This newsletter is intended to keep you abreast of policy developments in learning and skills and the TUC / trade union view on them as well as keeping you up-to-date on a range of union learning initiatives.

Safer Practice, Safer Learning sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of further education colleges, adult and community learning providers and providers of work-based training in the learning and skills sector in England.

Education and training providers need to be prepared to deal with all aspects of creating a safer environment. Safer Practice, Safer Learning offers guidelines to education and training providers on producing supporting policies and procedures, as well as suggestions for raising awareness of abuse with strategies to deal with it among staff and learners.

Most importantly, this guide recommends creating a ''safer'' learning environment that promotes well-being and security, essential for all learners and all staff. While it is important to recognise that certain groups of people are legally identified as vulnerable, and to have relevant policies, procedures and practices in place, it is better to have fully inclusive and integrated ''safer'' practices that apply to all staff and learners. This creates a safer environment for all.

TUC Education is responsible within unionlearn for building union capacity through the provision of quality education and training for union workplace reps and professionals. This free directory will help you find your way round their network of colleges and learning centres.