Who will lead your union? Vote before 31 March

THE union is holding two important elections this term, when our members get to decide who leads and represents them at a national level.

The election for the NEU’s first single general secretary opened on 6 February and closes on 31 March. There are two candidates, Daniel Kebede and Niamh Sweeney (pictured), and whoever is successful will take over from Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney in September.

The general secretary’s role includes: n overall responsibility for the implementation of the strategic direction of the NEU, as set by the executive n overall responsibility for all of the NEU staff and the union’s finances n communicating to the Secretary of State for Education, and other political figures, the views and concerns of NEU members n leading negotiations with the Department for Education n representing the union, and its members, in public and in the media.

All members, other than associate and student members, who were in membership of the union on the date voting commenced, are eligible to vote.

The NEU’s national executive comprises

49 geographical members (in 17 electoral districts), three equality seat constituency members and three sector seat constituency members. The executive is responsible for the governance, management and control of the union by rule. The elections will open on 7 April and close on 2 May. n If you have any queries about the elections, please email elections@neu.org.uk

All members, other than associate and student members, are eligible to vote in the elections for the geographical area seat-holders. In addition, members registered in the relevant employment categories (support staff, post-16 and independent) on the date the elections open will be eligible to vote in the elections for the three sector seat-holders.

Members who have indicated on their membership record/equality information that they are Black, disabled and/or LGBT+ by the date the elections open will be eligible to vote for the three equality seat-holders.