NASUWT Representatives

8 www.nasuwt.org.ukDeveloping good workplace relations:The NASUWT Representative promotes positive, fair and equitable workplace relationshipsin their school or college by:• effective representation of the members’ collective voice;• contributing to a working environment that values every member of the workforce;• encouraging managers and employers to consult and negotiate.Whenever possible, the NASUWT Representative defuses potential problemsand discriminatory situations before they arise.Be confident in your role and check with your Local Association Secretary if you are unsureabout any course of action. Never advise a member to be in breach of contract. Only theNational Action Committee of the National Executive can authorise industrial action. Ifmembers feel that a stand must be taken, contact your National Executive Member throughthe Local Association Secretary as early as possible.Making use of your resourcesKey resources for the NASUWT Representative include:• the NASUWT Representatives’ Handbook;• national and local reports and updates;• NASUWT advice and guidance;• NASUWT policy statements, press releases, research and surveys;• the NASUWT’s website: www.nasuwt.org.uk.Information is published for all members:• Teaching Today, the magazine published by the NASUWT, is sent to members’ homeaddresses regularly throughout the year. If a member is not receiving a copy, they mayhave changed address without telling the Union. Simply asking members whether theyreceive Teaching Today will help you update membership records;• Local Association newsletters should be produced and distributed to schools. Thesecover local issues and matters relevant to, for example, the local authority (LA).In addition, another source of information you may find useful is the Health and SafetyRepresentatives Bulletin.Background Information