Levelling Up with the AA

This week, our reps at the AA took part in Levelling Up – Session One at Kidderminster, part of our ongoing partnership with the AA to strengthen representation and deliver better outcomes for members.

Led by Paul Parker, ER Specialist at the AA and Paul Thomas, Community Rep at AA Silver Fleet, the session covered key areas including:

• Flexible Working
• Attendance Management
• Disciplinary Investigations & Hearings
• Managing Probationers
• Grievance Procedures
• Family Leave & Family Friendly Policies.

It’s a lot to cover all in one day, but this full day of training with plenty of engagement from reps. As Bev Stafford, our AA Regional Secretary for Newcastle, said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it very informative. It was very well presented, and everyone had some input to it.”

Paul Parker, an AA ER Specialist and Paul Thomas, Community Rep at Silver Fleet.

Why Levelling Up Matters

These sessions with the AA are more than just training. The sessions are about giving reps the skills, confidence and understanding they need to represent members effectively. By exploring how policies are developed and applied, our reps can negotiate with clarity, resolve issues efficiently and support members when it matters most.

Building a Strong Partnership with the AA

This training programme is part of a project we started over 12 months ago, closely linked to our union learning agenda. From the start, the AA has embraced learning as a key to unlocking potential in the workforce, and together we’ve been able to go beyond simply sharing policies.

Now, we’re focusing on legal updates, policy impact, and practical application – ensuring our reps understand not just what a policy says, but why it exists and how to use it to get the best outcomes for members.

Looking Ahead

As we move into Levelling Up – Session Two, reps can look forward to training on:

• Dignity at Work
• Performance Capability
• Reasonable Adjustments & Phased Return to Work
• Neonatal Leave & Parental Bereavement Leave
• New & Upcoming Employment Laws
• Flexible Working & Attendance (Short & Long Term)
• Disciplinary Investigations & Hearings
• Managing Probationers
• Grievance Procedures
• Family Friendly Policies (Maternity, Adoption, Parental & Paternity Leave)

By continuing to invest in our reps, we are strengthening our collective voice and making sure every member of Community at the AA has expert support when they need it most.