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The EIS FELA National Negotiators meet regularly with the employers and other Trade Unions involved in FE to agree new policies and circulars for the sector. We recently agreed a Disciplinary Policy and Procedure, which should be rolled out in the coming months, and will replace all local policies and procedures that branches are currently using. We are close to agreeing a new Covid Circular, and until this is agreed, the current circular remains extant. Work is now beginning on a Grievance Policy and Procedure for the sector, as well as on Fair Work and Hybrid Working.
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Branch reps from UHI colleges have been meeting to discuss the current issues in UHI, and in particular the UHI 2030 project that is looking to transform UHI – i.e. considering ways in which the UHI partnership structure may be improved. EIS-FELA long standing policy is that all FE provision must be delivered by FE colleges in all FE Regions, including the Highlands and Islands. We have written to the UHI Court, UHI Principal, SFC and produced model letters for Branch Reps to write to their Principals to facilitate the inclusion of the EIS in the consultation elements of the UHI 2030 Project.
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The EIS is clear that any change to UHI operating models should be based on an educational rationale, and should lead to an increase in learning activity, and should not be driven by desire to make savings, to centralise decisions in respect of teaching, or to otherwise maximise the influence and control of college management over decisions that impact learning, teaching and working conditions.
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Questioning of SFC Funding Arrangements
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EIS FELA has responded to the information published in a recent Scotsman newspaper article, which highlighted Scottish Funding Council providing loans and financial help to UHI Moray, UHI Shetland and the recently merged UHI North, West and Hebrides. We are concerned about the financial sustainability and funding models of these assigned colleges, and have requested answers from SFC on these issues.
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The campaign continues, and our Comms group is looking at ways forward on the issues remaining in the campaign: namely funding, workload, Fair Work, accountable and supportive college management, and protecting quality learning and teaching.
The Vision for FE group is looking at an FE practitioner’s response to previous reports written on FE (Withers, Hayward and Cumberford-Little).
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As you will be aware, a part of our successes in achieving National Bargaining also included professional registration with GTCS for college lecturers.
The process of bringing lecturers into the GTCS has been lengthy, with many different categories of qualifications and arrangements to provide provisional (conditional) registration for college lecturers, including for those who currently don’t hold a TQFE, requiring development.
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An NJNC Circular was issued in July 2024 making provision in relation to the timescales by which registration should be completed for different members. The deadline for the first tranche of this process is 31st Dec 2025, and we would urge members to whom this applies to apply well ahead of this deadline. Please read the following links for more information (circular 02/24 outlines the dates for different categories):
There will be EIS FELA training and info sessions being rolled out in the next few months, details of which will be emailed to you via Branch Secretary and Learning Reps.
An in-person training event on the above Circular and timescales/requirements will be held on Friday 28th March from 10:30-noon in EIS HQ, 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. Please ensure that your branch is represented at this training session by at least one rep who can share information to members more widely. If your branch does not have a rep, please get in touch.
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GTCS Registration Next Steps Webinars
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The EIS is hosting a series of webinars, aimed at EIS-FELA members who are registered with the GTCS. This mini series will provide time and space for you to meet fellow registrants, to share your registration journey and reflect on the importance of being recognised as a teaching professional.
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Twilight Training: Terms and Conditions
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The twilight training sessions covering nationally agreed terms and conditions will run again online on 24th April, 1st May and 8th May.
These sessions will cover the National Working Practices Agreement and relevant Circulars, including transfer to permanence, sickness allowance, working week and arrangements, class contact and cover, and how to make referrals to the NJNC Joint Secretaries.
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The training is open to all members who wish to understand more about their terms and conditions of employment.
More information and details on how to register will be issued shortly. Please save the dates meantime.
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The FELA Annual Conference will take place on 21st March, in Edinburgh.
Delegates to conference will discuss and vote on a range of motions submitted by FE branches across the country.
These motions are on a variety of subjects such as the current campaign for FE, workload issues, solidarity with Gaza, stress, and GTCS registration, to name a few.
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International Women's Day
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As part of the EIS’s International Women’s Day activities, the EIS is focusing on #AcceleratingAction on menopause and menstrual health at Work. We have published refreshed Guidance on Menopause and Menstrual Health at Work and Local Association and Branch Secretaries, and members are encouraged to utilise this guidance to host local discussions about menopause and menstrual health as workplace issues.
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