Training

Trade Union Representatives Training

The BDA Trade Union Representatives Training Programmes are four day programmes of learning which are structured to develop all of the knowledge and skills a BDA Trade Union representative will need. The programmes are delivered by TUC tutors and are accredited.

The programmes have been  developed  in  conjunction  with  the  TUC  and  are  delivered  by  professional  TUC  tutors.  It  is  essential  that  all  Reps  complete all four days of the Stage 1   training  in  order  to  achieve  accredited  recognition  status.  Established  TU  reps  are  also  encouraged  to  attend  to  refresh  their  skills. Trade Union training is completely free to attend.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any queries about this course.

About the training

Stage 1

The ​BDA ​Trade ​Union ​initial ​training ​course ​for ​Local ​TU ​Reps will be delivered in-person or virtually across four days. Trade Union training is free to attend.

This ​program ​has ​been ​developed ​in ​conjunction ​with ​the ​TUC ​and ​is ​delivered ​by ​professional ​TUC ​tutors. ​It ​is ​essential ​that ​all ​Reps ​complete all four days of this ​​training ​in ​order ​to ​achieve ​accredited ​recognition ​status. ​Established ​TU ​reps ​are ​also ​encouraged ​to ​attend ​to ​refresh ​their ​skills.

 

Stage 2

The ​BDA ​Trade ​Union Stage 2 ​training ​course ​for ​Local ​TU ​Reps will be delivered in-person across four days. Some of the subjects covered include:

  • Dealing with Bullying and Harassment
  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Dealing with Stress
  • The contract of employment
  • Resisting contract amendments
  • Industrial Action
  • Rights to Information
  • Employment Tribunals and the role of ACAS

This ​program ​has ​been ​developed ​in ​conjunction ​with ​the ​TUC ​and ​is ​delivered ​by ​professional ​TUC ​tutors. ​It ​is ​essential ​that ​Reps ​complete all four days of this ​​training. Trade Union training is free to attend.

Upcoming training

 

Trade Union Representative Stage 1 Training

The next Stage 1 Training courses will run on the following dates:

  • October - Virtual - 9-12 October 09:30 - 16:00

Expenses

Please bear in mind that all claims affect the running costs of the Association and influence the annual subscription rates. We ask members and staff to be as prudent and as cost effective as possible when travelling on BDA business.

It is important that claims are processed within a reasonable timescale so that costs incurred throughout the year can be allocated to budgets and we have up to date information on expenditure. For this reason we ask that claims be submitted as soon as is practically possible but, in any event, within the month following the month of the expenses being incurred eg: expenses incurred in June, should be received no later than the end of July. 

The BDA financial year ends in February and all claims must be received by the end of February so that payment can be made within the same financial year. 

Late claims will only be paid in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Honorary Treasurer.

Travel

The most economical means of transport should be used and to help reduce Carbon emissions we ask staff and members to use public transport wherever possible.

The mileage rate is 45p per mile, where use of public transport is not practical or available (e.g. would take a considerable amount of time).

Use of air travel should only be used if other means of transport are unavailable or impractical. Most air travel can be made with budget airlines and you are encouraged to book well in advance to take advantage of cheaper tickets.

Taxis will not normally be reimbursed unless are the only viable option. The BDA will not pay for short taxi journeys, such as to the office from the station or preferred Birmingham hotel unless agreed in advance.

In London, the underground is normally quicker and cost effective.

Members and staff can reclaim their expenses for travel booked from the BDA.

To claim back your expenses please complete and return the BDA Expenses Form:

Important Information

BDA has found that many places are booked last minute, therefore bookings are left open as long as possible, whilst being mindful that delegates will be keen to finalise arrangements for attendance.

BDA does not recommend registrants making travel arrangements before the course has been officially confirmed as running and can accept no responsibility for any travel costs incurred in the event of cancellation.
 

Notes

All claims must be supported by Receipts where appropriate. VAT Receipts should be submitted wherever possible to enable the BDA to reclaim VAT.

All claims must be authorised by the Chairman of the relevant Committee or the relevant staff member and forwarded to the Accounts Department.

 

What could the government do to help people live more healthily?

In homes and neighbourhoods

Evidence shows that broadcast advertising has a significant impact on people’s food choices and eating behaviour, especially children. Children can begin to recognise brands from a very young age, and we know that most of the advertising children are exposed to is on television intended for “adults” during typical family viewing. Reducing our exposure to advertising of products that are not conducive to good physical and mental health, such as HFSS food, gambling and alcohol will have a positive impact.

Ensuring that people can easily access good and affordable food, with reduced exposure to takeaways and other sources of HFSS foods would be significant. Evidence shows that more than a million people live in “food deserts” where they struggle to access healthy food (such as fresh fruit and vegetables) due to poverty, a lack of supermarkets and poor public transport. Where supermarkets are present, they should be prevented from promoting HFSS foods through in store advertising and price promotions, which have been shown to be effective in driving increased sales and are disproportionately used to promote unhealthy options.

Councils need to be encouraged and empowered to reduce the number of hot food takeaways in any given area. Even for those that already exist, by working in partnership local authorities can increase the healthy food they offer and discourage pricing and advertising that targets children and young people with unhealthy options. Some local authorities have a food strategy committee or equivalent, with dietetic representation (e.g. in Leeds, West Yorkshire). This should become consistent policy nationally.         

When going somewhere

Transport is another place where advertising and promotion of products could be restricted. Transport for London have already taken steps to reduce the promotion of HFSS foods and beverages on their network, and it would be positive to see this replicated elsewhere with support from central and local government.  

Encouraging active travel is a positive way to encourage people to exercise more in a safe way.

In workplaces

Full-time working people consume more than half their calories while at work, and many modern jobs are sedentary and not conducive to good health. Equally, evidence shows that shift workers and those that work long hours with frequent overtime are at increased risk of developing conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Employers should be incentivised to help their employees eat a healthy diet, maintain appropriate work/life balance and take regular exercise. This should include employee involvement in the planning and delivery of interventions, buy in from senior management and multi-level approaches. Initiatives such as BDA Work Ready can help workplaces create a healthier work environment.