Conference Report 2011—Harrogate April22-26 ( Easter week end)

Delegates this year were Carol Morgan and Christine Hargest. It is difficult without being there to appreciate the energy of conference when you have representatives from all the associations and divisions from all over England and Wales. Conference is huge gathering for the purpose of defining policy and actions for the National Union, as well as receiving reports about the work undertaken over the last year.

Much work goes into framing motions in local associations and divisions. The order of issues is defined by the voting put forward by the divisions. We held a meeting for this purpose in January to which all Shropshire members were invited. Conference business committee then allocates time for debate based on the weighting of the issues. These are then assigned to conference sessions, with any time left on the last day (Tuesday) to deal with any unfinished business.

This year issues were focused on Academies and pensions. The following paragraphs chart the progress of conference day by day.

Friday 222nd April 4.30pm --6pm (1st session)
This session is about setting the scene. Gill Godswen handed over being president to Nina Franklin. The standing orders (rules) for conference are passed. The local mayor welcomed the NUT to Harrogate and various reports were accepted.

Saturday 23rd April am-- a real day of union business. (2nd Session)
The morning business included the presidential address -- hopefully this will be included in the copy of The Teacher.
Serious debate on Cuts (motion 15) got underway. The Economy (motion 16) followed and was passed. The debate on Industrial action ( motion 17) was started in this session but conclusion was not reached ,this will go to unfinished business.

Saturday 23rd April pm International session (3rd session)
Motion 20 Women children and prisoners in Palestine was debated and passed.
Conference then moved into the section on SALARIES, SUPERANNUATION AND EDUCATION SECTION.
The Priority motion on pensions was debated and passed- this includes members being balloted to take action if government does not involve themselves in talks with the union. The proposed changes include NQT paying an extra £61 per month and UPS 2 an extra £106 per month pension contribution and work to 65.
Motion 34 continued on the theme of defending our pensions. The detail in his motion was also passed. This section has probably been reported on National news as it included the reference to strike action. But first there would need to be a ballot and please remember there would be no threat to pupils taking exams. The ATL have also voted for strike action over the pensions issue.

Other business this day was the financial accounts of the union -- without a solid healthy financial plan the strength of the union cannot back the policies of the union.

Sunday am 24th April. (4th session)
Debates around the topic of Organizing and membership were taken in private session. Representation of members (motion 23) was debated, this was about casework support from regional offices and support for local lay officers.

The debate on Professional unity (motion 24) was started and will be continued in unfinished business. This was passed on Tuesday morning.

The Education General section was taken 11.30am -1pm on Sunday. Priority motion on Wales and PISA was debated and passed by conference. This was about resisting the introduction of testing in Wales after SATS had been removed a few years ago. This is definite back ward step failing to recognize professional judgment of teachers, which may well have a knock on effect for schools in England.
Motion 38 - Academies and free schools was also passed this morning. The major concern is about the erosion of teachers pay and conditions, and the disappointment that the promise of more money is not strictly true.

Monday am 25th April (5th session)
Provided an opportunity for the National Secretary Christine Blower to answer questions from the floor.
Motion 43 on Tackling teacher Stress- Compliance with Stress risk assessment was popular and carried unanimously.
Teacher workload (motion 44) and Supply teachers (45) Acceptable working practices ( 46), Unannounced Drop-ins and Learning walks (47 ) were debated and carried.

Monday pm 25th April ( 6th Session)
Debated post 14 education, tuition fees, Equality issues , Women and the Comprehensive Spending review, The Challenge of Islamophobia, Extended Nursery Hours- More Work but same pay,

Tuesday am 26th April (7th Session)
The Curriculum and Standards Agenda motion (39) was carried with both amendments.
The National Secretary Christine Blower addressed Conference.

Then its back to our Divisions to continue the work of the NUT in line with the decisions on policy reached at conference. A Yearly National Conference provides for updating policies and an opportunity to get together with the entire network. However, it must be remembered that it is also a part of the democratic machinery for a Union that seeks to represents its members. Members should take the opportunity to feed into the organization from the bottom up as they are the Union. There is the opportunity to take part in local meetings, express your opinion and find out more about issues. The next General meeting 14th July 7pm at the Lord Hill Shrewsbury will focus on issues related to working conditions, such as directed time and workload. This will be in relation to what the Burgundy Book and the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document have to say on these issues. Put more simply know what rights you have at work.