{"id":2635,"date":"2023-09-26T10:58:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T09:58:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/?p=2635"},"modified":"2025-07-02T11:32:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:32:34","slug":"equality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/equality\/","title":{"rendered":"Equality Motions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
<\/span><\/span>

Motion 16<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

16. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM notes the value of the Our Voices in Union Leadership learning project in developing the equality related leadership learning and empowerment of members who are underrepresented in education and trade union leadership – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, under 30, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, disabled or neurodivergent members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This AGM therefore calls on Council to continue the work to build leadership capacity and engagement of the EIS Equality Networks by facilitating the Our Voices in Union project into a second phase, including a new cohort of participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amendment Edinburgh LA<\/strong>
Amend \u201cLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender” to read “LGBT+”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sunita Nayyer (Council and South Lanarkshire) successfully moved a motion calling on Council to continue to build leadership capacity and engagement of the EIS Equality Networks by continuing the Our Voices in Union project with a new cohort of delegates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing her own experience of participating in the course, Ms Nayyer said that the course is \u201cnot just about individual growth. It\u2019s about collective power. This course builds networks, connections that cross local authorities, experiences, and backgrounds. It\u2019s a space where solidarity becomes more than a slogan. It becomes a lived experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christina Fleming (Council and Dundee) seconded the motion, noting the value of equality related leadership learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/span><\/span>

Motion 17<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

17. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM notes the finding from the EIS 2023 Branch Survey on Violence and Aggression that almost 40% of branches had seen an increase in prejudice-based violence, and over half reporting that boys were more likely to exhibit \u2018violent and aggressive\u2019 behaviour towards women staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the ongoing work to utilise the equality agenda to counter the influence and spread of far-right ideologies in education and society, this AGM therefore calls on Council to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Consider avenues for further collaboration with external partners on resources to support EIS members in tackling far-right misinformation and disinformation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Develop a teaching resource on tackling misogynistic attitudes and behaviours in children and young people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The EIS Branch Survey of 2023 shed a harsh light on the unacceptable levels of violence and aggressive behaviour in educational establishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nicola Fisher (Council and Glasgow) successfully moved a motion to create resources on tackling far-right misinformation and disinformation, and on tackling misogyny in education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMany of our learners are drowning in a toxic soup of online sexism and misogyny, misinformation and disinformation of far-right narratives, of poverty, domestic abuse, lack of investment in education, mental health issues going unidentified and supported, and alienation, isolation and trauma\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In seconding the motion, Claire Robertson (Council and Edinburgh), noted the impact of violence and aggression on teachers and on the delivery of teaching and learning on a daily basis. She observed that it is little surprise that teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep going. Valerie Inkster (Council and Shetland) added, \u201cWe strive to do our best for children and young people, and don\u2019t deserve to be treated in this way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Natasha York (Scottish Borders), supporting, raised concern that as violence and aggression rises in educational establishments children and young people may learn that such behaviours can continue with impunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Speakers noted the importance of resources and investment to tackle the harmful attitudes underlying violent behaviour, and support was duly given by AGM, which unanimously voted in favour of the motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Motion 18<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    18. North Ayrshire LA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM welcomes the publication of the GTCS equality survey of provisionally registered teachers. AGM notes that this survey found that teachers registered as flexible route probationers were significantly more diverse than those on the Teacher Induction Scheme and were nearly four times as likely to be BAME.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    AGM resolves to investigate and report on the impact of this differential on progress in improving the diversity of the teaching profession in Scotland.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Emma Blake (North Ayrshire) moved a motion drawing attention to the challenges faced by provisionally registered teachers, who identify with one or more protected characteristics. Emma highlighted the recent data from the GTCS equality survey and spoke clearly about the \u201cchallenging\u201d experiences many such teachers face, an assertion borne out by the fact that \u201ca greater proportion of BAME and LGBT+ teachers take the flexible route.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    She referenced that those on the flexible route often have no support from a mentor and no support to secure placements. Emma expanded on the issues, identifying \u201cnegative first time teaching experiences, problems of securing a post, and a generalised lack of support.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Emma noted that the Scottish Government has installed some progressive programmes such as the Building Racial Literacy Programme, but argued that, \u201cIf structural barriers are not addressed, such initiatives can only have minimal or limited impact\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The motion calls for an investigation and report of the issues surrounding the higher proportion of teachers with protected characteristics taking the flexible route, with a view towards identifying ways in which the diversity of the teaching profession in Scotland can be improved. The motion was formally seconded by Mary Gibson (North Ayrshire) and passed unanimously by AGM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Motion 19<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    19. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM notes the existing EIS resource on \u2018Challenging anti-Muslim Prejudice\u2019, which was published in 2018. This AGM calls on the Council to review the resource, and investigate other relevant material on religious prejudice, with a view to updating the EIS offer as appropriate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Nikhat Yusaf (Edinburgh) moved motion 19 \u2018Challenging anti-Muslim Prejudice\u2019 calling upon the EIS Council to review and update the EIS\u2019s guidance on anti-Muslim prejudice and Islamophobia and to investigate other relevant material on religious discrimination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Noting the value and importance of the existing guidance, the evolving social and political landscape in Scotland and stereotypes associated with the Delegate, said, \u201cIslamophobia is rooted in racism. Definitions are not enough. Muslims come in all shapes and sizes. We need to ensure the diversity of Muslim people is also highlighted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seconding the motion, Julie Chrystal (Fife) said everyone has the right to be \u201csafe, respected and understood\u201d and strongly emphasised the importance of updating the EIS guidance on challenging anti-Muslim prejudice, urgency, care and a strong intersectional lens. AGM delegates voted in support of the motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Motion 20<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    20. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM believes that the educational needs of deaf children and young people in schools, regardless of geographical location, should be fully met by education authorities and barriers to access and engagement in the curriculum removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This AGM, therefore, calls upon Council to engage with the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • that sufficient specialist teachers of the deaf are employed to meets the needs of these pupils; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • that the education of each deaf pupil, who requires it, is supported by a dedicated fully qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      In successfully moving a motion to increase support for deaf young people, Paula McEwan (Inverclyde and Council) highlighted the postcode lottery that currently exists in educational provision, noting that no deaf young person who wishes access to a BSL interpreter should have to resort to legal action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      She went on to reference the significant difference between the current ratio of teachers to deaf young people in mainstream settings and the ratio specified in Appendix 2.9 of the SNCT handbook for pupils with a significant hearing impairment in special school settings. Ms McEwan went on to outline how the lack of BSL interpreters in schools is negatively impacting learners, saying, \u201cIf hearing impaired young people can\u2019t access what is in the classroom, how can they engage in their learning?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Seconding the motion, Julie Chrystal (Fife and Council) stated that, \u201cBSL recognition as a national language isn\u2019t just symbolic, BSL is more than a language \u2013 it is a lifeline.\u201d She went on to describe how families with deaf children shouldn\u2019t need to uproot their lives to access basic education resources and called for sufficient teachers of the deaf to work with young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion was opposed by Andrew Brown (Dundee and Council) who expressed concerns around the potential cost to teachers of undergoing BSL training and questioned whether that would be met by employers. He also stated that children who are visually impaired should be included in the motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Speaking in support of the motion, Nicola Fisher (Glasgow and Council) highlighted that the issues around the cost of training should be taken into account when lobbying the Scottish Government and COSLA on this issue. Paula McEwan (Inverclyde) summed up, agreeing that teachers need support to engage with training and should not be expected to pay for it themselves. The motion was overwhelmingly passed by AGM delegates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Motion 21<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      21. Inverclyde LA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM calls on Council to investigate and report on Local Authority recruitment policies and procedures that specify reasonable adjustments for applicants who are neurodiverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The investigation should consider and report on the lived experience and needs of neurodiverse members and, where inclusive practice is identified, Council will campaign for the inclusion of those practices in all Local Authority recruitment policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


      Amendment Edinburgh LA<\/strong>
      Amend \u201cLocal Authority\u2019\u2019 to \u201cLocal Authority and College\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Paula McEwan (Inverclyde and Council) moved a motion highlighting barriers for neurodivergent members during local authority recruitment processes and calling for improvements in reasonable adjustments. Paula spoke clearly about \u201cinconsistencies in neurodivergent support from different local authorities\u201d and identified that \u201cdiversity enriches our classrooms and also leads to better understanding for neurodivergent learners.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Paula continued, \u201creasonable adjustments give neurodivergent candidates at interview the chance to be their very best and sends a powerful message that all candidates are welcome and that the employer embraces diverse hiring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Craig Duffy (Edinburgh) seconded the motion by stating that, \u201cExcellent examples of great practice need to be shared and replicated across the country, as it can make all the difference to our colleagues, and fulfils employer\u2019s statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010).\u201d AGM carried the motion unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Motion 22<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      22. EIS FELA & Edinburgh LA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instruct Council to investigate the potential for a system of Reasonable Adjustment Passports, which record agreed reasonable adjustments for an individual, the document being owned by the individual, to be used, on a voluntary basis, for all staff teaching in Schools and Colleges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That investigation should include engagement with SNCT to investigate the feasibility of developing a standard template for the Passports that could be used across local authorities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      \u201c[Reasonable Adjustment Passports] cut down anxiety and stress when changes happen in the work environment, or staff move jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Eileen Imlah (FELA) successfully moved a motion instructing Council to investigate the potential for a system of Reasonable Adjustment Passports for all staff teaching in schools and colleges. Ms Imlah highlighted examples of successful implementation, which could be rolled out across Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Alison Murphy (Edinburgh) seconded the motion, highlighting that her local authority has started to use Reasonable Adjustment Passports. Noting: \u201cthey are an instrument that has the potential to help\u201d, Ms Murphy suggested that a level of standardisation is needed across Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Carole Thorpe (Aberdeen) further supported the motion and Mark Ireland (Midlothian) shared personal experience of having a Reasonable Adjustment Passport, highlighting his \u201cneed for reassurance just to get to work in the morning\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Motion 23<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      23. Orkney LA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instructs Council to improve support for disabled and neurodiverse teachers and lecturers by asking EIS to review and update its publication “Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace: Guidance for EIS Members & Representatives”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Noting her lived experience as a teacher with a disability and reasonable adjustment, Julie Ferguson from Orkney Local Association moved motion 23, \u201cUpdating EIS Reasonable Adjustments Guidance in the Workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion called on EIS council to update the EIS Reasonable Adjustments guidance and help members and reps access and understand the right to request reasonable adjustments as a disabled person under the Equality Act) 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Speaking passionately, the mover said, \u201cWithout reasonable adjustments, I would not be teaching. It\u2019s time to update the EIS booklet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Seconding the motion, Julie Hutchison stressed that, \u201cHaving reasonable adjustments can help people stay in teaching.\u201d The mover emphasised that local authorities and schools should not be using budgeting as a barrier to implementing equality, fairness and ensuring teaching can be accessible. Julie shared her heartfelt personal story of her struggle with the barriers put in place to accessing and implementing her reasonable adjustment in education and urged EIS Council to support the motion as well as supporting wider work on reasonable adjustments in education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Motion 24<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      That this AGM calls on Council to investigate potential barriers to the full participation in Council, Committees of Council, Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings of the Institute of members with disabilities defined within the Equality Act (2010).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This report should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Suggest any reasonable adjustments which could be implemented;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Make recommendations of changes to Rules and Regulations and Standing Orders which are necessary to remove any identified barriers, implement reasonable adjustments and ensure an inclusive environment for all meeting participants, and;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Be presented in time for the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Institute in pursuit of the objective of full inclusivity for disabled members.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Drawing from his own experiences and advocating for members who\u2019ve experienced barriers to participation in the EIS and EIS AGM, Sean McNamara (North Lanarkshire) won the support of AGM with this motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Speaking powerfully, Sean said, \u201cWe can and should lead by example in making reasonable adjustments to remove potential barriers to full participation within the union. We stand shoulder
        to shoulder and smash open any door that is closed to any worker. This is
        our union.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Sunita Nayyer (Council and South Lanarkshire) successfully moved a motion calling on Council to continue to build leadership capacity and engagement of the EIS Equality Networks by continuing the Our Voices in Union project with a new cohort of delegates. Sharing her own experience of participating in the course, Ms Nayyer said that the course […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2635"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2837,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions\/2837"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}