An Introduction to FELA

Created on: 15 Jul 2010 | Last modified: 14 Sep 2023

About

The Further Education Lecturers' Association (EIS-FELA) is a self-governing organisation within the EIS and is constitutionally autonomous in respect of the distinct interests of their members in the further education sector in Scotland.

All members are full members of the EIS and enjoy all the same benefits. In addition, new FELA members are entitled to free membership for the first 3 months. Join online now.

The EIS-FELA is the sole representative body for lecturing staff in Scotland. There is a branch of the EIS-FELA in every further education college in Scotland. The branch is an essential part of the EIS-FELA as it is responsible for conducting negotiations with college managements on pay and conditions of service.

EIS-FELA is serviced by the Further and Higher Education Section of the Organisation Department at EIS Headquarters. Support for members in colleges is provided by the branch secretary in the college, area office and EIS Headquarters.

The business of the Association is conducted by an Executive Committee which has full powers to regulate and transact the affairs of the Association within the Constitution and the Rules and Regulations of the Institute.

The policies of the Association follows policies are determined by the Annual Conference. Members of the National Executive Committee are elected annually on the basis of each college Region having one seat for every 250 members or fraction thereof. Due to geographical area, the Highlands and Islands Region is allocated 1 extra seat in addition to the outcome of the above 250 member formula.

The EIS-FELA membership also elects the EIS-FELA Office Bearers, President and Vice-President annually.

For all information and guidance relating to Gender Equality Duty for Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Institutions please use the EC Website.  

 

Members Protocol

In the first instance a member with a difficulty should seek out and consult with the branch secretary and/or branch convener who will advise on the best course of action to take.

In most cases full-time officer support will not be needed until local procedures have been exhausted.

If and when officer support is needed it must only be requested by the branch secretary and/or convener contacting the relevant office. Members must not contact Area Officers directly as this leads to frustrations not only for themselves but branch officers also who are not always informed that they have done so.

Where an Area Officer is unavailable – whether through absence or being compromised by other involvement in the case – the matter should be referred to Assistant Secretary David Belsey.

Branch officers must remain the main contact between full-time officers and the members in each college if the branch structure is to work effectively and the collective strength maintained.

Please help us to help you and follow the required protocol as it makes for a more efficient service to all.

 

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