Created on: 22 May 2025
Here, we describe the key events that take place over the course of the AGM and the order of business for this year’s conference.
This session embodies the traditions of the Institute which was founded in 1847. The President, Allan Crosbie from Edinburgh, welcomes the guests from kindred organisations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, together with other trade union and official guests, before giving his retiring address.
Then the Convener of the Board of Examiners presents the members who have been admitted as Fellows of the EIS. The incoming President (Adam Sutcliffe, Aberdeenshire) and Vice-President (Mark Smith, North Ayrshire) will then be introduced to the meeting and make short speeches.
This session is extremely important as it is where the AGM is able to review the work of Council and its Committees over the past twelve months. This work comes before the consideration and debating of motions dealing with new policies.
The remainder of the AGM is taken up with debating the motions and amendments which have been submitted by Council, local associations and self-governing associations. The outcome of these motions will determine the priorities and work of the EIS in the year ahead. The motions and amendments are grouped into subject headings and blocks of time are allocated to motions under each heading.
This year there are 67 motions to be debated as follows:
This year, the EIS will be holding 2 separate fringe events. The Equality fringe entitled, Don’t take the (click) bait, will equip attendees with coping strategies in the misinformation era. It will provide space to discuss evidence-based strategies to understand and respond to pupil behaviours influenced by prejudicial online content.
The second fringe, Gearing Up to Get the Vote Out, will be centred around the national Stand Up for Quality Education campaign and the launch of the ballot in relation to class contact time. Here, speakers will discuss campaign strategies and look at suggestions for getting our message across and encouraging members to cast their vote.
EIS President, Allan Crosbie, will deliver his address on Thursday the 5th June, where he will focus on the work he has undertaken over the past year as President and some of the moments he has found most rewarding and some of the challenges he has faced.
EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley, will deliver her annual address on Friday 6th June. Her speech will include an overview of the campaigning work of the union and the progress that has been made, along with the priorities that will require the attention of the EIS as our campaigns continue.
Following the General Secretary’s speech, a consultative ballot on industrial action will be launched over the lack of progress made on the reduction of class contact time. The ballot will run until after the summer break, allowing members to consider the issues in depth and have their say in this important vote.
Other speakers include, Professor Louise Hayward who will deliver an address on behalf of all of this year’s FEIS recipients and NEU General Secretary, Daniel Kebede will speak on behalf of the Kindred Organisations.
An invitation has been extended to NEA President, Becky Pringle, to discuss the challenges facing educators and education unions amidst the current administration.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth has been invited to take part in a Q&A session followed by a short speech outlining the Scottish Government’s priorities for education in the year ahead.