Created on: 19 Sep 2025
Stand Up for Quality Education: Consultative Ballot on Workload
Our SU4QE consultative ballot had a turnout of 64%, with 92% willing to take industrial action short of strike action (ASOS) and 83% willing to take strike action in pursuit of 21 hours per week class contact.
EIS Committees have approved a strategy of using this ballot result to pressure the Scottish Government and COSLA into agreeing a firm plan to deliver the 21-hours weekly class contact, with the 1.5 hours gained being within teachers’ control (for preparation and correction).
There is a small window for the Scottish Government/COSLA to act, or we will consider moving to a national statutory ballot.
EIS Organisers and Area Officers are available to visit schools to promote the Stand Up for Quality Education campaign. If your branch would benefit from an Organiser-supported meeting, please contact your Local Association Organiser and invite them.
Action for Reps: Invite your local Organiser or Area Officer to speak about the campaign.
Educators #ChallengingPoverty: PACTivism in Practice
Join us on Thursday 2nd October at EIS HQ for an empowering event that brings members together to share practice and highlight the crucial role of education in challenging poverty in Scotland.
In advance of Challenge Poverty Week, this event will showcase inspiring anti-poverty initiatives led by EIS PACTivists in their schools and communities.
Please register on our website:: https://www.eis.org.uk/meetings-and-events/pactivisminpractice
Action for Reps: Please promote this event to members.
EIS National Organising Conference – 4th October in Glasgow
We are holding a National Organising Conference for reps and activists on Saturday 4th October in Glasgow.
The event will feature:
More details: https://www.eis.org.uk/meetings-and-events/organisingconf
Action for Reps: Register for the Organising Conference.
The Scotland Demands Better March & Rally – 25th October in Edinburgh
The Scotland Demands Better campaign calls for political action to create a society where every household can thrive and prosper. The EIS supports this campaign as it aligns with our commitment to quality education and public investment.
The campaign will hold a march and rally on 25th October in Edinburgh, with a family-friendly festival atmosphere including music, speeches, and entertainment.
The EIS is making arrangements for members to attend, and every Local Association has been asked to facilitate participation.
Action for Reps:
EIS PL Podcast
The EIS Professional Learning team has launched the first episode of a brand-new podcast, focusing on key Professional Learning issues for members.
The first episode, What Puts the P in PL, is available now on Spotify and YouTube.
This episode considers the importance of self-directed Professional Learning, various ways to engage in Professional Learning, and tips to ensure that Professional Learning works for you.
Action for Reps: Please share the podcast links with members, and encourage them to engage with the content.
EIS Equality Reps
A new EIS Equality Reps’ course will begin on 31st October. Members interested in becoming an Equality Rep should contact their Local Association Secretary in the first instance. Further details about the role and the training can be found here:
https://www.eis.org.uk/reps/equality-reps
Action for Reps: Highlight this opportunity to members and direct interested members to contact their LA Secretary.
EIS Reps’ Training
We train reps to be effective, knowledgeable and confident in their work. We also train activists so that they may support members and reps in our schools and workplaces; and eventually become reps themselves.
We provide EIS Representatives, Health & Safety and Equality Reps with a structured programme of training delivered by college tutors and our staff.
EIS Stage 1 Courses for new Reps and Activists
Future training course dates for new reps and activists are now available for the 2025-26 session, including courses in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aviemore and online. If you want to learn more, or have recently taken over as a new Rep then please explore our courses via the following link: https://www.eis.org.uk/meetings-and-events/reptraining
Should you require any assistance, please email Sophie Cooper Scooper@eis.org.uk
Action for Reps: If you are a Rep or know of an activist who wishes to attend EIS training, please contact your LA Secretary to apply for an EIS training course.
Engagement with Local Association and EIS Organisers
It is important for EIS reps to maintain two-way communication with their Local Association—sharing what is happening in school and staying informed on local authority matters.
EIS Organisers also support Local Associations and visit branches to discuss campaigns, local issues, and provide direct support to reps.
Action for Reps: Engage with your Local Association Secretary and attend LA meetings where possible. Contact your local EIS Organiser for branch visits or rep support.
https://www.eis.org.uk/contacts/organisers and https://www.eis.org.uk/contacts/localassociation