Learning to count: a challenge facing trade unions in their educational role

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 287-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Lee ◽  
Catherine Cassell
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Role ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Extensive Information ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are to explain how the need arose for trade unions to develop accounting systems to monitor learning outcomes and to illuminate how trade unions rose to that challenge.Design/methodology/approachA semi‐structured interview study of the full‐time educational officers of a number of the UK trade unions produced transcripts that were analysed using template analysis and were supplemented by collection of documentary evidence from the trade unions and interviews and documents from related organizations.FindingsTrade unions are starting to compile extensive information about the learning opportunities that they are facilitating.Practical implicationsInformation produced by the trade union's accounting systems highlights the value of the government's investment in the union learning fund (ULF).Originality/valueThis is the only study to address the systems of monitoring developed by trade unions in response to the receipt of funds from the ULF in the UK.

The challenges of working with sexual offenders who have autism in secure services

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaunagh MacDonald ◽  
Jane Clarbour ◽  
Clare Whitton ◽  
Kelly Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Mediating Factors ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Challenging Environment ◽  
Staff Group ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Negative Feelings

Purpose Previous literature has reported that working with sexual offenders can impact staff negatively (Hatcher and Noakes, 2010). In addition, working with individuals with intellectual disability also appears to be challenging. There are benefits stated of working with sexual offenders and the purpose of this paper is to seek to highlight the challenges and positive experiences of staff members working with sexual offenders who have autism. Design/methodology/approach As working with this population has not been previously investigated, a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the challenges and benefits of working with this population. Eight participants were interviewed who work on the autism specialist ward at a forensic secure hospital in the UK. Findings Template analysis identified three master themes: mediating factors, challenges and consequences, which were incorporated into the Model of Person-Organisation Wellbeing (M-POW). The findings show the specific challenges of working with a population that has not been previously studied. Research limitations/implications The study utilised a small, heterogeneous self-selecting sample from one clinical site. Practical implications Findings suggest there are a number of specific challenges this staff group face, and steps that can be taken at the personal and organisational level to mediate these. Recommendations are made for how staff are supported in their work from recruitment and induction onwards. Originality/value The M-POW highlights mediating factors that can be adjusted to develop more effective coping strategies for working in what, for some, is a challenging environment. This model provides a framework that can be adopted by organisations to ensure that the likelihood of their staff experiencing negative feelings is reduced and also suggests future avenues of research.

scholarly journals Young and unionised in the UK? Insights from the public sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Hodder
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Young Workers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Primary Documents ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between trade unions and young workers in the UK using the Young Members’ Network of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union as a case study. Design/methodology/approach – Findings are based on semi-structured interviews with 20 full-time officials and 39 lay officials of all ages, the collection and analysis of primary documents and observations at a range of union meetings. Findings – It is argued that PCS has developed a strong network of young activists and is leading the way in terms of engaging with and representing young workers. However, its success in the future may be limited due to changes to the external environment in which the union is trying to organise. Research limitations/implications – The research highlights the role of an under researched area of trade union membership. To provide additional insights, further research is needed into the practice of other unions. Originality/value – This paper provides significant qualitative analysis into this issue which complements the existing quantitative research in this area.

Turning full circle? Changing industrial relations in the magazine industry in Britain

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-108
Author(s):  
Gregor Gall
Keyword(s):  
Collective Bargaining ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Full Time ◽  
National Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Union Renewal ◽  
Magazine Industry ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the processes and outcomes under which employers in the magazine industry in the UK ended the collective bargaining agreements for journalists with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and instituted a unilateral‐based regime in the employment relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe research data were generated primarily via interviews with lay office holders and full‐time paid officials of the NUJ.FindingsThe journalists' union maintained a presence despite employer hostility and has been able to use this as a basis to regain collective bargaining agreements. Nonetheless, the relative weakness of the NUJ has meant that it has been unable to date to force the magazine employers into conducting genuine collective bargaining. This represents a case of impeded but not dissipated “union renewal”, suggesting the union renewal could be termed as being of a “stunted” nature.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the research should be taken as being preliminary given that the NUJ has only recently regained union recognition and begun conducting collective bargaining again. A longer timescale will allow more definitive judgements to be made.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates the significant challenges that trade unions face to reassert themselves in the workplace in the face of employer ambivalence and hostility despite regaining formal union recognition rights.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence of how trade unions are progressing after regaining union recognition.

scholarly journals When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Caring for Adults Using Substances at the End of Life

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Templeton ◽  
Sarah Galvani ◽  
Marian Peacock
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Key Terms

AbstractThis paper draws on data from one strand of a six-strand, exploratory study on end of life care for adults using substances (AUS). It presents data from the key informant (KI) strand of the study that aimed to identify models of practice in the UK. Participant recruitment was purposive and used snowball sampling to recruit KIs from a range of health and social care, policy and practice backgrounds. Data were collected in 2016–2017 from 20 KIs using a semi-structured interview approach. The data were analysed using template analysis as discussed by King (2012). This paper focusses on two of seven resulting themes, namely “Definitions and perceptions of key terms” in end of life care and substance use sectors, and “Service commissioning and delivery.” The KIs demonstrated dedicated individual practice, but were critical of the systemic failure to provide adequate direction and resources to support people using substances at the end of their lives.

Reflecting on over a year of remote training, and where businesses must go from here

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Kairinos
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Remote Training ◽  
Training Schemes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Full Time Employment

Purpose The study aims to explore how businesses across the UK have adapted to over a year of remote training, and where there is room for improvement as long-term hybrid working plans are put in place. The study also uncovers what digital tools businesses have relied on to deliver learning and development initiatives during remote working, and their effects on employee engagement and experience. Design/methodology/approach An independent body of research was commissioned among 750 UK business leaders and 1,235 UK adults in full-time employment. Findings The research found that while the majority of businesses were able to leverage digital solutions during extended periods of remote work, significant numbers found it difficult to train and develop employees remotely, with many employees dissatisfied with the outcomes. Originality/value The research offers some valuable insights for business leaders looking to improve their training schemes as workplaces settle into new patterns of working.

Higher apprenticeships and the new apprenticeship standards

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arti Saraswat
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Further Education ◽  
The Body ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
College Staff ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The UK government is actively promoting higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships and this agenda has been gaining momentum amongst the various providers of apprenticeships. The purpose of this paper is to draw on an exploratory study on English further education (FE) colleges and highlight some of the key drivers of delivery, and possible challenges that can be faced by the providers in any expansion of this provision. Staff perceptions on the new apprenticeship standards are also presented in the paper. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a qualitative exploratory study with ten FE colleges in England. As part of the study, 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with college staff and managers. Findings Higher apprenticeships have the potential to offer work-focussed alternatives to the conventional full-time degree models of higher education, however, the paper sheds light on a number of factors can limit the uptake of higher and degree apprenticeships. Practical implications The paper presents some practical challenges in developing higher apprenticeships and outlines some successful instances of higher apprenticeships which will be useful for those involved in the design and delivery of apprenticeships at FE colleges as well as at other providers. Originality/value This paper draws on research with FE colleges and will be of particular significance to FE colleges and universities that may consider delivering higher apprenticeships. The paper presents insights into institutional experiences and decision-making associated with higher and degree apprenticeships and, in doing so, the paper offers valuable contributions to the body of knowledge in this under-researched area.

How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Zain Sikafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them. Findings Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments. Originality/value The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.

A case study and interview with Jill McDonald CEO and President of McDonald's Northern Europe Division

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby Ghobadian ◽  
Nicholas O’Regan
Keyword(s):  
Chief Executive ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Continuous Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Organization ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how strategy is developed and implemented within a subsidiary of a global organization, the relationship between subsidiary and headquarters and the need for continuous change and adaption to remain relevant. Furthermore, this case study describes a successful process of invention and adoption. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on documentary evidence and a semi-structured interview with Jill McDonald CEO and President of McDonald's Northern Europe Division with responsibility for the UK, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and the Republic of Ireland. Management research rarely captures the views of the top executive, yet the top executives have a broad picture and are key strategic decision makers. Findings – The case study and interview offers a unique insight into factors contributing to McDonald's unprecedented success (it has paid an increased dividend for the past 37 years). It also sheds light on its successful internationalization strategy. Originality/value – The case study draws on published material and augments this with an in-depth interview with the Chief Executive. Very few case studies offer insight into the thinking of a Chief Executive managing a subsidiary of a global organization. Its value lies in the lessons that managers and students of management can draw on the approach adopted by a highly successful global organization.

Online induction programme with webinar: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Sharon Warren ◽  
Patricia Black ◽  
Elizabeth Mills
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Student Feedback ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of an online induction programme including an interactive webinar on a distance learning course and to present student feedback on the programme. It focuses on lessons learnt and implications for others implementing similar induction programmes. Design/methodology/approach – A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all students enroled on the programme, including those who did not attend the webinar or participate in the online induction programme. This was followed up with a semi-structured interview. The analysis focused on the student experience of the induction programme. Findings – Overall, students reported to be satisfied with the online programme. The webinar encouraged engagement with some elements of the online workshop and was felt to complement the other learning opportunities available online. The webinar was particularly valued for providing a “face” to the course, facilitating interactivity among tutors and students and helping the students to feel part of the University. Students also reported that the webinar had the advantage of allowing a social interaction between them. Practical implications – A number of key changes related to multiple offerings of the webinar and the timing of activities in the online workshop were highlighted to encourage participation. Greater clarity on what is required in the induction and how long it would take would also encourage participation. Originality/value – This case study is one of the few to evaluate the inclusion of webinar technology within an online induction programme and, therefore, has value in this context.

Between a rock and a hard place: the dilemmas of managing part‐time working in the police service

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-25
Keyword(s):  
Police Force ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Police Station ◽  
Family Friendly ◽  
The Status ◽  
Part Time ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Control

PurposeTo study the effects of the introduction of part‐time working on managing a police force.Design/methodology/approachThis case study involved in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with part‐time officers in an English police force, their full‐time colleagues and managers.FindingsThe author illustrates practical problems which police managers face in ensuring they have staff in adequate numbers and experience to carry out the duties required of an organization which has to operate 24 hours‐a‐day, seven days‐a‐week and which has no way of knowing in advance what demands will be placed on it at any given time. The study focuses attention on the dilemma of legislation designed to improve the status of part‐time workers generally, and people's expectation of “family friendly” employment, with the traditional “command and control” needs of an organization such as a police force.Practical implicationsImplications for human resource management are identified, as the conflicting needs and views of manager and part‐time employees are explored. These conflicts are particularly difficult for HR to reconcile as part‐time and reduced‐hours working continues its expansion.Originality/valueProvides some useful information on part‐time working at a police station in the UK.

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