In the final meeting of EIS Council for this year, the issue of the ongoing statutory ballot over Workload was to the fore of everyone’s mind.

Executive Committee

Vice-President Mark Smith presented the report of the Executive Committee, with a strong focus on the ongoing workload campaign and statutory ballot.

Mr Smith outlined the discussions at Executive Committee which led to the opening of the statutory ballot, and decision to run it for an extended period, from November to January, to ensure that as many members as possible could take part.

The Vice-President also highlighted the decision to re-issue ballot papers, following a slight typographical error in the initial ballot paper. Mr Smith explained that, while not ideal, the longer ballot period had allowed for this to be achieved comfortably within the existing ballot timetable.

Other issues that Mr Smith referenced in his report included the recent agreement of a 2-year pay settlement for teachers, running from 2025 until 2027, with a re-opener clause for the 2nd year to be negotiated via the SNCT.

Education Committee

As usual, there was a wide range of issues for Convener Susan Quinn to report from Education Committee. On education reform, Ms Quinn noted the ongoing challenges in the process, compounded by changes to staffing at Education Scotland and HMIe. “The EIS is continuing to raise concerns around the lack of transparency in terms of governance processes, and the lack of progress on reform in all fora,” said Ms Quinn.

On the replacement of the SQA, the Committee had received updates on the transition to Qualifications Scotland, and had been advised of the ongoing challenge in recruiting markers for exam scripts from amongst Scotland’s teacher workforce.

Employment Relations Committee

Vice-Convener Jacqui MacKenzie delivered the report of the Employment Relations Committee, and welcomed recent donations to the Benevolent Fund from one EIS local association and from legal fees.

With regard to benevolent grants, 46 applications were considered and grants totalling £131,500 were authorised for payment.

On legal affairs, the Committee considered 36 cases and noted that settlements totalling £116,800 had been secured on behalf of nine members.

Equality Committee

Nicola Fisher, Equality Convener, reported on the wide range of issues discussed by the committee at its most recent meeting. Ms Fisher told Council that an application has been made to the United Workplaces Fund to support a project entitled ‘Disrupting Disinformation – Fighting the influence of the far-right through social dialogue in educational establishments’, as the EIS continues its work in this important area.

The Committee approved updated EIS guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools, which has been revised to provide local associations and school branches with background and clarity on the recent legal decisions in the UK Supreme Court and the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Committee members highlighted ongoing significant concerns over pupils’ mental health, wellbeing and the risk over transgender pupils being ‘outed’ as a consequence of legal decisions.

Salaries Committee

Salaries Convener Des Morris provided detail on the settlement of the 2025/2026 teachers’ pay claim, which had been concluded with a 2-year pay agreement.

Mr Morris explained that, following receipt of the final offer from employers, the EIS consulted with members, who had voted 96% in favour of accepting the offer, on a turnout of 58%. Following this result, a subsequent decision of the teachers’ panel of the SNCT, representing all Scottish teaching unions, had unanimously agreed to accept the pay offer.

On the outstanding issue of the reclassification of back-pay from 2023/2024, Mr Morris noted that further correspondence had been received from HMRC following an earlier letter from the General Secretary to HM Treasury.

The correspondence will require further consideration, said Mr Morris, including specialist legal advice. “It remains a matter of significant concern to the Committee that this matter remains unresolved,” said Mr Morris.

Motions

Alison Murphy (Edinburgh) was successful in proposing a motion calling on Council to investigate and report on potentially affiliating to the organisation Hope not Hate, including consideration of whether materials produced by the organisation would be suitable in supporting EIS campaigning work in relevant policy areas.

Heather Stirling

Before the formal business of Council got underway, President Adam Sutcliffe paused proceedings to pay tribute to former EIS staff member Heather Stirling, who passed away suddenly shortly before the meeting of Council.

After many years of service to the EIS, both at HQ and, latterly, with Edinburgh Local Association, Heather retired late last year with a warm send-off from colleagues and the many members who she had helped over the years.

A ray of light with an ever-present smile and with never a bad word to say about anyone, Heather will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Council took a moment of quiet reflection to remember Heather before moving on to the formal agenda.