Black Members' Development Programme
Right across the trade union movement Black workers are underrepresented as union reps, branch officers, activists and more.
In 2023 the Union set up Breaking Down Barriers because, like all Unions, we have a problem with the under-representation of Black members in union roles and at union events.
We want to break down the barriers that stand in the way of Black members getting more involved.
Watch the video to see participants discuss their experience of the programme.
Now in its fourth year, Breaking Down Barriers is an education and skills programme which gives Black reps the chance to develop their skills and knowledge over the course of ten months. Members are not seconded to the programme but will need release from work to attend classroom and non-classroom sessions during the year.
This year there are 18 reps on the programme, 52 reps have taken part in the programme so far, and the majority have already become more active in the union and wider labour movement.
What reps say about their time on the programme
"I’m more inwardly confident (as in I believe in me) and in what I can achieve."
"I must say that this programme has been a magical master key for me. It has equipped me with the confidence and ability to make a real difference for our members."
"It is a great opportunity to build on skills you have and bring out skills you didn't know you have."
"The programme is one of the best development journeys that you will take in your trade union lifetime."
"Don't miss this excellent opportunity Apply for the Programme today! It's a great chance to grow, learn, and make a real difference."
"Since being on the programme the belief in myself has grown. I have pushed myself in ways that I did not think possible before."
Why do we use the term Black?
We use Black to describe people who have a common experience of racism. It is used to describe people in Britain with a shared history of colonialism and enslavement in the past, and who continue to experience racism and discrimination on the basis of skin colour today. We know the term Black is not perfect and it is not used as a descriptive term (just as white is not). But in order to get a sense of collective solidarity we need to identify things that we share in order to build a movement for change.
Put simply the term Black includes any member who is at risk of racism and of being treated less favourably because of their skin colour. This term therefore includes a wide range of members including Asian members, African and Caribbean members, and Chinese members.
This year the programme is open to reps who have completed their basic Usdaw rep training and have registered for, or completed, their advanced shop steward, H&S rep or ULR rep training.
Watch the video to learn more.
Get involved
If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting more involved in Usdaw, developing their skills and connecting with others please let us know.
Applications are now open, and will close on Monday, 13 July 2026.
If you have any questions at all about the programme, feel free to contact the Equalities Section at Usdaw Head Office on 0161 224 2804 or by email.
TUC - Anti-Racism Tracker
The TUC are taking forward the work of their Anti-Racism Taskforce, by launching the Anti-Racism Tracker.
View the video:
