognising own style and development needs; building confidence and positive thinking• The Strategic Leader• Key Content: Strategic thinking and planning; stakeholders and the field of play; managing change and resistance – tools and techniques; applying concepts to trade union

• The Influential Leader• Key Content: Influencing and persuading skills; impact tips for

women leaders; building networks; presenting your-self with confidenceEntry Requirements• Be a current active member of a union affiliated to the ICTU• Have a good knowledge of their union’s policies, agreements and procedures• Have a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of trade union activists.

alacoque@womenatworkskillnets.ie for more information This training course is free of charge to Union members.Nevertheless there are considerable tutor costs and othercosts associated with running the course and places arelimited. So please do not apply for a place unless you aresure that you will attend.It is hoped that trade union participants from across the islandwill participate in activities North and South. Please consultthe Congress website at http://www.ictu.ie/equality/ forupdates. Or contact David Joyce at david.joyce@ictu.ie

Venue: Mandate Training & Organisation

Training Centre,

Distillery Road, Dublin 3

Dates: Sept 1st and 2nd (and two other dates TBD)

Time: 9.30 until 17.30

Contact: Women at Work Skillnets.

10. Meet your tutorsDavid Joyce Is Equality Officerwith the Irish Congress of TradeUnions, based in Dublin.http://www.ictu.ie/equality

His areas of work include thepromotion of equality at a numberof levels: within trade unions and inIrish workplaces as well as at thenational policy level.

Geraldine Scullion isCurrently working as anindependent equality consultant,Geraldine is a lawyer qualified inEngland, Wales and NorthernIreland with over 12 yearsexperience specialising in equalityand non-discrimination law.

Joanne Kelly is directlyresponsible for the design,facilitation, and evaluation oftraining and developmentinterventions, for bespoke andaccredited programmes to internalstaff and external agenciesincluding PSNI and PBNI(Probation Board N.Ireland). Shehas over three years experiencewith Womenʼs Aid.

Sinead Mulhern is a qualifiedsolicitor and equality trainer. She isa former Chief Legal Officer of theEqual Opportunities Commissionfor Northern Ireland. Sinead hasspecialised in employment law overmany years and her particular areaof interest is discrimination andequality law. Sinead has alsoworked closely with the trade unionmovement over many years.

Debbie Mehaffy has worked forWomenʼs Aid for over fifteen years,both as a Residential Supportworker and as Regional Trainer.She has also been responsible forthe successful co-ordination of aregional prevention programmewithin schools and youth settings.

Kevin Bailey is the SuicidePrevention Co-ordinator for theSouth Eastern Health and SocialCare Trust, with specificresponsibility to lead and co-ordinate the implementation of theProtect Life Suicide PreventionStrategy within the Down Lisburnlocality.

Tommy Wright, Employee Relations Manager

Mary OʼBrienEmployee Relations Manager

Michelle MorrisEquality Officer

Mary Kitson,Senior Legal officer

Lisa TaggartSenior Legal officer

I would like to thank all our contributors to thePETAL programme. Last years programmeproved a great success and we have planned thisyear to reflect the themes and priorities identifiedby past participants, Equality Committees andmembers. We have extended the modularisedprogramme following last years pilot programmeand would encourage participants to develop theirCPD portfolio through the programme in theapplication of their equality skills.Our key aim is to help to meet your needs incarrying out the important role of promotingequality in the workplace. We welcome your

feedback and views on how to best achieve this.Please contact my colleague Eileen Gorman toregister your attendance on any of ourprogrammes. Eileen can be contacted atCongress on 02890 247940 or by email ateileen.gorman@ictuni.org You can also contactme at pauline.buchanan@ictuni.org

Pauline BuchananEquality officer, ICTU

I am delighted to be part of the PETALprogramme for another year and look forward toworking in partnership with the sector throughNIC-ICTU. We have used feedback from last year to developand improve this years programme with the aim ofensuring it focuses upon the key employmentequality issues faced by unions today.Last year we piloted a modularised programmewhich was completed in full by 12 delegates. This

year we have expanded the modularisedprogramme with particular attention on theapplication of the law on workplace policy andpractice. In addition, we have expanded thetribunal training to include sessions tailored to theneeds of work place representatives and unionofficials.I hope you enjoy the programme.Michelle MorrisEquality officer, ECNI

Equality Law and Workplace Policy

A Guide to the Tribunal Process

Disability Champions Forum

Mental Health

Social Guardians

Bill of Rights

Women and Leadership

‘I came here for’

Sept2011

Oct2011

Nov2011

Dec2011

Jan2012

Feb2012

Mar2012

Apr2012

May2012

Jun2012

Disability

Processribunal TTribunal

A Guide to the

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Equality Law W

Equality Law orkplace and

Equality Law W

Equality Law and

2011 2011Sept

2011 2011 2011DecNovOct2011 2012 2012

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MayprAMar2012 2012

JunMay

Bill of Rights

GuardiansSocial

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for’ ‘I came here

Leadershipomen and W

Wed 28thModule 1:AGE

Thurs 13thModule 2:FLEXIBLEWORKING

Wed 30thModule 3:HARASSMENT

Wed 18thModule 4:REDUNDANCY

Wed 18thModule 5:AGENCY WORKERS DIRECTIVE

Thurs 16thModule 6:DISABILITY

Thurs 26thModule 7:RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

Wed 18thModule 8:POSITIVE & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Wed 16thProgramme 1:Workplace Representatives

Tues 6thProgramme 2:TU Officials

Thurs 1st Tues 5th

Programme 2:10th&11th23rd&24th

Programme 1Thurs 26th

Wed 7th

Wed 5thProgramme 1

Wed 11thProgramme 2

Wed 4thProgramme 3

Wed 12thMMoodduullee11Wed 19thMMoodduullee 22Wed 26th MMoodduullee 33

Wed 2ndMMoodduullee 44Wed 9thMMoodduullee 55Wed 16thMMoodduullee 66Wed 23rdMMoodduullee 77Wed 30th MMoodduullee 88

Wed 18thMMoodduullee 11Wed 25thMMoodduullee 22

Wed 1stMMoodduullee 88

Wed 1stMMoodduullee 33Wed 8thMMoodduullee 44Wed 15thMMoodduullee 55Wed 22ndMMoodduullee 66Wed 29thMMoodduullee 77

PPrrooggrraammmmee 11 PPrrooggrraammmmee 22

22nd-23rdTrain the Trainers Programme

A special thanks to

For registration or further informationplease contact Eileen Gorman at Congresson 02890 247940 or by email ateileen.gorman@ictuni.org

Equality Commission for NIEquality House7-9 Shaftesbury SquareBelfastBT2 7DP028 90 890 890information@equalityni.org

ICTUCarlin House4-6 Donegall Street PlaceBelfastBT1 2FN028 90 247 940info@ictuni.org