Introduction to Employee Representation

3 Hour – fast paced hands practical introduction to employee representation – for new employee representatives. 

Our introduction to employee representation training course for employee representatives explains the role and duties of employee representatives. The workforce in general, and many new to role employee representatives, often believe the role of the workforce representative is to fight management and fight for the workforce’s position. A loose-loose strategy.  In reality the role is more about business development, sharing of ideas and cascading information to and from the employer. A win-win strategy.

This short course for workforce representatives gain clarity on their role and duties, in doing so it helps them become more effective in role.

Effective employee representation enhances workforce/management relations and helps deliver a raft of business benefits but the role often involves duties that are substantially different to those within the representatives’ “day” job; attending meetings, taking minutes and notes, negotiating and influencing at all levels, feeding back, making presentations and public speaking. Couple with this the differing aims, needs and priorities the reps come into contact with (Individuals, the workforce as a whole, management and the business itself) and it becomes clear that the role of the employee representative is a demanding one. When employee representatives misunderstand their role and duties or see it as challenging management and fighting for workers rights all parties loose out. 

For Whom?

This training course is for new, potential or recently elected employee representatives from all business types and sectors.

what are the Training Outcomes Course Aims and Objectives?

The course provides employee representatives’ with a better insight into their role, responsibilities and typical duties. It also stimulates thoughts and ideas on what is needed to be effective in role and the personal skills representatives may need to develop further.

Our longer courses include greater amounts of detail and where requested, customisation to the local role and duties of participants. They can also be scaled to provide comprehensive support on specific skill areas.

Content

The Role of the Employee Representative

  • General duties and responsibilities of the Employee Representative
  • Typical structures and boundaries
  • The benefits on offer to both the employer and the employee/s
  • Consultation and Negotiation, what, when and why

Skills that Improve Effectiveness in Role

  • What makes for an effective representative?
  • Balancing the needs of the organisation and employees
  • Commitment to personal and professional development

Personal Skills

This session stimulates awareness of the skills needed to be effective in the following typical duties and responsibilities. Time restrictions mean the session is limited to raising awareness only.  Skill Training is available via an extra session/s. 

  • Communication – Public Speaking,
  • Active Listening, Effective Questioning
  • Influencing
  • Negotiating
  • Reporting Back
  • Attending Meetings

More courses for Employee Reps

Employee Representation Reference Guides

These guides are provided free of charge to help make your employee representation forum more effective. Our Employee Representation training courses explore and build on these to help you improve quality and effective even further.  

Employee Representation Models

When introducing Employee Representation, the first thing that needs to be considered is the scope and structure that best meets the needs of the business. This guide explores 4 typical structures.

Employee Representation Forum Constitutions

This reference document outlines typical rules & arrangements for effective Employee Representation Forums. It includes hints and tips on employee representation forum structures rules and boundaries

Advocacy Model – 10 tips for Difficult Meetings

In non-unionised organisations employee representatives are often tasked with providing advocacy and mentoring support to staff. These meetings can be complex and demanding. This short article provides 10 useful hints and tips to make any meeting go smoothly

What Makes an Employee Representative Effective?

Employee Representatives are usually elected by the people they represent, the workforce. They are often elected on willingness to stand or popularity. What can the employer do to help them perform well in role and help develop business success.  This guides provides some ideas. 

Employee Representative Role Descriptor

An Employee Representative Role Descriptor Template. To maximise the effectiveness of any Employee Representative it is important that those standing, voting and appointing representatives understand the role and what it involves. The Role Descriptor play a critical part in achieving this.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about this Training

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact our support team.

Why should you use Concrew Training?

  • Specialist HR, Employment Law & Compliance training provider
  • We reference to official Government bodies such as ACAS, ICO, EHRC
  • Content tailored to your policies and procedures
  • CPD certificates included
  • 12 months of post-course support
  • UK-wide delivery
  • Online and face-to-face options
  • Open and transparent pricing

What information is available on course content?

We publish detailed course overviews for all courses. These provide indicative content based on the course learning plans. Final content is tailored to each client’s individual requirements.

What other information is available on individual courses?

Free reference guides and resources to help employers evaluate training quality and improve workplace compliance

Can you include our company policies and procedures in the training?

Yes. We actively encourage this approach. Including your policies and procedures helps demonstrate how, where, and why good practice applies within your organisation. This contextualises the learning, improves engagement, and increases the practical value of the training. There is no additional charge for incorporating your policies and procedures.

How long do Concrew Training courses last?

  • This course lasts 3 hours
  • It can be extended to a full-day or multi-day programme.

How many people can attend each course?

  • Online courses: up to 15 participants
  • Face-to-face courses: up to 20 participants
  • Whole workforce awareness sessions: available for larger groups

Where does Concrew Training deliver training?

  • Online: via your preferred video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) across the UK
  • Face-to-face: on your premises in England, Scotland, and Wales

How much does your training cost?

Typical prices range from £800 to £2,000 excluding VAT. Final cost depends on course duration, location, number of participants, and payment terms.

  • Full pricing details available on our website
  • No hidden charges
  • Formal quotations remain valid for 30 days

What are your courses like?

Our courses are delivered as interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures, and typically include:

  • Subject specialist input
  • Interactive quizzes
  • Group discussions
  • Practical exercises
  • Real-world case studies

We incorporate your organisation’s policies and procedures wherever possible to ensure the learning is relevant, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Who delivers the training?

Training is delivered by experienced subject specialists with extensive knowledge in their field. Our trainers:

  • Have significant practical experience
  • Can answer most participant questions during the session
  • Provide follow-up responses for complex questions
  • Are skilled facilitators who make technical subjects engaging

Do you issue CPD certificates?

Yes. All participants receive a CPD certificate detailing learning hours completed and headline course content.

Who uses your training services?

We work with organisations of all sizes, including:

  • Large international organisations
  • Public sector employers
  • Charities and not-for-profits
  • SMEs and local businesses

Attendees commonly include directors, senior leaders, HR professionals, operational managers, line managers, employee representatives, and staff teams. Customer feedback and testimonials are available on our website.

Why should I book a Concrew Training course?

Our training is:

  • Delivered live by subject specialists
  • Designed for real-world application
  • Suitable for teams of up to 20 participants
  • Available face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales
  • Available online across the UK
  • Practical, engaging, and immediately applicable
  • High-quality and competitively priced

Suitable for directors, senior leaders, HR teams, operational managers, line managers, staff teams, and employee representatives.

How far in advance should we book training?

We recommend booking training 2–3 months in advance. Availability is generally good with a three-month lead time. Dates are only reserved once a booking is confirmed. Short-term bookings may be limited.

How do I book a course?

  1. Complete our quote request form
  2. Receive a formal quotation and provide any delivery details
  3. Confirm your booking
  4. Receive a formal Delivery Confirmation and “What Happens Next” guidance

Is there anything else I will need to do?

For online courses

  • Schedule the event on your video conferencing platform
  • Share joining details with attendees
  • Provide the trainer profile and course overview

For face-to-face courses

  • Book the room/venue and required equipment
  • Share trainer details and course overview with attendees
  • Print and provide handouts to the trainer prior to the session

After the course

  • Distribute post-course handouts and CPD certificates

How does your 12-month post-course support service work?

Email us with any training-related questions that arise following the course. We provide guidance and support relating to the training content covered.

Note: This service is not a substitute for legal advice.

What happens if I have more questions?

We’re here to help. You can contact us at any stage before, during, or after your training programme, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.