The Learning Representatives Role

1. The Learning Representatives Role Making a difference Andrew Hutchings, Kerry Macnish, Gillian Mills South West Region Learning Representatives Committee

2. Learning Rep ‘Activists’! • Active South West Region Learning Representatives Committee • National and Regional (Branch) representation • Engaged pro-active contributors • Desire to make a difference • As a group able to make a difference

3. Engaging and networking • South West Region Learning Representative Committee • Meets quarterly. • Opportunity to network and share ideas, experiences and resources with other Learning Reps • Opportunity to engage and work with RCN staff particularly Regional Officers (RO). • Feedback from and into National LRep Committee. • Feedback from and into Regional Board. • Learning opportunity – Expert speaker on topical issue. • Opportunity to ‘shape the future’ from a learning rep perspective (see objectives).

4. Being SMART! Stage 1 - Agreeing priorities • Establishing through group consensus what is desirable and what is realistically achievable? • Identifying short and long term goals? Stage 2 - Setting SMART objectives • To achieve in the short term (S) • To manage on an ongoing/long term basis (L)

5. Achievements (1) Objectives theme - Enhancing local/regional communications • Presentation (S) – The role of the RCN Learning Representative - To explain the role to members and employers and encourage recruitment. • Poster (S) – To promote the role of the South West Learning Representatives with representation at RCN Congress 2006. • Questionnaire (S) – To determine expectations/needs from the Learning Representative role from members. • Branch engagement (L) - Feed into and share plans, progress and achievements with local Branches. • Individual/shared learning activity (L) – Support local learning initiatives/activities for members in Learning Representatives own work-bases/organisations.

6. Achievements (2) Objectives theme - Enhancing local/regional communications • Website (S) – Survey to determine exactly what should be included on the South West RCN Website to inform ‘visitors’ about the Learning Rep role and associated activity and signpost to resources, etc. • Website (L) - Regular review and updating of data • Learning Representative Database (S) – Ensure up to date and that ‘active’ learning rep activists receive regular postal and email communications. • Learning Representative Database (L) – Review yearly in-line with Branch ‘checks’. • Bulletin (L) – Ensure that LRep associated information is promoted in Bulletin in a timely manner.

7. Achievements (3) Objectives theme - Enhancing national communications • Congress Discussion Point (S) - Writing topical ‘learning/education’ discussion point for RCN Congress 2007 – Outcome successful! • Learning Representatives Award (S) – Applying for National Learning Representatives Award 2006 (Based on regional conference as detailed below). Won award! • Regional Conference (S) - Agreeing content for and organising ‘learning orientated’ regional learning representative conference (entitled Belts and Braces 2) to take place on March 13th 2007 in Exeter. NB - The above work was achieved through the efforts of the South West Learning Representative Sub-committee.

8. The future? • We celebrate our achievements but recognise that to ‘make a difference’ you have as Learning Reps to be committed and relentless in your push for improvement. This is challenging but nevertheless rewarding and not least when your efforts meet with positive outcomes.

9. Further information For further information, please contact: - Andrew Hutchings Learning Representative c/o RCN South West Regional Office Dix’s Field Exeter EX1 1QA Tel: 07876 744589 Email: andrew.hutchings@pcs-tr.swest.nhs.uk