A guide to the basics of being a brilliant workplace rep.

Memberships list

You will need the email addresses of your members so you can contact them about meetings and consult them about issues at your school. If you do not already have your members list, or you need an updated one, please contact your membership officer (sam.hilton@neu.org.uk). Make sure that you keep this data password protected and do not share it.

Training

NEU runs regular training for new reps (and an advanced training for old hands). You can book your place on it here: Training for reps and officers | National Education Union

This training takes place over three days. You are legally entitled to paid time off to complete this training (and other key rep duties). The training is really helpful, so please attend a session. if you have any problems getting time off for the training, please let your district team know, as they can help- email sam.hilton@neu.org.uk.

Catering you meetings.

If you are holding members meeting, and want to lay on food, or provide freebees as an incentives, then your district can pay for this. All you need to do is contact your district officers, who can approve the funding and make sure you keep the receipt.

If you want to hold socials, or even a conference, just let us know- we can help.

How to represent workers at your school

There is no hard and fast rules about how you should run things in your school. One structure that works is to hold meetings with members, followed by termly meetings with the head teacher. You can then raise any issues your members have with principle.

If something needs to change, but you can’t get anywhere with your head teacher, it might be time to speak to the CEO of the trust. You may have a lead rep at your trust, who can help with this. Find out if you have a lead rep here: Trusts and Reps – Leicestershire NEU

If lobbying isn’t enough, then get in touch with your district and we can help you launch a campaign.

Rep days

Once a term rep days are held. These are full day events, which you are legally entitled to have time off to attend. These days will help train you to become an even better rep, and gives you an opportunity to set the stratdgy of the Union.

Shout about your successes

Done something cool? if its something huge, or something small, let us know. You can do this here: https://forms.office.com/e/ePZQXNVzvz

This information (anonymously) is used to boost the union, recruit new members and motivate activists.

Casework

Staff will come to you with the issues they face at work. Sometimes they may just want to talk about what is frustrating them, other times they will want you to help them make a change. This is called casework. You are allowed some time off for these duties.

Generally we try and resolve issues informally, and you may find yourself having chats with the head teacher or HR, or others in official roles at the school. Sometimes things need dealing with formally. This can be intimidating sometimes, and if you want help, get in touch with your district committee. Its a good idea to have a quick read of your schools policies, as they lay out the rules that the school and your members should follow.

Questions?

If you have any questions, any frustrations, or if you just want to get more involved, then please let us know, we are here to help and there are so many opportunities to improve education in Leicestershire.