The Learning Representatives Role

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The Learning Representatives Role

• Making a difference

Andrew Hutchings, Kerry Macnish, Gillian
Mills South West Region Learning Representatives
Committee
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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

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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).

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Further information

• For further information, please contact -
• Andrew Hutchings
• Learning Representative
• c/o RCN South West Regional Office
• Dixs Field
• Exeter
• EX1 1QA
• Tel [phone]
• Email andrew.hutchings_at_pcs-tr.swest.nhs.uk