Agenda item

Ian Pearson led the discussion on the Trade Union Budget Proposals 2015/16. Keith Watts and Richard Blofeld represented the Trade Unions and explained the role of the Trade Unions both in schools and working with the Local Authority.

Three options were put forward to the Heads Funding Group for the 2015/16 budget:

Option 1:

·         Schools should be reimbursed for trade union representatives release time at the rate of the cost of a supply teacher.

·         A flat rate of 5 supply days to cover joint consultation meetings of the council.

·         34 supply days for NASUWT executive representative.

·         Additional Supply days allocated at 0.08 days per member.

The de-delegated funding is £29k Primary and £14k Secondary Maintained Schools, a total of £43k.

Option 2:

·         The 2015-16 budget to be reset to the 2012-13 level.

·         £15k of additional funding is allocated to the reimburse release costs of elected NASUWT executive member.

The de-delegated funding is £35k Primary and £19k Secondary Maintained Schools, a total of £54k.

Option 3:

·         Cessation of pooled budget for Trade Union facilities. Schools will receive the funding and be responsible for organising their own Trade Union representation.

Whilst the local support of the Trade Unions is appreciated, both the HFG and Schools’ Forum members did not feel that funding an executive representative’s national duties was something that should be paid for from West Berkshire’s schools’ funding.

DECISION: The Schools’ Forum agreed the Heads Funding Group’s recommendation that the Trade Union budget for 2015/16 should be option 1 with £43k de-delegated from primary and secondary schools but funding should not be used to cover the NASUWT representative.

Keith Watts disagreed with the decision as all LAs with executive members traditionally pay for that member to carry out their national duties. 

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