Executive NEUs February 20th

Wider re-opening of Schools

The Wales Executive members reported on the opening of schools in Wales (under matters arising from the previous meeting); all foundation stage pupils returning from 22 February; the extension of numbers shielding in England not followed in Wales; foundation stage members feel unsupported and that the Union’s strategy is ‘England-centric’.  The Member for NI reported that years P1, 2 &3 going back on 8 March; phased return for other groups. The Executive noted a statement from PRC on the wider reopening of schools in England.  All deferred to the Special Executive scheduled for 24 February.

The Executive agreed the following recommendations from strategy committees:

• The text of an emergency motion to TUC Women’s Conference on the subject of Solidarity with the Uyghur Women. 
• that the Fred and Anne Jarvis award be given to Marcus Rashford. He was the only nominee for the award this year, with 9 nominations received. 
• a national coordinated NEU response to increasing proposals for academisation of Catholic schools, including approaching NAHT and other organisations on joint work nationally and locally, making representations in every diocese and seeking to mobilise members and parents.
• The provision of materials for Supply members in Wales to make representation during the Welsh Election campaigns.
• To submit Conference Amendments on Workload, Support StaffandAutonomy for Districts
• Membership report – noted 35k more in-service members from last year; detailed paper on student recruitment strategy; impact of ‘HATL’ campaign on resignations minimal (6 citing this as reason); more work on equality characteristics required prompted by census categories.
• the final financial statements for the 12 month-period to 31 August 2020 and noted that the AR21 returns have been submitted to the GB and NI Certification Officers.
• the Variance report to 31 December 2020
• That the Union participates in the Trade Union apprenticeship scheme, starting with an intake in April 2021 of three apprentices.
• changes to the make-up of recruitment and selection panels for the appointed DGS, Region/Wales secretaries and equality posts and that an agreed process is set out in the policy about how Officers and Executive members are selected for panels.
• that the Litigation Unit adopt a new structure giving more resource at band 3 and less resource at band 5.
• that the savings limit for the National Hardship Fund be revised downwards to £3000 and confirm that NQ members will need a 3-month membership threshold (as well as activated DD) to be eligible.
• A revision to the Interim Standing Orders (additional 5.5) to permit amendments to proposals made under the JGS report
• A donation of £2000 as sponsorship for an episode of the Mark Thomas Key Words podcast, which will focus on keyworkers including NEU members through the pandemic.
• In Executive elections, the rules are silent on how many nominations can be made by individual members. Districts can nominate candidates up to the number of seats in their electoral district. GPC recommends the same approach is taken for nominations by individual members.
• the introduction of role descriptions for members of National Councils (NC) and Organising Forums (OF)
• Guidance on District and Branch decision-making on digital platforms during the Coronavirus pandemic:
• that it will be reviewed regularly by Executive in light of government regulations; and
• that paragraph 2 of the guidance as set out in US 9/200221 be deleted;
• The issue of voting mechanisms and good practice guidelines being considered by LDBS group.
• Annual section and sector conferences:
• Annual section and sector conferences to be held virtually in autumn 2021 and we plan for a return to physical conferences in 2022
• To undertake a full evaluation of the role of online events and conferences, what this means for member and activist engagement and bring back a report to this Committee.
• To undertake a review of the timing and funding of NEU Conferences from 2022, with reference to the decisions taken by Union Strength committee in February 2020 about NEU Conferences.
• To decline a request from Essex Branch that an exception be made to the honoraria regulations for Essex Branch post holders, who have also been awarded honoraria for different postsin their local district, to receive honoraria for their branch role.
• The local district council structure in Northamptonshire is being restructured from eight to two unitary authorities.   It was agreed that 4 new branches be created, a state education branch and independent branch in North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire.
• the amendments for TUC Young Workers’ Conference to two motions, ‘Young Teachers and Mental Health’, NASUWT and ‘Better Financial Support for Young Workers in the Arts’, Prospect.
• an exercise to consider providing all state education branches with a shared mailbox at no charge, to involve consultation with branches

The Executive agreed the text of motions on ‘No Confidence in Gavin Williamson’ and ‘Solidarity and Support for workplace representatives’ as amended (after agreeing to accept late submission).  A rescinding motion (to reverse the decisions in January in respect of honoraria payments) was lost.  The vote was recorded and will appear in the minutes of the meeting.

Professional Unity Committee – The Executive agreed to refer back the text, timing and audience for the pamphlet for further consideration; to PRC in the first instance.

Reports from the NDC and PCC were noted.