RCN reps can now complete their initial learning online. We take a look at how it works and what reps think of the new online pathway
Over the past ten months, most organisations have had to shift to digital ways of working and the RCN is no exception. In September, we launched our online learning and development pathway for RCN reps, meaning new reps or reps taking on an additional role, can now complete the learning they need to start supporting members online, often from home.
“All reps are required to complete a foundation module and then a role-specific development module,” explains Gina Newton, RCN Learning and Development Facilitator. “Previously each module has been delivered with four days of face-to-face learning and one day of self-directed learning.
“Now these modules can all be completed online over set days, or at a time that suits learners, with online drop-in sessions on Microsoft Teams allowing us to maintain a level of group support and engagement.”
It was important to ensure new reps continued to have the chance to progress through the pathway to become competent and confident in their role
Gina’s fellow Learning and Development Facilitator and Project Lead Gaynor Bradley says the Learning, Development and Improvement (LDI) team had already been looking at ways to deliver blended learning – a mix of online and face-to-face learning – before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but its arrival sped the process up.
Gaynor says: “We knew it was likely that more members would be seeking support during the pandemic, so it was really important for us to ensure that new reps continued to have the chance to progress through the pathway to become competent and confident in their role in order to provide that support.”
In March, the LDI team set about adapting each individual module for online, running a pilot project in July and working closely with the RCN’s three UK reps committees to keep them informed each step of the way. By September, the online pathway was ready to launch and now learning reps, safety reps and stewards from across the UK are completing their learning pathway virtually.
It was good to see other people and talk to them about how they were finding it. For me, it took the fear factor away
The benefits of flexible working
“It was a bit daunting at first because it’s a new process for everyone,” says Carol Carless, an RCN steward from the North West region who completed her foundation module and steward development module last month. “I do like meeting people face-to-face, but I found that having the freedom to complete the learning at my own speed was a real benefit, especially as you could go back over things or save files to your computer to read again later.”
Denise Kelly, an RCN steward for three years, recently completed the safety rep module online. She agrees with Carol that being able to access the learning at home is a huge advantage.
“I live in Northern Ireland and I felt this new way of learning helped with my work-life balance,” says Denise. “I wasn’t rushing around to get a flight and I didn’t have to spend time away from home overnight. It dramatically reduced the personal time commitment for me.
“Of course, it’s not the same as meeting people in person but the online group sessions were a good alternative. I still had the opportunity to speak to RCN staff and other reps taking the same programme. In one of our group sessions, we asked if we could stay online after the session ended to have a chat and get to know each other.”
Carol adds: “It was good to see other people and talk to them about how they were finding it and the challenges. For me, it took the fear factor away.”
Carol says that although there was flexibility in terms of being able to complete the programme at your own speed, the fact that the some sessions still take place on specific days due to the scheduled online group sessions was really helpful.
“I was able to say to my employer, these are the days that need to be allocated for my learning and this is how long it will take,” says Carol.
Denise adds: “You do need to have self-discipline and manage your time well. The programme has a clear timeline so you can see how long you should spend on each section. However, everyone has their own pace of learning and you can take more time if you need to.”
Gina says that not everyone will have reached the same point by the time a group session starts but nevertheless it’s a good opportunity to discuss how it’s going and talk through different scenarios or queries.
“It’s also an opportunity for reps to meet RCN staff,” says Gina. “Our regional officers can join the meeting, introduce themselves and talk about how they work with reps. The online format also makes it easier for more people to join rather than struggling to find a time for everyone to physically be in the same room.
“In a recent session, Chair of the RCN Trade Union Committee Graham Revie joined us. He’s based in Scotland so previously it wouldn’t have been feasible for him to travel down to London or elsewhere for such a short time slot.
“He may have provided a video but it’s not as interactive. Joining the session online offered a real spontaneity and allowed reps to ask him direct questions.”
Being able to complete the programme while the issues presented by the pandemic are ongoing is really advantageous
Embracing new ways of working
Denise says her advice to others is to embrace and enjoy the experience, and Carol says she found using a computer easier than a tablet.
“Don’t worry if there are a few IT issues,” says Denise. “You can always watch things back or catch up later. I initially had a problem accessing some of the resources, but it was quickly resolved with an email to my facilitator who put the IT team in contact with me.”
Gina explains that on the dates of the scheduled sessions, facilitators are available all day: “We’re there to run the group sessions, but reps can also call us or send an email at any point if they’re having any problems or need some support. We can also help if reps need to borrow items, such as laptops, or if they have additional learning needs.”
RCN steward André Santos from the Eastern region recently completed the learning rep module and made use of the support on offer. “I wanted some feedback on my work,” says André. “So, I emailed Gina and she arranged a call which was really helpful. It’s great to know that one-to-one support is still an option.”
We need to embrace technology and new ways of working because it’s the future
As well as the individual benefits for those completing the programme, André says it’s clear to see how the online pathway will have broader benefits for the College. “There’s a clear cost saving,” says André. “People no longer have to travel as a must to complete their learning. When undertaking my steward module last year, I had to take a long train journey every day for a week.
“There’s a risk online programmes can feel slightly less personal, but the group sessions allow debate and discussion, and the course is really interactive with videos and tasks. At the moment, we need to embrace technology and new ways of working because it’s the future.”
Gaynor says the LDI team will be reviewing the pathway to see how best to deliver the programme in the future.
“Our online pathway will be in place until at least April and then we’ll be reviewing it to see how we can best support reps going forward,” says Gaynor. “It’s unlikely that the pathway programmes will remain solely online because that doesn’t fit all of our reps’ needs but we will be looking at how we can offer a mixture, maintaining flexibility and the benefits online learning brings.”
Gina adds: “The real joy with the online pathway is that people can work at their own pace and often the work that’s being produced is of a significantly higher quality. I believe that’s a result of reps being able to work through things at their own speed and complete tasks as they go along. In face-to-face sessions, we would ask reps to complete three learning statements at the end instead.”
André, Carol and Denise are now looking forward to putting what they’ve learnt into practice.
Denise says: “For me, the pandemic has really highlighted the value of having a safety rep who can advise and work in partnership with the trust to protect members. Previously, as a steward, I could advise on policies and procedures and now I have that added knowledge and insight into health and safety regulations and legislation to help safeguard members at work.
“Being able to complete the programme while the issues presented by the pandemic are ongoing is really advantageous.”
André feels the same way: “I can really see how my learning rep role will complement my work as a steward at this crucial time.”
More information
If you’re an RCN rep and want more information on our online learning and development pathway, please contact your local RCN office or learning and development facilitator.
If you’re interested in becoming an RCN rep, visit the information pages on our website.
