SCS signs 'best practice' agreement with Unison

In a landmark move, SCS have signed an agreement with Unison.

The recognition agreement with the public sector union UNISON aims to protect terms and conditions for support staff in schools. As part of the agreement the Schools Co-operative Society and UNISON will work together to produce a model national framework for the employment of school support staff and establish a National Joint Forum. This will consist of representatives from both the Co-operative Society and UNISON.

The joint venture will produce model support staff agreements and good practice policies for use by co-operative schools locally.

We welcome this agreement, as a demonstration of the commitment on both sides to positive, partnership working. The Schools Co-operative Society and UNISON share many common values and it is important that we work together to protect the terms and conditions of school support staff and to deliver quality education. We are particularly pleased that Co-operative schools will continue to abide by both national and local authority agreements for school support staff.

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary

All co-operative schools work within a shared set of values that must impact on all aspects of the school’s life. For us the framework agreement is part of putting these values into practice. It demonstrates our commitment to equality and equity, which means fairness in the treatment of the staff within the school, who we see as key stakeholders, who we wish to see involved in all aspects in the school's democratic and working life. We see Co-operative schools as providing new ways of strengthening community engagement and the school’s roots with their communities. We recognise that it is only by all stakeholders working together can lasting improvements be made for the benefit of young people. This agreement reflects the key role that school support staff make and will encourage all schools within the network to continue to develop a strong partnership approach with them. We thank UNISON for the lead they have given in working with us on the agreement.

Dave Boston, Chief Executive, Schools Co-operative Society