Teachers want guarantees over pay and conditions with new school system

The National Education Union has welcomed the commitment to broadening opportunity and raising academic standards but it warns that the amount of resources required for the States to translate those aspirations into solid and ongoing educational outcomes should not be underestimated.

Sean McManus, the Guernsey spokesperson for the NEU, said members’ concerns covered a range of issues around status security and conditions of service protection.

‘At this stage no substantive negotiations have taken place about any proposed changes to the existing “green book” arrangements.

‘Indeed, the employer has not even raised these issues in the current pay round negotiations.

‘However, insofar as the States of Guernsey genuinely wishes to be regarded as a good and responsible employer, the NEU will be expecting the States to ensure that no members of staff suffer loss of status and entitlements as a consequence of these proposed changes.’

Mr McManus said that judging by the constructive atmosphere at the recent talks he was reasonably confident that there would be a favourable outcome for students and staff alike.

The Negotiating Committee for Teachers and Lecturers, which is an umbrella organisation of unions and professional unions, is also hopeful that staff concerns can be properly addressed.

‘The NCTLG looks forward to continuing its meaningful dialogue in relation to how staff are to be transitioned to the new working arrangements in both the 11 to 18 school and the Guernsey Institute, mindful there is a considerable amount of work to be done to iron out all the necessary details.’

In the policy letter on the future transformation of education the College of Further Education is highlighted as having very poor building conditions. The consultants advised that ‘the facilities in which college students and staff are working are among the worst they have ever seen in the further education sector’.

Dan Hunter, from the NCTLG, was encouraged that the consultants verified their own experiences.

‘Despite these conditions, the Guernsey College of Further Education has continued to provide exemplary post-16 education to the island.

‘It is fantastic that we’ve got commitment in the policy letter to rectify this situation, so students and staff can thrive in a learning environment that matches their aspirations.

‘We recognise there is still a large amount of work to be done to ensure success and look forward to continuing meaningful dialogue with the employer.’

A shadow board of governors has been appointed to the newly-named Guernsey Institute. This is considered a major step towards self-governance.

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