May NEUs

JGS report

• Preparation for the widely trailed Government announcement on Sunday evening
• Various options/scenarios have been circulating but no clarity on Government decision
• Huge support from Parentkind (previously Federation of PTA) survey and their adoption of our five tests
• Shadow Secretary of State cited the Union’s five tests at PMQs; also endorsed by Lib Dems
• Scottish and Wales government announcements helpful
• Immediately following the Government announcement, we’ll circulate survey of members with responses drawn together for media work
• OSG and Executive will meet on Monday; zoom meetings for local officers and reps on Tuesday and Thursday and a members’ town hall call following them.
• Parallel work on international scientific data; developing checklists for reps to ensure compliance the duty of care to ensure workplaces are safe and the five tests; rolled into workplace toolkit; work on longer term implications for education

Operation of the OSG as Committee of Urgency

During the Covid 19 Crisis, the Officer Steering Group will operate as a Committee of Emergency on behalf of the Executive taking any urgent decisions that are required for the continued effective governance of the Union.  The OSG will meet on 21 May, 11 June, 25 June and 9 July. Executive briefings via ‘zoom’ to be held on 11 May, 16 June and 4 July.

Executive by-elections (5.1/070520)

There are four vacancies on the Executive. A timetable for the Black members seat and the District 1 seat was due to be agreed by the National Executive but was delayed by the OSG in March due to the lockdown and social distancing. Subsequently the LGBT+ seat holder and Richard Griffiths (District 14) have resigned. The OSG agreed to delay all four by-elections until such time as nominations can be sought from properly constituted and quorate district general meetings with a provisional timetable for the elections with notification of timetable/call for nominations (and effective date for registration) at 1 September.  District 1 and district 14 members will still have three national executive members from 1 September whilst black members will not have a dedicated national executive member from that date. The LGBT+ seat holder has indicated that her resignation will be effective from the date the elections close which could be seen as disadvantageous to black members.

Regional/Wales Councils and the NHF

The Office had been asked by the OSG to look into whether regional and Wales councils could make contributions to the National Hardship Fund.  Regional and Wales councils do not have the same officer structure as local districts. The elected officers of the Councils are the chair, vice-chair and treasurer. There is no provision in the constitution, or expectation, that any financial decisions would be made other than at the termly meetings. In practice financial decisions are made annually at the summer term meeting when the programme of events and a levy are agreed. As all districts contribute to the finances of the councils, the OSG agreed that a digital meeting with one representative from each of the relevant districts be authorised to agree a donation of up to 10% of their balances to the hardship fund. Prior to this meeting each district should hold a meeting of officers, and any regional/Wales council delegates who are not officers of the district, to reach a view on whether as a district they agree with the regional/Wales council making a donation and if so the maximum amount they would agree to.

Sponsorship & Donations budget

The OSG agreed a donation of £2,000 to Care4Calais.  In addition, they agreed that C19 related funding requests would be collated and considered by the OSG periodically and initially at the June meeting.

Cuba and Palestine delegations

The OSG agreed all eight lay nominations for the Palestine delegation, with a reduction in Executive places by one (with rebalance to reflect membership demographic).  It was agreed that the Cuba delegation would be increased to permit 21 lay members (in accordance with 2019 decision) and to accept all applications, subject to further scrutiny of the two late applications by the Chair of IC and the International Secretary.

Sixth Form College Ballot

The OSG noted the result of the ballot of members in which 52% had voted in favour of accepting the SFCA pay offer of 1.5% from September 2019 rising to 2.75% from April. Whilst the offer does not achieve pay parity with school teachers, the 2020 negotiations will commence shortly and the NEU will be emphasising that the narrow margin in this ballot shows that, with colleges receiving a significant funding uplift from August, NEU members will be determined to secure a 2020 pay agreement which fully restores pay comparability with teachers in schools.

Industrial Action – interim protocol

With the prospect of schools reopening it is important that we are able to respond quickly to emerging issues in the workplace most of which are likely to be related to Covid 19.  The OSG agreed a temporary streamlined procedure to request a formal ballot and subsequent action which would be available on the Local Officer’s portal and signposted in the e-Bulletin.

Survey of Supply members

Results of survey being analysed (2,000 members responding; 91% teachers); will be cascaded to regions/Wales to inform casework support and inform discussions with DfE – meeting scheduled with senior staff.

Operation of Branch and Districts under lockdown

The OSG acknowledged concerns from some local officers about postponement of general meetings issued in accordance with Government advice on large gatherings.  Many branches and districts convening gatherings of members via VC to assess views/take comments. District officers can make decisions within the rules and the financial regulations.   Widespread and effective engagement with members was working well during lockdown, both nationally and locally.  It was agreed that the office would seek to identify specific concerns from districts/branches and ways in which these could be accommodated within rule.