Why has the TUC introduced accreditation?
Firstly, for many years the Government’s education inspectors have reported that TUC courses are of high quality but this and the students’ achievements have never been formally recognised. They think it should be and so does the TUC. Secondly, the funding for courses depends on accreditation. Does that mean we are going to have exams? No. There is an assessment process, but we’ll do it together in a collective way. You do have to keep some evidence but you would normally keep a file of the documents and materials you get on a course anyway. What happens if I don’t pass? It’s not like that. There is no ‘`pass” or “fail”. If you attend the course, you are bound to learn things that will help you as a union representative. The accreditation process formally records this. So do I have to be assessed? No. It’s up to you. Accreditation is offered as an extra service to those who come on courses, but it’s your choice. You can attend the course without registering for accreditation. You do no
