MU Organising Training Programme Find out about the union’s new Organising Training Programme to support members campaigning in their workplace or local music community. Last updated: 27 August 2025 On this page: Introduction to the programme MU Organising Training Programme FAQs Digital badge FAQs Introduction to the MU Organising Training Programme The MU has launched its first ever Organising Training Programme as part of the Freelance Shout Out campaign. The first three modules cover an introduction to trade unions, organising and campaigning, and are being rolled out to members where there is an urgent and strategic need. While the training was inspired by the need to organise freelance musicians, all introductory modules are designed with both freelance and employed members in mind. Further modules will be developed over the next few years and we hope that, in time, this will result in a comprehensive training programme that every member can take part in. Members who have completed certain modules or sets of modules will have access to verified digital badges to show they have completed the course. These are provided by Credly, which is also used by the Trades Union Congress to verify their training events and programmes. The Musicians’ Union Guide to Organising and Campaigning This guide is an introduction to what organising is, how it works, and what to do if you think you might have an issue in your workplace or local music community. Download the guide MU Organising Training Programme FAQs Who is the Organising Training Programme for? It is for members who want to or are undertaking to organise their workplace or local music community in order to campaign on an industrial issue. How can I get training? As the training programme is still in development, modules are being rolled out according to strategic need and staff availability. However, we hope in future to be able to make it available to more members. If you're interested in training for your workplace or local music community now or in future, please email Campaigns Manager Maddy Radcliff at campaigns@theMU.org Is the training for freelancers only? No – all introductory modules are designed with both freelance and employed members in mind. Future modules will be streamed by employment status, so that organising training is available to everyone regardless of where or how they are employed. How many modules are available? Currently, there are three modules available: Introduction to Trade Unions Introduction to Organising Introduction to Campaigning. Further modules are in development, and we will be testing these with members as they become available. Do I have to do the modules in order? Yes – each module builds on the previous one. This means that it is not possible to skip a module and carry on to the next one. Are modules taught or self-paced? The first three modules are workshops that can take place in person or online, and are led by a dedicated union official. Future modules are planned to be a mix of staff-led workshops and self-paced activity. Are staff-led modules in person or online? Staff-led modules can be made available in person or online depending on group needs and staff availability. Are there any resources to support learning? Everything you need is in the workshop and slides will be provided after the event. You can also download and use the MU Guide to Organising and Campaigning, which covers the essential points from training and includes additional guidance on recruitment conversations and equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Is the training accredited? The modules are not accredited by an awarding body. However, members who have completed each of the first three modules can access verified badges and certificates via Credly. When will all the training programme modules be ready? This is a long-term, multi-year project. Our approach is to develop, test and deliver modules as quickly as we can at the same time as supporting members through industrial organising and campaigning activities. Doing it in this way means we can be sure that the modules work for all members, and provide the knowledge and understanding you need to win. Digital badge FAQs What is Credly? Credly is a platform that allows organisations to issue and verify digital credentials. You can view the modules – and corresponding badges – available on our Credly profile. What is a digital credential? Credly provides a digital badge that is verified by the MU. You will be able to share your verified badge on social media, and download copies of your badge and a certificate for your records. How do you get your digital credential? When signing up for a module, you will be asked for consent to share your name, email and other necessary information with Credly for the purpose of issuing the badge. Everyone who consents – and completes the module - will receive an email from Credly inviting then to accept their digital badge. If you need help or support with accessing your badge, please email campaigns@theMU.org What is Credly’s privacy policy? You can read their privacy policy here. Is there alt text/image descriptions for Credly badges? Yes – a list of alt text/image descriptions are provided below and we will add to this list as new badges are added. Introduction to Trade Unions A yellow octagonal badge with a white bar across the centre. Across the top are outlines of three stars, with the first star filled in white. Underneath, all caps black text says “Introduction to”. In the white bar across the centre, yellow text with a black outline says “Trade Unions.” Below is the union logo in black with the text “Musicians’ Union” above a squiggle in the shape of the letters “M” and “U”. Introduction to Organising A yellow octagonal badge with a white bar across the centre. Across the top are outlines of three stars, with the first two filled in white. Underneath, all caps black text says “Introduction to”. In the white bar across the centre, yellow text with a black outline says “Organising.” Below is the union logo in black with the text “Musicians’ Union” above a squiggle in the shape of the letters “M” and “U”. Introduction to Campaigning A yellow octagonal badge with a white bar across the centre. Across the top are outlines of three stars filled in white. Underneath, all caps black text says “Introduction to”. In the white bar across the centre, yellow text with a black outline says “Trade Unions.” Below is the union logo in black with the text “Musicians’ Union” above a squiggle in the shape of the letters “M” and “U”.