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Bulletin no 415/09 19 October 2009

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1. REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

In an effort to reduce our Carbon Footprint the Association intends to use email for communication when practicable. If you are willing to participate in this Carbon Footprint reduction please email the office info@ssta.org.uk with your name and email address.

2. ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

Other teaching unions may stipulate that the school representative be the first point of contact in any enquiry. The SSTA is different. The SSTA school representative can be an invaluable source of information, especially on local issues, however, if in need of any advice, members are encouraged to contact our Professional Officers at SSTA Headquarters by email or telephone.

3. LAWLINE SERVICE

Members are reminded of the Association's free legal advisory service, Lawline. Morton Fraser Solicitors provide SSTA members with a free confidential legal advice by telephone or email. The service permits members to seek legal advice on any issues affecting them (excluding employment matters which should be directed to the General Secretary). The advice given is prompt, comprehensive, impartial and covers other jurisdictions as well as Scots law. Advice can cover consumer matters, domestic issues, contracts, family law, estates and travel to name but a few areas. To make use of the service you can telephone on 07770 748556 or email at: Lawline@morton-fraser.com.

4. COUNCIL 3 OCTOBER 2009

Council heard reports on the latest progress on the following issues:

  • CfE- Building the Curriculum 5 (on Assessment);
  • SSTA opposition to SNCT paper "The Role of Chartered Teachers";
  • Proposed methods of dealing with any impending swine flu pandemic. These proposals will be discussed at the next LNCT - advice will be circulated to District Secretaries in the next few days.

    Due to concerns over the workload associated with Curriculum for Excellence, Council agreed to conduct a workload audit of all members during November.

    The following motions were approved:

  • This Association notes with alarm the high level of underemployment among newly qualified teachers and implores local authorities urgently to make use of their potential lest they be lost to the Profession
  • The SSTA acknowledges the prompt action taken by the SNCT on their prompt action in providing National guidelines for schools to deal with the possible consequences at schools of a swine flu pandemic. The Association demands that Local Authorities across Scotland resist any attempted unilateral action outwith the national framework.

5. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE 2010

The Association pre-retirement courses will be held as usual in 2010. Two of the venues are identified as being Glasgow and Stirling which have suitable venues. It is possible that the third course would be held in Inverness but only if the number of members wishing to attend warrant this choice.

Members who would wish to attend a course in Inverness (on a Saturday in May or June) are asked to telephone the Association offices (0131 313 7300) or to email to info@ssta.org.uk in order to express an interest in the venue. Please note that this does not constitute the booking of a place. Members may book places in the two courses which are arranged. i.e.:

Stirling-24 April 2010

Glasgow-29 May 2010

Application is available online at the SSTA website or by post. Members should contact the office for an application form. Members should apply as soon as possible. Closing date for applications is 31 January 2010.

6. GTC ELECTIONS

We are delighted to announce that the following candidates were successful in the GTC elections:

  • Catherine Nicol (Ayrshire)
  • James Forbes (Lothian)
  • Margaret Smith (Fife)

We are confident that Catherine, James and Margaret will represent all teachers with determination, flare and vision.

7. RETIRED MEMBERS

Members who are about to retire are asked to note that they may maintain membership of the Association after retiral at one half of the usual rate. Members in this situation should contact this office giving their retirement date. If it has not already been done, membership will be transferred to the home address and the school membership deleted. Retiring members who have paid a full rate subscription for the whole year will receive a rebate by cheque. Retired membership entitles the member to all the usual services for members except access to those external services limited by age, such as access to the travel insurance scheme. Such members receive all information at their home address. Members who have retired during the course of this year and who have not informed the Association (and hence who may not be currently benefiting from the reduced subscription rate) are asked to notify the office.

8. CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Members who have changes to their personal details are asked to notify the Association office in writing or email info@ssta.org.uk.

9. PENSION INCREASES 2010

It is significantly likely that the RPI increase for pensioners in April 2010 will be nil. Pensioners are not, however, subject to any reduction in pension if the RPI shows a decrease over the relevant calculation period.

10. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at 3pm on Tuesday 22 December and will re-open for normal business after New Year on Wednesday 6 January 2010 at 9am. An emergency service will be in operation during the office closure.

11. DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENTS IN DECEMBER

Members who pay their subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December's subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Tuesday 29 December which will be processed on Wednesday 30 December for payment on Thursday 31 December.

12. INDUSTRIAL ACTION

In the event of a strike by Post Office employees, all written communication with members will be by email.

 

PETER WRIGHT President

ANN BALLINGER General Secretary

 

 

Bulletin - 10/23/2009

Bulletin no 414/09 - 31 May 2009

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1. ELECTION OF GENERAL SECRETARY

Following the election held in April, Ann Ballinger has been appointed as General Secretary of the Association. She will hold office (as current legislation requires) until 31 May 2014. Ann takes up her appointment on 1 June this year. The ballot was conducted by Electoral Reform Services. Their full report is given below.

1 May 2009

ELECTION OF GENERAL SECRETARY 2009-2014

Our report of voting for the above election which closed today, 1 May 2009, at noon is as follows:-

Number of eligible voters 6,874

Total number of votes cast 1,889

Turnout 27.5%

Number of votes found to be invalid 3

Total number of valid votes to be counted 1,886

Result

Ann Ballinger 1,069

George Sturrock 817

As scrutineers appointed in accordance with Section 49 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended), we are satisfied as to each of the matters specified in s52(2) of the Act with regard to the election.

Alexander Lonie

Manager of Trade Union & Membership Organisations Sector

Electoral Reform Services

Any member wishing a further copy of the balloting agent's report will have one provided on payment of a fee of one pound ( £1.00). Requests should be addressed to the General Secretary.

2. CONGRESS 2009

Congress was held in Peebles on 15/16 May. Major items included:-

(a) The President addressed Congress on bullying and workload - The full text can be found on the Association website (www.ssta.org.uk).

(b) Keir Bloomer, former Director of Education and Chief Executive of Clackmannan Council addressed Congress on current issues and answered questions from members of Congress. The Association thanks Keir for his address which was thought provoking and particularly well received.

(c) The Association's representatives were joined by guests from other unions, the political parties and the local authority (Scottish Borders Council) who generously provided a civic reception.

(d) Life Membership was conferred on Bill Guthrie, Past President and member of Executive and on Graham Souter of Aberdeenshire.

(e) The following motions were approved by Congress:-

MOTION A

This Association rejects any concept of the teacher of "General Subjects" in S1-S3. The Association remains committed to a secondary education system delivered by subject specific specialists trained in subjects in which they hold appropriate university qualifications or equivalent.

MOTION B

This Association expresses grave concerns that the principles of CfE cannot be met without a reduction in the number and quality of examination passes.

Congress calls on the HMIe to move away from its current rigid adherence to the importance of exam pass rates as a measure of school performance.

MOTION D

This Association regards as unacceptable the proposals expressed in Building the Curriculum 3 that S1-S3 of the secondary curriculum should constitute a single phase of broad general education.

MOTION E

This Association believes that the proposals, whether unintended or otherwise, relating to the S4 arrangements contained within the CfE programme destroy one of the traditional strengths of the Scottish education system, namely its breadth of curricular provision.

Congress expresses the gravest concerns that these proposals will inevitably lead to chaos and incoherence of provision across Scottish schools.

MOTION F

This Congress condemns the concept of literacy and numeracy examinations.

MOTION G

Congress calls on the Scottish Government to provide evidence that the CfE programme is deliverable within the resources which will be available at the time of the proposed full implementation, and to provide it immediately.

MOTION H

Congress believes that the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence should be delayed until all course arrangements, teaching materials and resources are fully prepared and available to teaching staff. Further, these course arrangements, teaching materials and resources should be prepared by teachers seconded to carry out the task and fully funded by the Scottish Government.

Congress warns that a ballot on industrial action may follow if attempts are made to impose CfE without adequate funding.

In the interim, Congress also calls upon the SQA to continue to provide appropriate examinations for Standard Grade and National Qualifications, as currently available, for as long as is necessary.

MOTION K

This Association will resist any proposed reform of the GTCS which reduces the relative proportion of members elected by teachers and/or which removes specific representation for secondary teachers.

MOTION L

Congress condemns proposals that certain graduates in England and Wales may follow a 6 month fast-track Initial Teacher Training programme. Congress calls on the GTCS to oppose the introduction of any similar scheme in Scotland and to refuse to recognise any such scheme as satisfying the Standard for Full Registration.

MOTION M

Congress calls on the SNCT to implement a national formula for the allocation of management time to promoted post holders in schools.

MOTION N

The SSTA strongly condemns any suggestion that a teacher should require his or her Headteacher's approval before embarking on the Chartered Teacher Programme and vehemently opposes the implementation of any such policy.

MOTION O

The SSTA recognises the importance of the essential work undertaken by teachers working in the field of Additional Support Needs and as a consequence strongly opposes any reduction in the number of teachers who work in this important field.

MOTION P

The SSTA calls on every local authority to ensure that their HR Departments have a dedicated Education section. This section must be staffed by professionals who know and understand teachers' contractual arrangements.

MOTION Q

Congress calls on HMIe to include an assessment of Health and Welfare arrangements for school staff in future inspections of Scottish schools.

MOTION R

This Congress believes that workplace bullying is a serious issue in many of Scotland's secondary schools and therefore calls on all employing authorities to ensure that:-

• All staff receive training to allow them to recognise and deal appropriately with workplace bullying

• A system is put in place which facilitates the reporting of workplace bullying independent of school line managers

• An exit interview is held which must include a check that anti-bullying policies had been adhered to.

MOTION S

The SSTA demands that teachers and other members of school staff be given the same respect and protection accorded to other professions who deal with the public.

This should be recognised as a first step by the display of posters demanding zero tolerance of abuse towards staff.

MOTION T

In order to ensure that all who work in Scotland's schools be protected from violence at work, Congress calls on the Scottish Parliament to legislate to ensure that the scope of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 be extended to cover all parts of the public sector.

MOTION U

The SSTA calls on the Scottish Government to take action to ensure that when a pupil commits an act of physical violence leading to exclusion, he/she can be returned to school only after an Educational Psychologist has completed a risk assessment and the resultant recommendations have been implemented.

MOTION W

This Association calls on all Scottish local authorities to ensure that the provision of First Aiders in schools is extended and resourced in order to ensure that pupils enjoy the same protection as employees.

MOTION X

Congress calls on local authorities to provide Childcare facilities for parents and teachers during parents' nights.

MOTION Y

Congress demands that the UK Parliament legislates to ensure a right to privacy prior to any conviction for any teacher accused of abuse or misconduct regarding young people.

Congress also approved three emergency motions:-

EMERGENCY MOTION 1

This Association states unequivocally that its members cannot progress the revised Experiences and Outcomes for the Curriculum for Excellence programme due to the continuing lack of necessary details. The programme is therefore at risk of falling at the first major hurdle.

The Association now demands that the Scottish Government enter into genuine consultation with the teaching unions on progress with the programme, to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and to provide the essential explicit guidance in all curricular areas.

The supposed devolution to classroom teachers of control over curricular content, as currently proposed, will result in a huge and unwarranted increase in teachers' workload, a significant variation in what is taught in Scotland's schools and a total loss of confidence in the value of the relevant courses.

This Association will ballot its members on industrial action if progress on these issues is not apparent by summer 2009.

EMERGENCY MOTION 2

This Association totally opposes any attempt to abandon an external examination for the purposes of assessment of attainment at SCQF level 4.

EMERGENCY MOTION 3

Congress rejects the SNCT Chartered Teacher Working Group paper "The Role of the Chartered Teacher" and, in particular, its attempts to expand Chartered Teachers' duties contained in TP21 Annex B by suggesting an enhanced contribution based on the Revised Standard for Chartered Teachers (GTCS 2009) and linked to the professional actions required by the Standard for Chartered Teacher.

(f)     The Report of the Finance Committee and the Accounts for 2008 were approved. A copy of the Report and Accounts will be sent to all school representatives with this bulletin and may be seen by members. The Financial Statement to 31 December 2008, as required by law, appears later in this bulletin.

3. ELECTION OF COUNCIL 2009-2011

The independent scrutineer's report on the elections to Council is shown below:-

The following members were elected to serve on Council.

Argyll & Bute - Jackie Stinson

Aberdeen City - John Gray, Sid Sandison, Joe Wallace

Angus - Christine Campbell, Mike Nash

Aberdeenshire - Barbara Adams, Elaine Henderson, Albert McKay

Dundee City - Bryan Gould, George Sturrock

Dumfries & Galloway - Jim Reid, Jay Young

East Dunbartonshire - Graham Robertson, Sally Shearer

Eilean Siar - Rob McCafferty

Fife - John Edgar, George Hayton, Robert Macmillan, Anne O'Kane, David Smith

Glasgow City - Ray Howie, Bill Izzard, Tony Jensen, Bob McGarill, Ann Simpson

Highland - Stuart Fernie, Eileen Hamilton, Andrew Sutcliffe

North Lanarkshire - Sandra Dolan, Barbara Samson, Val Stewart

Orkney - John Bennett

Perth & Kinross - Rob Hands, Alan Johnston

Scottish Borders - Lesley Campbell, Janice Chapman

Shetland - Donald Murray

South Lanarkshire - Richard Goring, Donald MacDougall, Janine McCullough

West Dunbartonshire - Katy Gallagher

Ayrshire - Paula Brennan, Ward McCormick, Les Newlands, Catherine Nicol, Pamela Templeton

Central - Mary Dove, Ian MacLean, Connie Paterson

Lothian - Susan Dick, Monique Dreon-Goold, James Forbes, Dave Grierson, Kaye Macaskill, Mary Moore, Chris Stewart, Martin Wilson  

Renfrew - Margaret Donnelly, John Guidi, Valerie Liddell

As Scrutineers appointed in accordance with Section 49 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended), we are satisfied as to each of the matters specified in subsection 52(2) with regard to the election.

Section 49(3) requires the scrutineer to inspect the register of names and addresses of the members of the trade union whenever it appears appropriate to do so or when requested to do so under the conditions specified in subsection 3(A). It was not deemed appropriate, at this time, to inspect the register and no requests to inspect the register were received.

Alexander Lonie

Manager of Trade Union & Membership Organisations Sector

Electoral Reform Services

4. FINANCIAL STATEMENT

INCOME

Membership Subscriptions                               £1,074,060

Other income                                                                         £124,632

                                                                                                            £1,198,692

EXPENDITURE

*Annual Operating Costs                                     £1,367,197

Appropriations

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)      ( £168,505)

                                                                                                            £1,198,692

*including:

In respect of General Secretary:

Salary                                                                                                             £76,118.25

Superannuation and NIC                                                       £61,097.85

Employee's Superannuation contributions             £4,567.14

Key Person's life policy premium                                     £1,215.30

Essential user's car allowance                                                 £822.00

Honoraria to elected Office Bearers:

General Treasurer                                                                               £7,200.00

Minutes Secretary                                                                             £5,200.00

President                                                                                                       £2,100.00

                                                                                                                              £158,320.54

The Association does not maintain a political fund.

5. AUDITORS' REPORT

We have audited the financial statements of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association for the year ended 31 December 2008 which comprise the Cash Flow statement, the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and related notes. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein and the requirements of the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2007).

This report is made solely to the Association's members, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Association's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Association and the Association's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of the members of the Finance Committee and auditors

As described in the statement of Finance Committee's responsibilities members of the Finance Committee are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with Trade Union Law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Association's affairs. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Report of the Finance Committee is not consistent with the financial statements, if the Association has not kept proper accounting records or if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

We read the Report of the Finance Committee and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements within it.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the members of the Finance Committee in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Association's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the Association's affairs as at 31 December 2008 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• the information given in the Report of the Finance Committee is consistent with the accounts.

Tindell, Grant & Co

Registered Auditors

6 Munro Road

Springkerse

Stirling FK7 7UU

6. STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH s32A(6A) OF THE ACT

"A member who is concerned that some irregularity may be occurring, or have occurred, in the conduct of the financial affairs of the union may take steps with a view to investigating further, obtaining clarification and, if necessary, securing regularisation of that conduct.

The member may raise any such concern with such one or more of the following as it seems appropriate to raise it with: the officials of the union, the trustees of the property of the union, the auditor or auditors of the union, the Certification Officer (who is an independent officer appointed by the Secretary of State) and the police.

Where a member believes that the financial affairs of the union have been or are being conducted in breach of the law or in breach of rules of the union and contemplates bringing civil proceedings against the union or responsible officials or trustees, he should consider obtaining independent legal advice."

A copy of the full financial report has been issued to each school representative and will be available for inspection. Any member wishing an additional copy should write to the General Secretary.

Bulletin - 06/11/2009

Bulletin no 413/09 March 2009

1. APPOINTMENT OF PREFERRED CANDIDATE FOR THE POST OF GENERAL SECRETARY

Council has remitted to Executive the matter of the appointment of the Association's new General Secretary. Executive set up an Appointment Panel which made a decision on the matter. The Panel met on 16 February and selected George Sturrock, Past President of the Association and current member of Executive as Council's preferred candidate.

2. BALLOT FOR THE POST OF GENERAL SECRETARY

In accordance with legislation and current rules of the Association, all Districts and Areas were permitted to make nominations for the post of General Secretary. That process is now complete and there are two nominees for the post:-

Ann Ballinger (Bishopbriggs Academy)

George Sturrock (Menzieshill High School, Dundee).

There will therefore be a ballot to determine the next General Secretary.

The ballot will be conducted by post by the balloting agents, Electoral Reform Services. Their address is shown at the foot of item 3 of this bulletin. The ballot will be held as soon as possible but during April. The ballot paper will be sent to members' home addresses. Members are asked to ensure that the office has an accurate home address. Any member who did not receive a ballot paper for the vice-presidential election is likely to have an inaccurate home address registered in the Association's database. In order to receive a ballot paper, members must intimate any change of address to this office by noon on 1 April 2009.

3. ELECTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT 2009-2011

Following the recent ballot of members, Margaret Smith (St. Andrew's High School, Kirkcaldy) has been elected as Association Vice-President for 2009-2011. The ballot was undertaken by Electoral Reform Services. Their full report is as follows:-

”ƒ

ELECTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT 2009-2011

Total number of eligible voters 7,316  
Total number of votes cast  2,027
Turnout  27.7%
Number of votes found to be invalid  1

RESULT

GORING, Richard  

730
SMITH, Margaret  1,296

 

Electoral Reform Services

The Electoral Centre

33 Clarendon Road

London

N8 0NW

Any member wishing a further copy of the balloting agent's report will have one provided on payment of a fee of one pound ( £1.00). Requests should be addressed to the Acting General Secretary.

4. COUNCIL OF MARCH 2009

Council approved reports on the following:-  

• Progress with CfE

• SNCT issues

• SQA issues

An election was held to appoint three further members of the Education Committee. The following were appointed:-

NAME  

  SCHOOL
 James Forbes  Lasswade HS
 Albert McKay  Ellon Academy
 Val Stewart  Kilsyth Academy

Council also approved the arrangements for the ballot for the vacant post of General Secretary.

5. CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE

Members will be aware that the second draft of the Experiences and Outcomes, vital to progress with CfE, will be published on the LTS website on 31 March 2009. Paper copies of the full set of E&O will be sent to all schools to arrive by the latest on 25 May (date of posting from 18 May). The Schools Directorate has clearly indicated that the paper copies of the E&O will be provided "in sufficient numbers for each teaching member of staff to have their own copy". Members should therefore expect to receive this documentation. As indicated, however, it is available electronically at a much earlier date.

The Association wishes to consult the full membership on the Experiences and Outcomes. To this end, the Association website has a consultation mechanism. The link is under "News" on the right hand column of the homepage. The consultation will commence in mid-April.

Members may also send comments by post or by e mail to the Association offices.

The importance of the Association's consultation cannot be overstated. All members are urged to respond. To maintain simplicity members are simply asked if the new E&O proposals represent an improvement, deterioration or no change to existing arrangements.

MEMBERS ARE URGED TO RESPOND

ANN BALLINGER President

JIM DOCHERTY Acting General Secretary

Bulletin - 03/27/2009

Bulletin 412/09 - 12 January 2009

1. RETIREMENT OF GENERAL SECRETARY

The Association announces the retirement of the General Secretary, David Eaglesham, as of 31 December 2008. David has served as Assistant General Secretary and General Secretary since 1994 and 1996 respectively. We take this opportunity to wish David well in the future.

Jim Docherty, current Depute General Secretary, will hold the post of Acting General Secretary until the appointment of a new General Secretary in spring this year. Alan McKenzie (currently Professional Officer and Past President of the Association) will take up the Acting Depute General Secretary post for the same period.

2. APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL SECRETARY

Following the retiral of the General Secretary, the Association will appoint a successor as soon as possible. All members are eligible to apply for the post. An active involvement in the work of the Association is desirable but not essential.

The post is based in Edinburgh.

Candidates should be able to display leadership and innovation and have a genuine interest in education and the welfare of its practitioners.

The post of General Secretary is subject to current arrangements as provided by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, and in particular s.46 whereby the holder of the post of General Secretary requires to be appointed only following (if necessary) a ballot of membership. The procedure outlined here identifies therefore the preferred candidate for the post of General Secretary. A ballot is not required where there is only one valid nomination. The post is subject to further balloting of members every 5 years under current legislation.

The new General Secretary would be asked to take up post as soon as possible in 2009 following the completion of the above procedure. This is likely to be at the earliest in April 2009.

All applications must be made by post. An application pack, containing the application form, is available from Jim Docherty, Acting General Secretary, at the address above. An application form may be downloaded from the Association website. Applications close at noon on 30 January 2009. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh in February 2009. The Acting General Secretary is also able to answer questions from candidates as to the nature of the post.

The salary for the post is �72,000 at 1 January 2009.

3. SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT : BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS SURVEY 2009

Members may be given the opportunity to respond to the above survey (to be undertaken by the University of Edinburgh). The survey questionnaire is very much as used in 2006 and is exhaustive. Members are strongly encouraged to respond. The Association is happy to receive copies of responses from members. The survey includes separate questionnaires for headteachers and for school support staff.

The mechanism for the identification of those staff who should receive the questionnaire is shown on the information sheet provided for headteachers. The headteacher is asked to distribute the questionnaires on an alphabetical basis starting with the first teacher after the headteacher's own position on the alphabetical list. If questionnaires remain, the teachers at the top of the alphabetical list are then selected. The total number of questionnaires is a fixed proportion of the total number of teachers in the school. Questionnaires should be distributed to promoted, unpromoted, full-time, permanent and temporary staff. There is no comment as to the use of "supply" staff but such staff should not generally expect to receive questionnaires. ("Supply" means teachers called into the school for only very short term work).

Please note that the responses should be sent direct in the SAE provided to the University of Edinburgh.

It is this survey which more than anything will be seen to show the true state of behaviour in our schools.

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS QUESTIONNAIRE

�

4. STAFF QUESTIONNAIRES PRIOR TO INSPECTIONS

Members whose schools are about to undergo a "normal" inspection (the proportionate inspection) should be given the opportunity to respond to an advance questionnaire provided by HMIE. Members are asked to note that the responses given are totally confidential. The school's headteacher does not see the responses. HMI may make comment on the findings obtained from the questionnaires but no names are ever mentioned in any formal or informal reports. Members are strongly encouraged to respond to the questionnaire. There is a great deal of useful information on inspections available on the HMIE website (www.hmie.gov.uk)

5. JOB SIZING QUESTIONNAIRES

The third questionnaire of interest in this bulletin is the very important Job Sizing questionnaire which should have been completed prior to Job Sizing Day (1 August 2003). All promoted post holders are encouraged to keep a copy of the current questionnaire. Members who failed to retain a copy should request one from their authority. The original questionnaire will be of significant importance if the question of re-jobsizing arises. Promoted staff who took up their appointments after 1 August 2003 should request a copy of the questionnaire as completed by the authority and retain this.

6. PERSONAL DETAILS AND COMMUNICATION

Members are again (please!) asked to ensure that their contact details are correct. Perhaps forty members attempted to update their details in the early part of 2008. The office system crash caused these changes to be lost. Any members who suspect they may be in this group are asked to contact this office.

There will be important communications from this office during the early part of this year (including postal ballots). Members are asked to read all such communications thoroughly. Any enquiries might thereafter be sent to this office.

The use of the info@ssta.org.uk email address is encouraged.

�

7. MARCH COUNCIL AND AGM DATES

In order to meet the timetable relating to the appointment of the new General Secretary, it may be necessary to delay the meeting of March Council. The pre-March Council meeting held in every District is often combined with the AGM. If members have received notification at this time of the date of the pre-March Council meeting or the AGM, this date should be taken as provisional. District Secretaries will contact members with the relevant date(s) in the normal way.

�

JIM DOCHERTY, Acting General Secretary

ANN BALLINGER ,President

Bulletin - 01/12/2009

Bulletin 411/08 - 15 December 2008

1. MEMBERS' ADDRESSES

There will be a ballot of members in early 2009 for the office of Vice-President 2009-2011. The ballot is to members' home addresses. All members are urged to ensure that the Association holds the correct address on its database. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Association at info@ssta.org.uk or by telephone. It is helpful to quote your membership number or former address.

2. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS 2009-2011

The following nominations have been received:

President: Peter Wright, Broxburn Academy

Vice-President: Richard Goring, Hamilton Grammar School

Margaret Smith, St Andrews High School, Kirkcaldy

Subject to confirmation by the Association's independent scrutineers:

Peter Wright will be President of the Association for the period 2009-2011;

A ballot will be held to elect the Association's Vice-President for the period 2009-2011. The Ballot will be held in early 2009.

3. CONTACT WITH THE ASSOCIATION BY EMAIL

The Association is happy to receive requests for advice or information from members by email. Unless members are informed otherwise, use should be made of our info@ssta.org.uk address. Except at the weekend and during holidays, the vast majority of requests for information are dealt with within 36 hours (the majority are dealt with on the day of receipt). The Association has, however, noted problems with certain emails. A notification of receipt for the email may not be sufficient to indicate actual delivery of the email.

If a response is not received within 3 working days, the message should be resent.

4. ASSOCIATION HEADTEACHER CONSULTANT

The Association from time to time requires to advise its Headteacher members regarding unusual or difficult aspects of their remits. The Association engages as consultant, Douglas Campbell, former Headteacher of Bell Baxter High School and a Past President of the Association, to provide such support.

Headteachers (or DHT) members who might make use of such support should contact the General Secretary in the first instance.

5. COUNCIL 6 DECEMBER 2008

Council heard reports relating to

"Possible changes to the membership of the GTC(S) - Meeting with HMI and Schools Directorate with particular reference to the bullying of teachers - SNCT issues - Progress on the implementation of CfE - Motions for STUC Annual Congress 2009 - SQA issues.

Council remitted the following motion to the Health & Safety Panel:

This Association calls on the Scottish Government to issue mandatory instructions to local authorities requiring that they make adequate provision for first aid in schools. This should include the appointment of sufficient first aiders for both staff and children.

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions to the Association are due to be renewed in January 2009 and Council has set an annual subscription of £163.90 for all members who pay their fees by 31 January 2009 (an increase of 2.75% on the 2008 figures). This reduced tariff includes annual direct debit, cheque, part-time, job-share and retired members. This saving is clearly of advantage to members and is only available to those who pay before the end of January.

Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be forwarded by 31 January 2009, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The full range of rates set for 2009 is as follows:

- Full members �163.90 if paid annually by 31 January 2009, or �178.80 if paid afterwards; �14.90 if paid by monthly direct debit.

- Retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: �81.95 if paid annually by 31 January 2009 or �89.40 if paid afterwards; �7.45 per month if paid by monthly direct debit.

Members who have opted to receive information on revised subscription rates directly to their home addresses will be contacted early in the New Year.

7. LAWLINE SERVICE

Members are reminded of our free Lawline service which gives initial advice on a wide range of legal issues. The service is not intended to deal with issues associated with employment as a teacher (which should be sent direct to the General Secretary).

Members who have used the service have commented very favourably. The service can be accessed by telephone on 07770748556 between the hours of 8.30am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday, or e-mail at Lawline@morton-fraser.com.

8. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE 2009

Members are reminded that these are arranged as follows:

Saturday 25 April 2009 in Forres

Saturday 09 May 2009 in Stirling

Saturday 30 May 2009 in Glasgow

Applications should be received by 31 March 2009.

9. SCHOOL INSPECTIONS

Members are reminded that much useful advice is available via the HMI website at http://www.hmie.gov.uk.

The Association also has detailed advice notes. This is best obtained by email at info@ssta.org.uk or by telephone as shown below.

Members are strongly encouraged to complete the pre-inspection questionnaire which should be available to all staff. This questionnaire is designed to ascertain teachers' opinions on the operation of the school and is completely confidential.

10. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

The limited service operating immediately prior to Christmas is extended. It will be available on Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December from 10am to 3pm.

.

The President and Council of the Association wish all

members a very happy Christmas and peaceful and restful New Year

ANN BALLINGER President

JIM DOCHERTY Acting General Secretary

Bulletin - 12/15/2008

Bulletin 410/08 - 14 October 2008

1. ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

Members are asked to note that there is much useful advice in the SSTA diary. Members' attention is drawn to the section relating to "Advice to Members" and in particular to the fact that the School Representative is not generally the first person to be approached if a member has a problem or seeks advice.

2. CONSULTATION ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS IN SCOTLAND

Members are urged to take part in this consultation. The implications for the profession are clear to all. The Association will provide comment but it is vital that the views of the profession's practitioners are relayed to the Scottish Government.

Responses are best made online but there is the facility to make a return by post. The on-line questionnaire is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations by following the link to current consultations. Paper copies of the questionnaire can also be printed.

All questions contain space for written comment. Members are urged to use this facility. The design of the questionnaire is such that it is not possible to express all concerns simply by ticking the boxes available. The consultation closes on 31 October.

Please take the time to make your views count

3. COUNCIL 4 OCTOBER 2008

• Council heard reports on current SNCT issues, a wide range of matters relating to Curriculum for Excellence and from the STUC Committee.

• Council unanimously passed the following motion:

The SSTA welcomes the general principles of Curriculum for Excellence and the commitment to a secondary curriculum delivered by subject specialists. However, given the timescale for the publication of the revised "outcome and experiences", the lack of any timetabling models and the current reduction on CPD relating to introduction of Curriculum for Excellence in many local authorities, this Association calls for a delay in the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence.

This would allow for:

• Proper analysis of trialling projects

• Central development of teaching materials where required

• Proper planning of interdisciplinary projects

• Decisions to be made about future exam structure before starting to implement courses

 and would ensure that the intended first group of pupils would have the best educational experience possible under Curriculum for Excellence.

4. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE

Three courses are arranged for 2009 as follows:

Saturday 25 April 2009 in Forres

Saturday 09 May 2009 in Stirling

Saturday 30 May 2009 in Glasgow

 In previous years spouses/ partners have been permitted to attend. Regrettably, given the increase in the number of retirements, this is no longer possible.

The Forres venue is added only for 2009. It is intended to assist members residing in Eilean Siar, Shetland, Orkney, Highland, Moray and Aberdeenshire. Members in Aberdeen City will be next to be allocated any remaining places. This venue has only a very limited number of places.

Places generally will be offered on the basis of:

1. Members unsuccessful in gaining a place in 2008

2. Members retiring in 2009

3. Otherwise in order of receipt of a completed application form.

A poster advertising the events and giving further details will be in schools shortly. The closing date for applications (for those only in categories 1 and 2 above) is 31 January 2009. No applications can be accepted after 1 April 2009.

5. HEADTEACHER RECUITMENT AND RETENTION RESEARCH

The Association is participating in the Research Advisory Group established to oversee important research into issues surrounding headteacher recruitment and retention. All headteachers and a representative sample of teachers have been invited to take part in the research. If you have received a questionnaire, the Association would encourage you to participate in this important exercise. The closing date for the headteachers' survey has been extended to 22 October 2008, whilst the response date for the teachers' survey has been extended to 31 October 2008.

6. DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENTS IN DECEMBER

Members who pay their subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December's subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Monday 29 December which will be processed on Tuesday 30 December for payment on Wednesday 31 December.

7. RETIRED MEMBERS

Members who are about to retire are asked to note that they may maintain membership of the Association after retiral at one half of the usual rate. Members in this situation should contact this office giving their retirement date. If it has not already been done, membership will be transferred to the home address and the school membership deleted. Retiring members who have paid a full rate subscription for the whole year will receive a rebate by cheque. Retired membership entitles the member to all the usual services for members except access to those external services limited by age, such as access to the travel insurance scheme. Such members receive all information at their home address. Members who have retired during the course of this year who have not informed the Association (and hence who may not be currently benefiting from the reduced subscription rate) are asked to notify the office.

It is helpful if all retired members (as well as those continuing in employment) give details of any email address.

8. LAWLINE SERVICE

Members are reminded of the Association's free legal advisory service, Lawline. Morton Fraser Solicitors provide SSTA members with a free confidential legal advice by telephone or email. The service permits members to seek legal advice on any issues affecting them (excluding employment matters which should be directed to the General Secretary). The advice given is prompt, comprehensive, impartial and covers Scots law as well as other jurisdictions. Advice can cover consumer matters, domestic issues, contracts, family law, estates and travel to name but a few areas. To make use of the service you can telephone on 07770 748556 or email at: Lawline@morton-fraser.com.

9. SPEAKING TO MOTIONS: WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN MEMBERS

The President is offering an informal workshop in the SSTA Office on Saturday 1 November. If you are interested in this (or a subsequent) workshop please email Ann at info@ssta.org.uk. Please note that the first workshop is for women members.

10. FIT GROUP (FUTURE IN TEACHING)

A new group for teachers in their first 10 years of teaching will meet on the 8 November in Glasgow. If you are interested, please contact the office before 3 November.

11. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Friday 19 December and will re-open for normal business after New Year on Monday 5 January 2009. A limited service will operate on Monday 22 December from 10am to 3pm.

ANN BALLINGER President

JIM DOCHERTY Acting General Secretary

 

Bulletin - 10/14/2008

Bulletin 409/08 7 June 2008

BULLETIN

Bulletin no 409/08 7 June 2008 Distribution One per Member

1. CONGRESS 2008

The following are the main items from Congress 2008 held in Peebles Hotel Hydro, on 16 and 17 May.

(a) Presidential Address

The President, Ann Ballinger, addressed Congress on the theme of Rights & Responsibilities. The full text of the Presidential Address can be found on the Association website at https://ssta.org.uk.

(b) General Secretary's Address

The General Secretary, David Eaglesham, addressed Congress on Recognition. His report in full can be accessed on the Association's website, https://ssta.org.uk.

(c) Life Membership

Life Membership of the Association was conferred on Douglas Amos, Lothian Area, Matthew Maclver from GTCS and George Stocks, Highland District

(d) Finance Committee

The Report of the Finance Committee and Accounts for 2007 were approved. A copy of the Report and Accounts will be sent to all school representatives with this Bulletin and may be consulted by members.

The Financial Statement to 31 December 2007, as required by law, appears later in this Bulletin.

(e) Guests at Congress

The Association's representatives were joined by guests from Scottish Borders Council and from the political parties along with teacher unions from throughout the UK and overseas. The Scottish Borders Council generously provided a Civic Reception.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, addressed Congress in a Keynote Speech and answered questions from delegates.

(f) Motions to Congress

The following motions were approved by Congress.

MOTION A

Congress believes that the intention of the Scottish Government to seek views on the future of Qualifications at SCQF levels 4 & 5 when not all Curriculum for Excellence Draft Outcomes and Experiences had been published is unacceptable and shows lack of strategic thought.

Congress demands that all consultation on changes in assessment systems is carried out only when proposals for the revised curriculum are fully developed.

MOTION B

SSTA calls upon the Scottish Government to ensure that prior to attempts to implement ‘A Curriculum for Excellence', proper resourcing, suitable and appropriate materials, training and funding are in place in schools.

MOTION C

This Association expresses alarm that "Curriculum for Excellence" will not achieve its aims because of lack of direction from successive Governments. Congress believes that the lack of engagement with teachers is due to the poor methods of disseminating information to schools.

MOTION D

Despite repeated affirmations that "Better Behaviour, Better Learning" is having a positive impact on Scottish schools, this Association notes with concern that instances of unacceptable behaviour by pupils are increasing.

We urge the Scottish Government to implement effective strategies to ensure that the learning experience of all children is positive.

MOTION E

This Association welcomes the additional support and funding for adult learners of English announced recently by the Scottish Government and calls on the Scottish Government and Local Authorities to develop a clear and workable strategy to help and support those pupils for whom English is an additional language and who are enrolled in secondary schools across Scotland.

MOTION F

This Association calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that staffing levels in Scotland's schools are maintained at a level sufficient to deliver an appropriate curriculum for pupils of all abilities and stages.

MOTION G

This Association is concerned about potential workload implications for Principal Teachers of English and Maths should the Curriculum for Excellence proposals on Literacy and Numeracy lead to a widening of management responsibility in these areas across the whole school. We would call on the Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee to monitor the evolving situation.

MOTION H

This Association is concerned that classroom assistants are not employed in sufficient numbers to release teachers from non teaching duties as outlined in Annexe E of TP21, and calls on local authorities to employ sufficient classroom assistants to enable teachers to have ‘time to teach'.

MOTION I

The Scottish Government has repeatedly stated its full commitment to all aspects of A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century. They must therefore ensure that Local Authorities do not use the relaxation of budget ring-fencing to reduce the number of support staff in Scottish Schools.

MOTION J

This Association calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that all Local Authority schools meet or exceed the standards required by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992).

MOTION K

Congress calls on the Scottish Government to remind all Local Authorities of their duty of care to staff and pupils during the transition phase of a new-build project or major refurbishment and to require that Local Authorities must ensure that adequate time is allocated for the packing, removal and unpacking of resources to allow quality teaching to resume as quickly as possible following occupation of a building.

MOTION L

Congress calls on the Scottish Government to initiate, with urgency, an independent review of Initial Teacher Education and to ensure that the review body should contain a significant proportion of practising teachers.

MOTION M

This Association expresses concern about the method of deployment of Probationer teachers in schools and the potentially damaging effects on Probationers, pupils, subject departments and newly qualified teachers. Congress calls on the Scottish Government to undertake a wide ranging review of the operation of the probationary arrangements to ensure that these deliver the optimum outcome.

MOTION N

This Association is concerned about the number of Newly Qualified Teachers who are not appointed to permanent posts after their probationary period and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure a career structure which will give continuity of employment to NQTs.

MOTION O

This Association calls upon all Local Authorities to advertise unpromoted teaching vacancies timeously to avoid causing long-term damage to our education system.

MOTION P

This Association congratulates the Scottish Government on implementing SSTA policy to reduce to zero the number of political appointees on the GTCS. In order to further foster this spirit of democracy and accountability, the SSTA calls upon the Scottish Government to ensure that serving teachers elected to the GTCS have a statutory right to paid time off to represent the profession on all Council business.

MOTION Q

This Association rejects recommendation 5 of the report "Valuable Assets - a general formal investigation into the role and status of classroom assistants in Scottish Schools", published by the Equal Opportunities Commission believing that the notion that classroom assistants should come under the registration and regulation of the GTCS is likely to lead to the undermining of teacher professionalism in Scotland.

MOTION R

Congress welcomes the developing educational links between Scotland and Malawi, and congratulates those schools and teachers from Scotland who have formed partnerships with schools in Malawi, as well as other countries abroad.

Congress calls on the Scottish Government and local authorities to continue to foster such links which are to the undoubted benefit of pupils, teachers and their communities.

EMERGENCY MOTION

In the light of the recent information provided by the Scottish Government on the proposed consultation on the future arrangements for National Qualifications and the information provided so far on the Curriculum for Excellence programme, Congress now believes that the Scottish education system and the future of young people in Scotland are being used as pawns subject to the whims of different administrations who are paying only lip-service to the need for meaningful consultation with the teaching profession

2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT

 INCOME        
 Membership subscriptions

 £1,070,239
 Other income

  165,176
   1,235,415
   
 EXPENDITURE  
 *Annual Operating Costs  

 £1,268,651
 Appropriations  
 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)       (33,236)
  1,235,415
   
 *including:  
 In respect of General Secretary

          Salary

          Superannuation and NIC

           Employeese Superannuation Contributions

          Key Person's life policy premium

           Essential user's car allowance

Honraria to elected Office Bearers:

          General Treasurer

          Minutes Secretary

          President

74,106

84'940

4,446

2,549

822

6,800

4,900

2,000
  £180,563
   

3. AUDITORS REPORT

We have audited the financial statements of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association for the year ended 31 December 2007 which comprise the Cash Flow statement, the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and related notes. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein and the requirements of the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities.

This report is made solely to the Association's members, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Association's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Association and the Association's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of the members of the Finance Committee and auditors As described in the statement of Finance Committee's responsibilities members of the Finance Committee are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with Trade Union Law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Association's affairs. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Report of the Finance Committee is not consistent with the financial statements, if the Association has not kept proper accounting records or if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

We read the Report of the Finance Committee and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements within it.

Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the members of the Finance Committee in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Association's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, of the state of the Association's affairs as at 31 December 2007 and of its deficit for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the information given in the Report of the Finance Committee is consistent with the accounts.

Tindell, Grant & Co Registered Auditors 6 Munro Road Springkerse Stirling FK7 7UU

4. STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH S 32A 6(A) OF THE ACT

"A member who is concerned that some irregularity may be occurring, or have occurred, in the conduct of the financial affairs of the union may take steps with a view to investigating further, obtaining clarification and, if necessary, securing regularisation of that conduct.

The member may raise any such concern with such one or more of the following as it seems appropriate to raise it with: the officials of the union, the trustees of the property of the union, the auditor or auditors of the union, the Certification Officer (who is an independent officer appointed by the Secretary of State) and the police.

Where a member believes that the financial affairs of the union have been or are being conducted in breach of the law or in breach of rules of the union and contemplates bringing civil proceedings against the union or responsible officials or trustees, he should consider obtaining independent legal advice."

A copy of the full financial report has been issued to each school representative and will be available for inspection. Any member wishing an additional copy should write to the General Secretary.

5. MEMBERSHIP

It would be extremely helpful if members who are retiring at this time of year would notify the Association office of the fact. Members who transfer school should also let the office know of their new school details.

SSTA would take this opportunity to wish those members retiring a long, healthy and happy retirement or, in the case of those transferring to another school, a stress-free transition and continued career success.

Office staff would be grateful to all members who move home address during the summer to contact with a note of their new private address.

On behalf of the President and Council, the Association wishes all its members a well-deserved restful and enjoyable summer vacation.

ANN BALLINGER, President DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary

Bulletin - 10/08/2008

BULLETIN 407/07 - December 2007

BULLETIN Bulletin no 407/07 11 December 2007

1. COUNCIL 1 DECEMBER 2007 Council heard reports on:-

  • Initial discussions at the SNCT on the 2008 pay settlement and the 2007 shortfall.
  • Conditions of Service Working Group.
  • Class Size, Working Group.
  • LNCT Review Group.
  • Chartered Teacher Review Group.
  • SQA Examination revisions.
  • Developments in "A Curriculum for Excellence".

2. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to the Association are due to be renewed in January 2008 and Council has set an annual subscription of £159.50 for all full members who pay their fees by 31 January 2008. This reduced tariff includes annual direct debit or cheque. This saving is clearly of advantage to members and is only available to those who pay before the end of January. Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be forwarded by 31 January 2008, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The rates set for 2008 are as follows:

- full members £159.50 if paid annually by 31 January 2008, or £174.00 if paid afterwards; £14.50 if paid by monthly direct debit. - retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: £79.75 if paid annually by 31 January 2008 or £87.00 if paid afterwards; £7.25 per month if paid by monthly direct debit.

Members who pay annually by cheque are encouraged to transfer to annual Direct Debit. This method not only considerably reduces workload for both school representatives and office staff but clearly benefits members by the reduced rate. Paying by Direct Debit guarantees that the payment will be taken in time to obtain the discounted subscription. Direct debit instruction forms for this purpose are available from either school representatives or directly from this office. Members who have opted to receive information on revised subscription rates directly to their home addresses will be contacted early in the New Year.

3. DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENTS IN DECEMBER Members who pay their subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December's subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Wednesday 26 December which will be processed on Thursday 27 December for payment on Friday 28 December.

4. PART-TIME/TEMPORARY/JOB-SHARE/SUPPLY MEMBERSHIP STATUS The Association is in the process of updating its membership database and it would, therefore, be helpful if members who have recently changed their employment status, but not yet informed this office would do so now. Contact may be made by emailing info@ssta.org.uk noting the date of change of status and the FTE figure worked.

5. LAWLINE SERVICE Members are reminded of the Association's free legal advisory service Lawline. This SSTA service provides members with free and confidential legal advice through Morton Fraser Solicitors by telephone or by e-mail. The service provides advice on ANY legal matter with the sole exception of matters relating to the professional life of a teacher (which should be sent directly to the General Secretary). The service has been of great benefit to the many members who have used it. To make use of the service you can telephone on 07770 748556 between the hours of 8.30am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday, or e-mail at Lawline@morton-fraser.com.

6. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE 2008 A series of one day pre-retirement courses will take place during the first half of 2008. Details of dates and venues will be advised to members as soon as possible and will also be posted on the website. Places will be offered first to members retiring in 2008 and thereafter on a first come basis.

7. RESEARCH - TEACHERS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE The Association wishes to encourage members to participate (if invited) in an international study co-ordinated by Jenny Ozga and Linda Croxford of Edinburgh University into teachers' attitudes to and experiences of Quality Assurance and Performance Management in education. This study could yield valuable information on this topic. Members are therefore encouraged to respond if selected as part of the random sample. There will also be an opportunity to participate via the internet. The survey will take place at the end of January 2008. Any further details received relating to the survey will be placed on the SSTA website.

8. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Friday 21 December and will re-open for normal business after New Year on Monday 7 January 2008. .

The President and Council of the Association wish all members the Compliments of the Season

ANN BALLINGER, President

DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary

Bulletin - 02/22/2008

March 05 Bulletin_396-05.htm

COUNCIL 5 MARCH 2005

1. COUNCIL

a) Council stood in silence as a mark of respect for George Dawson, Life Member, who died in January 2005, and also for Peter Dawson former General Secretary of NATFHE and EI, who was a long standing friend of the Association.

b) Council heard that Executive had authorised a indicative ballot on possible strike action with regard to proposed pension changes to teachers' pensions. Executive will determine, on the basis of the indicative ballot, whether a statutory ballot will be called for a potential one day strike in early May. Council also heard reports on the latest developments with regards to the proposed pension changes.

c) Council heard reports on the latest stage of implementation of the McCrone Agreement and the SNCT meeting in January 2005.

d) Edward Sutherland, Greenock Academy was appointed to be a representative on the Scottish Joint Committee for Religious and Moral Education.

e) Joining Council as guests and observers were Brian Wagget (President) and Jane Bennett (Senior Vice-President) from ATL (Association of Teachers and Lecturers) with whom the Association has a reciprocal membership agreement.

f) The following members were endorsed as candidates for the forthcoming GTC Council elections.

Ann Ballinger, Bishopbriggs High School

James Forbes, Lasswade High School

Bill Guthrie, Perth High School

David Malloch, St Kentigern's Academy

Anne O'Kane, Kirkland High School

Margaret Potter, Biggar High School

Margaret Smith, St Andrew's High School

Tom Watt, Northfield Academy

2. LIFE MEMBERSHIP

The Committee of Past Presidents has agreed to confer Life Membership on Nora Bruce South Lanarkshire District, Douglas Cousin, Clackmannanshire District, Malcolm Gracie, Dundee City District and Bill Walker, Highland District.The awards will be presented at Congress on 13-14 May 2005

3. STUC CONGRESS

The following three motions have been submitted by the Association.

a) Health and Safety and Young PeopleCongress notes with concern that whilst staff working in schools and colleges are fully covered by the provision of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, young people and adult students are only given secondary consideration with regard to Health and Safety issues. This leads to a situation where, in a large secondary school with 1500 pupils and 150 school staff, only 9% of those on the premises will be fully covered by legislation. Young people and adult learners have the right to be as well protected at what is effectively their “workplace” as those employed there. This includes the right to be free from violence, harassment and intimidation.Congress, therefore, calls on the government to bring forward appropriate legislative or regulatory provision to provide the same levels of duty of care to school and college students as is provided for staff employed there.

b) Violence in the WorkplaceCongress calls on the Scottish Executive to propose legislation requiring that all employers instigate an audit of violence and abusive behaviour suffered by all front line staff in the workplace. On completion of such an audit, appropriate legislation should be put in place to protect workers from criminal violence and abuse.

c) The Scottish People and Debts of Developing Countries Congress congratulates the people of Scotland on their generosity in raising funds for the relief and reconstruction of the areas affected by the tsunami in South East Asia.Congress calls on the G8 countries to emulate this generosity by cancelling all debt incurred by developing countries. Congress further calls on the UK government to consult with the relevant financial institutions and non government organisations to facilitate direct links between schools, colleges and work places in the UK and partner institutions in developing countries. Such links might include:

Fund raising and sponsorship

Curriculum links between partner schools and colleges

Exchange visits.

4. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSES

Members who are considering retiring from the profession within the next two years may be interested in the pre-retirement courses which have been arranged in conjunction with Planned Futures for 2 April 2005 in Dundee, and 4 June 2005 in Stirling. Members who wish to participate can register for either of the courses by completing the online enrolment form at https://ssta.org.uk or by telephoning the office for an application form.

5. LAWLINE SERVICE

Members are reminded of the Association's free legal advisory service Lawline. Morton Fraser Solicitors provides SSTA members with a free confidential legal advice by telephone or email. To make use of the service you can telephone on 07770 748556 or email at: Lawline@morton-fraser.com

6. TAX REBATE ON SUBSCRIPTIONS

Members are reminded that two-thirds of the annual subscription payable to the Association is allowable for income tax relief. A proforma letter detailing the subscription fees for the past six years is available from the Association office or from the website.

ALAN McKENZIE, President

DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary

Bulletin - 11/15/2007

Bulletin no 397/05 10 June 2005

Bulletin no 397/05 10 June 2005

Distribution One per Member

1. CONGRESS 2005

The following are the main items from Congress 2005 held in Peebles on 13 and 14 May.

(a) Presidential Address

The President, Alan McKenzie, addressed Congress on the theme of “Tell it as it is” and the Association's commitment to the education service in Scotland through “the hard work, dedication, discipline and single-mindedness” of its membership. The full text of the Presidential Address can be found on the Association website at https://ssta.org.uk.

(b) General Secretary's Address

The General Secretary, David Eaglesham, addressed Congress on the success of the Association as a professional and trustworthy educational force and its continued work to maintain and improve the conditions of all secondary teachers working in Scotland. His report in full can be accessed on the Association's website, https://ssta.org.uk.

(c) Life Membership

Life Membership of the Association was conferred on Nora Bruce, Douglas Cousin, Malcolm Gracie and Bill Walker.

(d) Finance Committee

The Report of the Finance Committee and Accounts for 2004 were approved. A copy of the Report and Accounts will be sent to all school representatives with this Bulletin and may be consulted by members. The Financial Statement to 31 December 2004, as required by law, appears later in this Bulletin.

(e) Guests at Congress

The Association's representatives were joined by Peter Peacock, Minister for Education and Young People, guests from the political parties, teacher unions from throughout the UK and oversees and Scottish Borders Council, who generously provided a Civic Reception. The Chief Executive of SQA, Anton Colella, addressed Congress in a Keynote Speech and answered questions from delegates.

(f) Motions to CongressThe following motions were approved:

MOTION A

This Association deplores the attempts being made by some Local Authorities to maximise class sizes and class contact time in an effort to make budget savings, whilst simply ignoring the 35 hour working week for teachers.

MOTION B

This Association requests that the Scottish Executive takes immediate action to ensure that all Scottish local authorities implement, as a matter of urgency, all provisions of Annex E to “A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century”, which should have been in place by 1 April 2004.

MOTION C

This Association congratulates those Scottish local authorities who have successfully committed themselves to improving the long-term health of pupils in Scotland's Secondary schools.This Association would also encourage the Scottish Executive to ensure that the necessary funding is deployed by all Scottish local authorities to ensure that high quality nutritional food is made available in all Scottish schools.

MOTION D

Congress calls on the Scottish Executive to facilitate direct links between schools and colleges in Scotland and partner institutions in developing countries throughout the world.Such links would enable:

• Fund raising and sponsorship on the part of Scottish establishments

• Curriculum links between schools and colleges

• Exchange visits

MOTION E

Congress welcomes the launch of the ‘One Scotland – Many Cultures' campaign and pledges to support it in order to tackle racism within Scottish Education and society.However, Congress is concerned that steps taken to promote antiracism in Scotland's schools are being undermined by the current asylum policies as they affect young people.

MOTION F

Congress calls on the Scottish Executive and Audit Scotland to investigate and report on the effectiveness and cost efficiency of the various formats of electronic pupil reports currently being used in Scotland's secondary schools.

MOTION G

The Association notes the proposals contained within the Curriculum Review Group Publication “A Curriculum for Excellence”. We also note, with great concern, that only 1 member of the Review Group is a practising secondary teacher. The Association calls on SEED to ensure that those involved in the implementation of the proposals are largely experienced, practising classroom teachers.

MOTION H

Congress congratulates the Scottish Executive for recognising that aspects of behaviour patterns amongst young people in the wider community have a major impact on behaviour patterns within secondary schools. Congress believes that there is no single or simple solution which can be implemented in order to effectively deal with all behaviour problems in schools. Congress affirms that policies directed at tackling the underlying socio-economic problems, which in part cause behaviour problems in schools, are to be welcomed as part of the solution, and reiterates that a properly resourced Guidance system in secondary schools is equally part of that solution.

MOTION I

In view of the announcement to instigate an Audit of the McCrone Agreement in the light of “Best Value”, this Congress demands that the Scottish Executive launches an identical audit to measure the amount of time consumed by the small minority of badly behaved youngsters impairing the learning process of the great majority of motivated and interested pupils.

MOTION J

Congress condemns those politicians and others who for their own ends seek to exaggerate the misbehaviour of young people in our communities whilst underplaying the extent of indiscipline within our schools and the impact that it has on staff and pupils.Congress therefore calls upon politicians and the media to adopt a realistic and consistent approach towards these issues.

MOTION K

This Association believes that the management structures being imposed on secondary schools will cause immense and irrevocable damage to the education of current and future generations of children in Scottish schools. In consequence, the Association calls on HMIE to investigate the educational consequences of the changes to management structures and to report publicly on their findings.

MOTION L

This Association condemns any attempt to dilute the level of qualification required for eligibility to teach in secondary schools in Scotland. The Association affirms its commitment to a secondary curriculum delivered by specialist teachers qualified in the relevant secondary subjects and will resist by all possible means any attempt to dilute the level of qualifications required to teach in secondary schools.

MOTION M

This Association believes that the Jobsizing Toolkit has significantly failed to determine a realistic salary level for the promoted posts held by many teachers in Scotland. The SSTA demands that the SNCT institute an immediate and comprehensive review to address the shortcomings of the Jobsizing toolkit.

EMERGENCY MOTION – PENSIONS

This Association views with alarm the current proposals for teachers' pensions and commits itself to resist these proposals by all possible means including strike action.

2. COUNCIL 14 MAY 2005

The following members were elected to Executive and Finance committees:

Executive Finance Committee
John Crichton John Crichton
Annette Ferri James Forbes
Richard Goring Sid Sandison
Bill Guthrie George Sturrock
Catherine Miller
George Sturrock

3. FINANCIAL STATEMENT

INCOME
Membership subscriptions
£1,087,202
Other income
114,026
1,201,228
EXPENDITURE
*Annual Operating Costs
£1,024,486
Appropriations
50,000
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
126,742
1,201,228
*including:
In respect of General Secretary:
Salary
£68,916
Superannuation and NIC
14,285
essential user's car allowance
822
Honoraria to elected Office Bearers:
General Treasurer
5,700
Minutes Secretary
4,100
President
1,700
£95,523

The Association does not maintain a political fund

4. AUDITOR'S REPORT

We have audited the accounts of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association for the year ended 31 December 2004 which comprise pages 5 to 12. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein. Respective responsibilities of the members of the finance committee and auditors Members of the Finance Committee are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Trade Union Law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.Our responsibility is to audit the accounts in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and United Kingdom Auditing Standards. We report to you our opinion as to whether the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Association's affairs. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Report of the Finance Committee is not consistent with the accounts, if the Association has not kept proper accounting records or if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. We read the Report of the Finance Committee and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements within it. Basis of audit opinionWe conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the accounts. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the members of the Finance Committee in the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Association's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the accounts. Opinion In our opinion the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Association's affairs as at 31 December 2004 and of its surplus for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.Tindell, Grant & Co

Registered Auditors

6 Munro Road

Springkerse

Stirling

FK7 7UU11 May 2004

5. STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH S 32A 6(A) OF THE ACT

“A member who is concerned that some irregularity may be occurring, or have occurred, in the conduct of the financial affairs of the union may take steps with a view to investigating further, obtaining clarification and, if necessary, securing regularisation of that conduct.The member may raise any such concern with such one or more of the following as it seems appropriate to raise it with: the officials of the union, the trustees of the property of the union, the auditor or auditors of the union, the Certification Officer (who is an independent officer appointed by the Secretary of State) and the police. Where a member believes that the financial affairs of the union have been or are being conducted in breach of the law or in breach of rules of the union and contemplates bringing civil proceedings against the union or responsible officials or trustees, he should consider obtaining independent legal advice.”A copy of the full financial report has been issued to each school representative and will be available for inspection. Any member wishing an additional copy should write to the General Secretary.

6. PROBATIONERS' CONFERENCE 2005

This year the Probationers' Conference will be held at Stirling Council Chambers on Saturday 29 October. Full details will be sent to schools in due course and also posted on the Association's website.

7. MEMBERSHIP

It would be extremely helpful if members who are retiring at this time of year would notify the Association offices of the fact. Members who transfer school should also let the office know of their new school details.SSTA would take this opportunity to wish those members retiring a long, healthy and happy retirement or, in the case of those transferring to another school, a stress-free transition and continued career success. Office staff would be grateful to all members who move home address during the summer to contact with a note of their new private address.

On behalf of the President and Council, the Association wishes all its members a well-deserved restful and enjoyable summer vacation.

ALBERT MCKAY, President

DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary

Bulletin - 11/15/2007

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