UNISON’s annual school support staff seminar was an opportunity for the union’s activists in schools to develop their skills and knowledge and to network with fellow reps to discuss issues that matter most to support staff.
The event, in Bristol on 30 April, involved workshops and a range of speakers, including UNISON director of political strategy Maggi Ferncombe (pictured), UNISON national organiser Kalvinder Tiwana and assistant national organiser Iris Breward, UNISON assistant policy officer Kate Jones, and independent e-safety expert Karl Hopwood.
The workshops and sessions included discussions on the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), children’s online safety and AI, climate change, the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), dealing with violent behaviour in schools and supporting children with medical conditions.
Maggi Ferncombe described the ERB as “a once in a lifetime opportunity” which will have “a significant impact to working people and the country”.
Kate Jones described how the Labour government is “embarking on a really fast drive to move AI into our public services and particularly into our schools.
“AI in schools tends to focus on two things – student-facing education tools, such as chatbots, and administrative tools such as marking reports.
“No technology should be brought in without workers being consulted to make sure people aren’t affected and that work and conditions stay the same,” she added. “But also, to make sure that it actually works.”
The article 2025 school support staff seminar first appeared on the UNISON National site.
Comments are closed.