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Volunteer for the NUT!

The more members are active, the stronger we all are. The success of your union depends on your involvement. Find out what your colleagues have achieved – and how you can do it too.

If you have a few minutes to spare…

The NUT relies on members to get involved – to build the visibility and presence of the Union in every school in England and Wales. Schools with active union members are better places to work, and where we have reps they help ensure members are treated fairly.

How can I help?

It may only take a few moments. You can just keep the NUT noticeboard up-to-date, distribute NUT leafl ets, or encourage colleagues to join the NUT. Some members encourage colleagues to get involved in campaigns, such as our current defence of teachers’ terms and conditions and our pensions campaign. Some decide they want to get more involved by becoming an NUT rep. This can include helping colleagues resolve problems, holding meetings and taking members’ concerns to management.

The idea of being a rep can seem daunting, but the NUT organises training, which is free to members. Courses suit different levels of experience and are held at venues across England and Wales. The NUT also has a free course to show members how to play a greater part in the NUT. (See www.teachers.org.uk/courses for details.)

Making time

If you become a rep you may be entitled to time off from your job, granted by your employer, to enable you to carry out your union duties.

Claire Neaves teaches six to eight year olds with special educational needs at Bridge Learning Campus in Bristol.

I joined the NUT as a student. In my first school there was no NUT rep. A friend encouraged me to get involved.

Being a rep in a school that hadn’t had one has focused me on building a union group and bringing colleagues together. We’ve built a really good relationship with management, which allows us to have an open dialogue about any changes. This has resulted in fewer individual issues.

I’ve been very active in my short union career. As well as being school rep, I’m a committee member and the young teacher offi cer. Getting involved with the union makes me feel I am making a difference, not only to the working lives of the members in my school, but – through NUT conference and campaigns – the teaching profession as a whole. It’s exciting to be shaping education in what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for the profession.

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