Rachel Ferraby - NEU Support Staff National Executive

08/03/2026

Happy International Women's day! Here's to women everywhere!

The majority of support staff are women, doing essential jobs that keep education workplaces moving. We need to empower them and ensure their voices are not left unheard. Last week the NEU made the decision to do just that and ensure that colleagues not already in a union have the power of the NEU behind them. No one left behind, everyone working together for stronger workplaces.

Illustration by marthabrook.com

04/03/2026

NEU members voted overwhelmingly in favour of withdrawing form the 2017 agreement. It was without doubt the right decision. I’d like to see a future where all support staff belong to a union and we can work in unity with our sister unions. For now, we continue to be the fighting union we are and put our efforts into making our workplaces better for all.

04/03/2026

Let's send a clear message to the Government that enough is enough. Vote now, ask members in your workplace if they've voted - teachers and support staff - we are stronger together!

Education is in crisis. Schools are running on empty and workload is rising.

Vote now in our indicative ballot to .

Let the government know you are ready to take action to win fair pay, properly funded schools, and manageable workload.

It’s time to act – vote now👉 NEUActivate.com

01/03/2026

When the right thing to do is the right thing to do.

But yesterday's outcome 'does not mean abandoning our willingness to work with or come to a resolution with our sister unions. The trade union movement grows when we organise and weakens when we limit ourselves.'

From my conference speech.

This has been and remains my belief. I hope we can grow together.

01/03/2026

Absolute privilege to be a voice for the NEU's 64,000+ Support Staff.

28/02/2026

The debate is underway at the NEU special conference.

With 1,200 delegates in attendance, the atmosphere is serious.

Whatever the final vote, today marks a historic moment for the union.

28/02/2026

27/02/2026

Daniel explains our Special Conference very well. At the heart of this are support staff and ensuring every one of them has a voice. In a fragmented and rapidly changing education system, it is the least we can do.

21/02/2026

Fewer staff. Larger classes.

Buildings are in poor condition, and vital resources like photocopiers and printers are broken and not fixed.

Our indicative ballot on pay, funding, and workload opens on 28 February.

Pledge to vote here👉 NEUActivate.com

21/02/2026

It is a shameful position to be in and that is why the NEU's campaign is so important. Lack of funding affects everyone. It leads to redundancies and higher workloads, not to mention the effect it has on the children we work with. Make sure you are ready to vote in the indicative ballot on 28th February.

18/02/2026

Wishing all who observe a blessed and spiritual month.

13/02/2026

There is another NEU ballot ongoing at the moment. These elections are important because as a lay led union it is your chance to have your voice heard. Please make sure you return your ballot paper - it doesn’t count if it’s stuck on the pile of post in your hallway!

Louise because is a strong advocate for all members in the NEU and will make a fantastic membership and equalities officer. Please make your vote count!

National Education Union Leeds District