This snapshot taken on 02/10/2009, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
We're creating a single website for everything to do with BIS but, while we do that, you'll find information in three places. > Find what you're looking for
The third round of the Union Modernisation Fund (UMF) opened on 12 February 2009. The closing date for receipt of applications was 5 June 2009.
Round Three is focusing on the delivery of new ideas for improving the support that unions and others can provide to vulnerable workers. The new focus will allow unions to tackle a range of serious challenges faced by vulnerable workers and will enable partnerships to be developed with voluntary and community organisations which have specific expertise in this area.
The winners of Round Three were announced on 15 September 2009 (see the news release available via the link provided). For those interested in how the UMF works, copies of the application pack are still available by clicking on the link. For further information on the current position, please contact Sarah Elliott on 020 7215 6399 or via e-mail at sarah.elliott@bis.gsi.gov.uk
The UMF is a Government grant scheme which provides financial assistance to independent trade unions and their federations in support of innovative modernisation projects which contribute to a transformational change in the organisational effectiveness of a union. By funding such projects, the UMF seeks to enhance the ability of trade unions to meet the needs of their members; and to make an effective contribution to constructive employment relations and the economy as a whole.
Bids are assessed against a set of eligibility and selection criteria, including compliance with the Fund's modernisation's objectives. Successful projects are evaluated and the results publicised among trade unions. This will enable unions to test innovative new ideas, to learn what works and to apply these lessons more widely.
The establishment of the Union Modernisation Fund was announced in Parliament on 11 February 2004 by Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations. At the same time he announced that the Government was tabling an amendment to the Employment Relations Bill (now the Employment Relations Act 2004) which would provide the legislative basis for the establishment of the Fund. Section 55 of that Act inserts a new section into the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 which creates a power for the Secretary of State to make funds available to independent trade unions and federations of trade unions to modernise their operations.
For more information on the background to the development of the UMF see:
(530KB)
(647KB)