Welcome to our Political School! 

We’re delighted you’re joining us and we’re looking forward to meeting you this coming Friday! This page includes key information you’ll need before and during the course and will be updated throughout.

Please read our Working Together Guidelines before attending the course so you are familiar with the standards, expectations, and shared commitments that shape how we learn and work together throughout the programme.

Review key information and complete the questionnaire and short task. These are essential for getting the most out of the programme, so set aside time to complete them in advance.

If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties, contact Robbie@labourunions.org.uk, if your circumstances change please let me and your union know ASAP. 

Email preferred, but you can also text or phone 07958 160 132.

Accessibility and Dietary Requirements: We need this information ASAP,  Email: Robbie@labourunions.org.uk

Key Details

📅 Dates: Friday, 21 November – Sunday, 23 November
📍 Location: Leeds Marriott Hotel, Trevelyan Square, Leeds, LS1 6ET (Click here)

  • Friday, 21 November – Arrivals and registration from 12 noon, lunch provided.
  • Sunday, 23  November – The programme concludes at 2:30 pm, lunch provided.

Travel:  You should arrange your own travel or do so in consultation with your union. Travel costs and any incidental expenses should be claimed in line with your union’s policies

Arrival  –

Please come straight to the conference centre, Kitchen area on the Mezzanine floor, you can leave your bags in the TREVELYAN SUITE  until the end of the day. 

 

Tell Us What Motivates You

Ahead of Political School, we’d love to hear what brought you here. Send a one-minute video to Robbie@labourunions.org.uk, sharing:

  • Why you applied for the course
  • An issue or campaign you’re passionate about

No need for anything fancy just a simple video filmed on your phone or webcam is perfect. This will help us understand what drives you and what you hope to gain from the programme. We need your video by November 15th.

This task, along with the questionnaire, will also help prepare you for our Sunday morning activity, where you’ll be delivering a short speech. It’s nothing to worry about, you’re in a supportive environment!

Working Agenda:

Please note: this is a working agenda and times may vary.

Friday 21 November
12:00 Session: Registration and Lunch
13:00 Session: Welcome and Introductions
13:30 Session: Labour History Timeline
14:45 Session: Why Trade Unions Do Politics
16:00 Session: Break
16:20 Session: Political Journey Panel (Guest Speaker)
17:45 Session: Delegate Mentoring Check-ins
19:30 Dinner in the Brodrick Suite (ground floor)

Saturday 22 November
09:00 Session: Introduction to the Labour Party
10:10 Session: How to Pitch Yourself: What’s Your Story
11:10 Session: Break
11:30 Session: Local Government Panel (Guest Speaker)
12:30 Session: Lunch
13:30 Session: Women’s Realities in Politics Panel (Guest Speaker)
14:15 Session: Policy Hour: Understanding Policy
15:15 Session: Public Speaking and Speechwriting
16:15 Session: Break
16:35 Session: Meet the Members: Political Conversations
17:35 Session: Drafting Your Pitch and Delegate Check-ins
20:00 Dinner in the Trevelyan Suite (first floor)

Sunday 23 November
09:30 Session: Communications and Social Media: Building a Profile and Campaigning
10:30 Session: Break and Checkout
11:00 Session: Speech Practice
13:00 Session: Next Steps and Wrap-Up with Lunch to Go

End 14:30

Scroll down to complete the questionnaire.