The Association invites applications for the post of fixed term part time Professional Officer. Initially the post will be for 3 months but this may be extended. The post will comprise 0.6 FTE. Applicants should have knowledge and experience of casework and an understanding of the ethos of the SSTA. The salary is £47,922 pro rata. More details may be obtained from the Acting General Secretary. To apply for the position, send a brief Curriculum Vitae to Andrew@ssta.org.uk. Closing date…

The SSTA operates with a number of specialist panels. Their function is to inform and advise on the particular issues that they deal with.

The Association will hold a training session for school representatives on Wednesday 5 September. The training will take place at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld.

Hi fellow educational professionals and trade unionists I am emailing you about an issue which goes beyond the relatively small, ideological differences between the various trade unions and associations. It is an issue directly related to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - the right to respect for private and family life.

During the last few months the Association's solicitor has acted on behalf of a number of members who are supply teachers. On each occasion the member has benefited from additional payments and better contractual conditions.

The campaign group for Fair Trade Schoolwear have an opportunity at the Westminster Parliament to raise awareness of issues related to the supply of cotton. In particular they want to draw public attention to the plight of children in other countries who are denied an education and forced to work in the cotton industry.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alan McKenzie to the post of Depute General Secretary of the Association from 31 March 2012.

The Association is to carry out a survey of members to obtain their views on possible industrial action. The survey will be carried out online via a survey website. Invitations to take part in the survey will be sent out by email on Friday 17 February. Members who do not receive an email by Monday 20 February should contact the office at info@ssta.org.uk to provide an up to date email address.

Last chance to submit nominations for Scottish Education Awards People in Scotland are being urged to enter their local schools, nurseries or individuals into the Scottish Education Awards 2012 so that their exceptional achievements can be recognised. The deadline for submissions is Friday 2 March 2012.

Please see below the text of a letter from Karen McCallum, Director of Operation of the SQA regarding the introduction of new services to replace the existing Appeals Service for National Qualifications.