Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below some help and guidance on using the Climbing Frame. Either scroll down the page to view the questions and answers or use the quick links below to jump to an area of interest.
- The Climbing Frame
- Help / User Manuals
- Home Page
- Learner Management
- Learning Themes
- My Notes
- Reports
- Training
- Technical Queries
- Accessibility
- Suggestions / Getting In Touch
- Help
The Climbing Frame
What is the union learning Climbing Frame?
The union learning Climbing Frame is a free website for Union Learning Reps (ULRs). It allows ULRs to create pathways for learning and action plans for individuals that can be reviewed and updated as they progress on their learning journey.
The Climbing Frame provides up-to-date information and advice for ULRs about a broad range of learning opportunities, and also allows individual unions and organisations to adapt it to their own needs. ULRs can keep an on-going record of who they have worked with and where they are heading, while unions can obtain accurate profiled of their own learners.
Who is the Climbing Frame for?
The Climbing Frame has been designed for ULRs but can also be used by other reps who work with learners.
Why is the Climbing Frame useful?
The Climbing Frame is a one-stop-shop source of up to date information and advice for ULRs about a broad range of learning opportunities available from the Learning Themes section. It also has a Learner Management section, which is useful for record keeping, data collection and reporting.
Is the Climbing Frame a tool which is compulsory for ULRs to use?
No, the Climbing Frame is not compulsory, it is simply a free tool that unionlearn is offering for ULRs to help make their supporting learners role easier.
Accessing the Climbing Frame
What's the web address (URL) for the Climbing Frame?
The web address (URL) for the Climbing Frame is: https://climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk/
How do I log into the site?
Clicking on the 'Login' link at the top of the screen will take you to Login box at the bottom (located at the bottom of the screen). Enter your email address and password and then click the Login button.
I'm not registered, how do I get access to the site?
Clicking on the 'Register' link at the top of the screen will take you to a registration form that you should complete. In order to complete the registration form you will need to provide the following information:
- Union affiliation
- Employer/Sector
- Registration Type, .e.g. registering a ULR or a self-managed learner*
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
- Password
- Workplace
- Postcode
- Confirm agreement to the data protection statement and the terms of use
*Please note: not all unions allow their members to register directly on the Climbing Frame, instead they prefer that members are registered by a Union Learning Representative.
I've forgotten my password, what do I do?
Click on the 'Forgotten your password' link at the bottom of the screen. Enter the email address that you used to register on the Climbing Frame and then click the Send Email button. The system will then email you a link to click on and reset your password.
How do I change my password?
1. Go to the ‘Learner Management’ section (click on ‘Learner Management’)
2. Within the ‘Learners’ tab ensure that your name has been selected (your name will appear at the top)
3. Click on the ‘Learner Details’ tab
4. Within the ‘Personal’ sub tab scroll down the page and you will see ‘Set password’
5. enter your new password here, then re enter the password in the ‘Confirm Set Password’ box
6. and then click ‘Save’.
How much does it cost to use the Climbing Frame?
The Climbing Frame website is completely free to use. The website is provided by unionlearn to help ULRs in their role of supporting learners.
Can I print pages from the Climbing Frame?
Yes you can print all the pages from the Climbing Frame and can also print off the PDF documents which are included in each Learning Theme.
Where can I look for more help with the Climbing Frame?
A great place to look for help when using the Climbing Frame is the Using the Climbing Frame Learning Theme. This Learning Theme provides detailed information about all aspects of the Climbing Frame website including some top tips to help you get the best from the website. As with all the Learning Themes the Using the Climbing Frame Learning Theme is searchable, so if you are stuck with something or are not sure what something means then you can use the 'Search' box. For example if you search 'create a learner' you get information as to how you can do this.
Help / User ManualsTo help you get started with the Climbing Frame we have developed several user manuals. The user manuals are role based and outline all of the functionality that you will have access to when using the Climbing Frame. Click on the links below to download the relevant user manual for you and your role.
- Getting Started Guide
- Union Learning Representative
- Theme editors
- Self managed learner
- Union administrator
Home Page
What's on the Home Page?
There are actually 2 types of home page within the Climbing Frame: a logged in version where you can access the full functionality of the Climbing Frame, e.g. creating actions and adding learners; and an unlogged-in version where you can get general information on the Climbing Frame.
The Climbing Frame automatically opens on the unlogged-in view of the home page. In order to get full access to all the features of the Climbing Frame users have to log in. Below is a list of functionality that can be accessed on each type of home page.
| Functionality | Unlogged in | Logged-in |
| Forums - opens a link to the unionlearn discussion forum site |  |
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| Useful Links - shows a page of web links that might be useful | |
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| Help - a page of advice and guidance on using the Climbing Frame | |
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| Print - prints the current page | |
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| About us - information on unionlearn and the Climbing Frame | |
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| Login - input user details to access the Climbing Frame | |
 |
| Register - opens the registration form | |
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| unionlearn news - clicking on a news item opens the unionlearn website with the full details | |
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| Case Studies - clicking on a case study opens a page with full details | |
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| Feedback - opens a feedback form to complete and submit | |
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| Contact - details of who and how to contact the Climbing Frame team | |
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| Terms of Use - information on the terms of use of the Climbing Frame | |
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| Privacy Policy - the Climbing Frame privacy policy | |
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| Accessibility - information on the accessible features of the Climbing Frame | |
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| Acknowledgements - information on the acknowledgements for the Climbing Frame website | |
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| Learning Themes - view the Climbing Frame learning themes |  |
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| Learner Management* - manage your learners and your own Climbing Frame | |
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| Reports* - view and print reports from the Climbing Frame | |
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| Admin* - manage all aspects of the Climbing Frame, e.g. contextual help, registrations, etc | |
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| My Notes - type in your own notes | |
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| Climbing Frame Courses - details on Climbing Frame courses | |
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| Climbing Frame News - news items about the Climbing Frame | |
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| Learning and Careers Advice Service - opens the Learning and Careers Advice Service website (opens in a new window) | |
|
* Role dependant
Learner Management
How do I add a learner?
Click on Learner Management and then click on the Create Learner button. You will need to complete the learner details form. As a minimum you must provide:
- Union affiliation
- First name
- Last name
- Email address; and
- Confirm that the learner agrees to the terms and conditions and data protection agreement.
How do I find a learner that’s been assigned to me?
Click on Learner Management. On this page you will see a filter box and the only learner's name that is available for you to view will be your own (this is due to data protection). From this screen there are two ways in which you can search for a learner.
- Click on show all learners – this will fill the filter box will the names of ALL learners assigned to you
- Type the name OR last night OR email address of the learner into the filter box and if that learner is assigned to you their details will appear in the space below (results pane).
How do I make the learner filter box larger?
Click and drag the right hand corner of the filter box to increase or decrease its height.
How can I let a learner log into the Climbing Frame on their own?
Go to Learner Management, enter the learner’s name into the filter box and then when the learner's details appear in the results pane click on the learner's name. This will open up the learner’s Learner Details information. Scroll to the bottom of the Personal tab and next to the questions ‘Allow this learner to login themselves’ select Yes from the drop-down box. Click Save. The learner will now be able to log into the Climbing Frame to view their own Climbing Frame – they will not be able to view information belonging to other learners.
How do I change a learner’s details?
Click on Learner Management, use the filter or show all learners to find the learner. Once you have located the learner, click on their details (anywhere on the row) and then click on the Edit Learner button.
How do I stop working with a learner?
Click on Learner Management, use the filter or show all learners to find the learner. Once you have located the learner, click on their details (anywhere on the row) and then click on the Unmanage Learner button.
Why does a user have to accept the Terms and Conditions and Data Protection Policy?
In order to use the site you will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the site and the data protection policy. These policies are in place to protect both you, as a user of the site, and us, as a provider of the site.
The terms and conditions of the site detail our expectations of how you will use the site, your responsibilities when using the site and our responsibilities in providing the site for your use.
The data protection policy outlines how any information that you enter into the site will be stored and processed.
How do I view a learner’s Climbing Frame?
Click on the Learner Management tab, then either click all learners and click on the learners name or search for the learner using the filter box and then click on their name. The learner's Climbing Frame will now open up.
How do I add an action?
Click Learner Management and then click on the Climbing Frame tab (making sure that you have selected the learner for whom you'd like to work with).
In the Climbing Frame screen you can either click a spare hexagon in the Climbing Frame grid or click on the Add button and then select Add Action.
The Add Action form will open up and you will need to complete the following details:
- Action title - a short title describing the action
- Action description - a fuller description of the action; what you're planning to do and how
- Person responsible - enter the name of the person responsible for ensuring the action is completed
- Associated goal - use the drop-down to select a goal to associate the action to
Your action will appear as a yellow hexagon in your Climbing Frame grid.
How do I edit an action?
Click Learner Management and then click on the Climbing Frame tab (making sure that you have selected the learner for whom you'd like to work with).
You can then click on the action hexagon in the Climbing Frame grid or click on the action title in the action plan underneath the Climbing Frame.
The action plan with then open and you can edit and update the information. Remember to click save to keep your changes.
How do I complete an action?
Click Learner Management and then click on the Climbing Frame tab (making sure that you have selected the learner for whom you'd like to work with).
You can then click on the action hexagon in the Climbing Frame grid or click on the action title in the action plan underneath the Climbing Frame.
The action plan with then open, ensure you have completed as much of the detail as possible and then using the drop-down next to the completed action field select yes. Remember to click save to keep your changes.
Completed actions will still appear on your Climbing Frame as green hexagons and also appear in the Achievements tab.
Can I move actions on the Climbing Frame grid?
Yes. Move your mouse over the hexagon that you'd like to move. Then simply click and hold your mouse button and drag the hexagon to a new location. Release your mouse button to drop the hexagon into place.
How do I add a goal?
Click Learner Management and then click on the Climbing Frame tab (making sure that you have selected the learner for whom you'd like to work with).
In the Climbing Frame screen click on either the More or Add buttons and then select Add Goal.
The Add Goal form will open up and you will need to complete the following details:
- Goal - a short title describing the action
- Goal area - use the drop-down to select a goal area to associate the goal to, i.e. personal, short-term work, or long-term work
- Have you achieved this goal? - use the drop-down to select the required status, e.g. yes
How do I complete a goal?
You can open up the goal by click on the it from the action plan. Select the Climbing Frame, scroll to the bottom of the page and then click goals - finally, click on the name of the goal that you wish to complete. The goal form will open up and using the have you achieved this goal? drop-down select yes and then click on save.
Stars with numbers in them have appeared on my Climbing Frame, what are they?
Once you have completed a goal it will automatically be added the achievements tab and it will also show on your Climbing Frame - a star with a number will appear under the corresponding goal.
If you haven't completed any goals then no start will appear.
Can I add extra rows to my Climbing Frame?
Yes. In the Climbing Frame tab click on the more button (top right) and then select add row.
Can I remove rows from my Climbing Frame?
Yes. In the Climbing Frame tab click on the more button (top right) and then select remove row.
What are archived actions?
Archived actions are actions which have been completed and removed from your Climbing Frame grid. They are still available to view for historical purposes via the Achievements tab.
What information is in the achievements tab?
In the achievements tab you can view any completed goals and actions as well as archived actions.
Learning Themes
What are the Learning Themes?
Learning Themes are structured articles which provide information and advice on learning and funding, including links to library documents and related websites. Examples of Learning Themes include “Learners with disabilities” and “Skills for Life”. There are generic Learning Themes as well as bespoke Learning Themes developed for specific unions and businesses. All information can be printed.
How do I view a Learning Theme?
You can access the learning themes 3 ways:
- Click on any of the Learning Themes from the left hand side of the screen (listed under their associated categories, e.g. unionlearn, employer, sector, etc).
- Enter a search term within the search box
and then click Go. This will bring up a list of Learning Themes that match your search criteria. Click on a Learning Theme to view it. - Click on the Learning Themes tab from the top navigation bar and then select a Learning Theme from the left navigation.
Use the Learning Theme search box
. Click on the search box and enter a search term, then click Go. This will bring up a list of Learning Themes that match your search criteria. Click on a Learning Theme to view it. My Notes
What can I use the My Notes section for?
You can use the My Notes toolbar to record and save information that is useful to you.
Can other people see the information that I save in My Notes?
Only you will be able to view your My Notes page - it is not made available for anyone else to see.
How do I use My Notes?
To get started saving information simply click on the My Notes link in the top left corner of the screen
and then type the information into the space provided. When you are happy, click Save to keep your changes or Cancel to leave the page without saving your changes.Can I format the text within the My Notes area?
Yes, using the editing tool bar
within the My Notes area you can apply the following formats to your text. Each of the toolbar functions are described below.| Name | Image | What it does |
| Find and replace |  |
Finds and replaces specified text |
| Undo |  |
Un-does previous action |
| Redo |  |
Re-does previous action |
| Cut |  |
Cut selected text or images |
| Copy |  |
Copies selected text or images |
| Paste |  |
Pastes copied text or images |
| Bold |  |
Makes selected text bold |
| Italic |  |
Makes selected text italicised |
| Underline |  |
Makes selected text underlined |
| Text colour |  |
Changes the text colour |
| Background colour |  |
Changes the background colour |
| Numbered list |  |
Makes selected text into a numbered list |
| Bulleted list |  |
Makes selected text into a bulleted list |
| Hyperlink manager |  |
Add hyperlinks, anchors or email links to selected text |
| Remove link |  |
Removes any hyperlinks, anchors or email links from selected text |
| Full screen |  |
Allows you to view and edit the My Notes area in a full screen mode |
Reports
What reports can I run?
There are a number of reports that the Climbing Frame can generate and access to these reports will depend on your user level and permissions.
Self Managed Learners – via the Learner Report tab you will be able to access a record of achievement, an action plan and also create custom reports based on information that you’ve entered into the climbing frame.
Union Learning Representatives – via the Reports tab you will be able to access anonymised reports based on learners assigned to you. NB: Not all of the reports will be available during the pilots as they are still being determined/finalised. You will also be able to access reporting on yourself (as a learner) via the Learner Report tab (see information above for Self Managed Learners).
Training
Will there still be training provided on the Climbing Frame?
Yes, the Climbing Frame will continue to be part of the initial 5-day courses which ULRs undertake and there is also the popular 2-day Climbing Frame course run by TUC Education.
What happens if I have already undertaken the Climbing Frame Course?
For those of you that have already been on the Climbing Frame course there is no need for you to go on the course again, we have produced some useful guides which show how the new Web-based Climbing Frame works. Unionlearn will help existing users with any questions they may have and also help with any information they would like transferred from the current and onto the new system.
Technical Queries
I have Windows Vista, will I be able to access the Web-based Climbing Frame?
Yes, you can use the Web-based Climbing Frame no matter which operating system your computer has, you simply need an internet connection.
What are the system requirements for the Climbing Frame?
The Climbing Frame is compatible with all versions of major web browsers in popular use, especially Internet Explorer 6, 7 & 8, Firefox 3 and Safari.
The Climbing Frame avoids the use of any special software or plug-ins such as Flash, Active X, Java, etc.
PDFs generated by the Climbing Frame are compatible with PDF 1.4 / Acrobat 5.0.
How safe is the Climbing Frame?
The Climbing Frame application and data is stored on a physically secure, firewalled server with a 128-bit Transport Layer Security.
Accessibility
Is the Climbing Frame accessible?
Yes. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA) makes it a legal obligation to meet accessibility standards and the Climbing Frame has been to meet World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Priority Level AA success criteria and PAS 78 success criteria.
Suggestions / Getting In Touch
If I have any suggestions for content ideas for the Climbing Frame who should I contact?
We welcome your feedback and suggestions, if you have a specific suggestion or a query please email the Climbing Frame Development Officer, Louisa Shaw: lshaw@tuc.org.uk or email the Climbing Frame email address: climbingframe@tuc.org.uk
What are the little question marks (?) that I keep seeing on the Climbing Frame for?
To make the Climbing Frame as easy to use as possible we have placed contextual help pop-ups next to any fields that need completing within the Climbing Frame, for example, fields within the registration form. A question mark (?) symbol next to fields will link to a pop-up help statement about that field – giving you instructions and / or further information about that particular field.
How can I change my password?
1. Go to the ‘Learner Management’ section (click on ‘Learner Management’)2. Within the ‘Learners’ tab ensure that your name has been selected (your name will appear at the top)
3. Click on the ‘Learner Details’ tab
4. Within the ‘Personal’ sub tab scroll down the page and you will see ‘Set password’
5. enter your new password here, then re enter the password in the ‘Confirm Set Password’ box
6. and then click ‘Save’.
If I need help with the Climbing Frame or have any questions who can I contact?
Please contact the Climbing Frame team by emailing: climbingframe@tuc.org.uk
