Last Executive NEUs of the academic year

GS REPORT – introduced the strategy paper, not intended for member communication but to frame the Union’s focus for development of strategy:

· We continue to want schools open as soon as possible safely – every school should ensure the checklist is in place.

· We want SAGE and PH (England, Wales and NI) to publish the science and modelling

· Unlike the Government, the NEU has a plan B – which may well be needed if there are outbreaks of COVID in schools

· Urgent work to develop checklist (based on revised guidance) underway; to be issued with as many TUC affiliates as possible

The focus for development of tactics should be:

· Regular engagement with local public health officials.

· Regular engagement with reps and members through regions/Wales and branches.

· A district level focus on areas of heightened risk – including partial or complete blended learning.

· Protection of vulnerable/at risk staff

· The 10-point recovery plan and five ‘C’s document

Accepting that there will be a full school return in September, it was agreed to call a meeting of the National Executive on 20 August, followed by briefings for branch Secretaries and reps before the new term. The JGSs took on board comments from OSG (and via strategy committees) for fine-tuning the strategy document.

DISTRICT OFFICERS – The OSG confirmed the interpretation of the rules that in line with all other elected roles in the union the term of office for district officers is from 1 September following the election until the following 31 August.

TUC Congress 2020 – The TUC have confirmed that the formal business of Congress will be delegated to an extended meeting of the General Council on 14/15 September to run alongside an online event with keynote speeches and two or three focussed debates on GC statements. Agreeing motions and amendments will be carried out by the extended GC meeting, using weighted electronic balloting in the event of contested votes. The OSG agreed to submit motions on the disproportionate impact of C19 on women and inequality (in liaison with the Chair of the Women’s OF) and poverty (disparity of health/wealth and opportunities) and to circulate the online registration details to all elected delegates to Congress. Louise Atkinson was elected as third GC member. It was noted that all members can sign up via the TUC website.

Operation of Regional/Wales Councils – In line with the decision in relation to district meetings, it was agreed that regional/Wales councils can hold digital meetings to agree their programme of activities for 2020/21 acknowledging that these may be digital or physical events. The meetings should follow the protocols agreed for digital district meetings. In line with the decisions on local subscription rates and honoraria payments, it was also agreed that the 2019/20 levy rates are carried forward to the next financial year.

Conference Business – The OSG agreed to hold a one-day special conference by zoom with provisional date of 3 October with the following business:

a) Conference and Executive reports and rule changes; voting on the accounts and voting on Conference Committee

b) motions from the Executive and district amendments dealing with the Covid crisis and its consequences

The OSG also agreed:

c) that the existing Conference Committee be convened to look at timescales for the motions and amendments

d) that proposals providing details around speaker arrangements, timetable for district amendments, standing orders and other relevant matters be brought to the August Executive at which the draft motions would be discussed; finalised on 5 September and then circulated to districts for amendment.

National Executive Members should contact districts in their electoral area to take their views on topics for motions around all aspects of education during the Covid pandemic, the lockdown and emerging from the crisis.

Proposed Rule change on JGS period of office – the JGSs explained that the proposed rule change to allow a GS who has declared their retirement to go beyond the five-term year was based on an error and was not needed. An analysis of the rule book and the law reveals that the five-year term runs from the date the periods of office began; 1st August 2018. The OSG agreed that whenever this rule change comes in front of conference that the Executive should ask the permission of Conference to withdraw the proposal.

Executive meetings – the OSG agreed:

· In the autumn term Executive meetings are held by zoom, in line with the schedule of meetings previously agreed, in order to make urgent and important strategic decisions. To be reviewed by the OSG following each Executive meeting;

· Agreed interim standing orders to be used for the duration of the pandemic;

· The protocols agreed for district meetings are applied for Executive zoom meetings;

· The strategy committees to meet by zoom in the morning of the Executive zoom

Sector and Equality Section Conferences – the various options for agreeing motions and delegate election to be discussed with the sector and section Executive members before final decision at August Executive.

Expenses – the OSG agreed to align the expenses regulations with the financial year and to increase subsistence rates with effect from 1 September 2020 by 2.75% in line with the increase in membership subscriptions.

Union offices re-opening – the OSG received a report on the steps taken to prepare for the re-opening of the Union’s offices, including C19 risk assessments and a workforce audit. No date was yet set for re-opening.

NEU Property Strategy – the OSG agreed the paper and referred it back to GPC for further work

NHF Update – the OSG agreed that the criteria for the Fund could be extended to include multiple claims from members.

Cuba and Palestine Delegations – the OSG agreed to cancel the October delegation to Palestine. Delegates to be offered the opportunity to transfer their place to the February delegation but warned that there is a possibility of further cancellation with a final decision made in October. The OSG also agreed that a final decision on the October delegation to Cuba would be taken by the Executive in August.

Local Financial Regulations – the OSG granted dispensation to Brighton & Hove District to buy IT equipment for two officers above the limit of £500