A special conference has been called to decide how best to go forward in organising support staff.
Our overwhelming desire is to work collaboratively with NJC unions in a joint drive to organise the majority of support workers who are not in any union.
Decisions made at this conference may potentially lead to withdrawing from the 2017 TUC agreement.
Conference Details
Date: 28 February 2026, 9:30am – 6pm
Location: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge, London SE1 7UT
The conference will decide between two options:
- To withdraw from the 2017 TUC agreement that prevents us from ‘actively recruiting’; or
- To accept the TUC interpretation of our ability to organise in the sector.
The deadline for districts to add delegates is 12 January, but changes (and additions) can be made until 26 January.
Context and Importance
The NEU has seen a significant increase in support staff membership
The conference will address the urgent need to represent these workers effectively.
Approximately 66% of education support workers are currently not represented by any union, which has raised concerns about their rights and support.
The discussions at the conference will be crucial.
They will determine the future direction of support staff organisation, ensuring that their voices are heard within the union.
We are actively encouraging Support Staff members to attend – this conference is about you!
To join our delegation to the Special Conference, please complete this form.
We are allowed to take 20 delegates, and at least 50% of the delegation should be women members.
If we have more than 20 nominations, we prioritise support staff and women members (as our General Meeting on Thursday 29th January 2026 is after the deadline).
Accommodation is not provided, as this is a single-day conference, but we will consider requests.
Other expenses (including travel) are covered (within HMRC rules).
If we have more than 20 nominations, we will vote on our final delegation during the General Meeting on Thursday 29th January 2026.