1. Leadership and Representation:
   • Act as the chief representative of the NEU within the local area.
   • Serve as the public face of the union, representing the interests of members in meetings with local educational authorities, employers, and other stakeholders.
   • Lead the local branch in advocating for members’ rights and working conditions.
2. Advocacy and Negotiation:
   • Negotiate with school administrators, district officials, and other employers on behalf of union members.
   • Advocate for fair pay, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment for all members.
   • Address grievances and disputes, working towards resolutions that are in the best interest of the members.
3. Organizing and Mobilizing:
   • Organize local meetings, rallies, and events to engage and mobilize union members.
   • Lead campaigns on key issues affecting the education sector and the union’s objectives.
   • Encourage member participation in union activities and ensure their voices are heard.
4. Communication:
   • Maintain regular communication with union members, keeping them informed about important issues, decisions, and events.
   • Use newsletters, social media, emails, and other platforms to disseminate information.
   • Facilitate open and effective communication between the local branch and the national union leadership.
5. Management and Administration:
   • Oversee the administration of the local branch, ensuring that it operates smoothly and efficiently.
   • Chair local union meetings, ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with union rules and procedures.
   • Work with other local officers and committees to plan and execute union activities and initiatives.
6. Support and Guidance:
   • Provide support and guidance to union members, particularly in matters related to their employment and professional development.
   • Assist members with issues such as contract negotiations, disciplinary actions, and workplace disputes.
   • Ensure that members have access to the resources and support they need.
7. Training and Development:
   • Promote and facilitate training opportunities for union members and local officers.
   • Encourage the professional development of members through workshops, seminars, and other educational programs.
   • Stay informed about changes and developments in education policy and labor laws.
8. Policy Implementation:
   • Ensure that national union policies and directives are implemented at the local level.
   • Develop and promote local policies that align with the national union’s objectives and strategies.
   • Monitor and report on the effectiveness of these policies.
9. Financial Oversight:
   • Work with the local treasurer to ensure sound financial management of the local branch.
   • Oversee the preparation of budgets, financial reports, and the allocation of funds for union activities.
10. Building Relationships:
    • Foster strong relationships with other unions, community groups, and educational organizations.
    • Collaborate with these groups on common issues and initiatives to strengthen the union’s impact and influence.
11. Compliance and Governance:
    • Ensure that the local branch operates in compliance with the union’s rules and regulations.
    • Uphold the principles and values of the NEU in all activities and interactions.

In summary, the NEU Local President plays a vital role in leading and supporting union members at the local level. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a deep commitment to the values and objectives of the NEU. The Local President must be proactive in advocating for members, managing the local branch, and ensuring that the union remains a powerful and effective voice for educators.

Michael Farrelly is the Wirral District Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), representing and supporting education staff across Wirral’s schools, academies, colleges, and other education settings. He provides leadership for the district, coordinates union activity, and ensures that members receive strong, collective support when facing workplace pressures and challenges.

District Secretary responsibilities: 

• Supporting Branch secretaries in their work to negotiate/consult/represent members. 
• Promote the work of the NEU through political engagement and organising work with members. 
• Ensure the democratic processes of the Union are followed and encourage wider engagement with the Union decision making process. 
• Identify local issues that require Union attention and organise campaigns as appropriate. 

Branch Secretary responsibilities:  

• Negotiating and consulting with the Local Authority/Academies/Trusts within Wirral on matters relating to pay and conditions of service (including policies).  
• Representing members at meetings relating to disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence, capability and whistleblowing. 
• Recruiting and supporting workplace representatives and local officers of the Union 
• Recruiting members 
• Providing advice on employment issues     

I have been active in union duties since 2020 becoming rep at my school during the pandemic and becoming involved in the Wirral NEU Committee and Branch team in 2023.

I have been a primary teacher since 2015 mainly teaching at Somerville Primary School in Seacombe.

I believe in campaigning to balance work/life commitments for teachers and all school staff, fighting for fair pay and funding and in promoting the benefits of union membership to all.

I serve as the Wirral NEU Treasurer by taking responsibility for the financial health and transparency of our organisation, making sure every decision is grounded in accuracy, accountability and the best interests of our members. I manage our budgets, maintain clear financial records, and provide the information our leadership and activists need to plan campaigns, support members and strengthen our long‑term stability. My role is about more than numbers — it’s about protecting our collective resources so we can organise confidently, act strategically and keep our union strong for the future.

The role of an NEU (National Education Union) Assistant Secretary is multifaceted, involving various responsibilities aimed at supporting the union’s goals and its members. The specific duties can vary depending on the branch or district, but generally, the role includes the following key aspects:

1. Supporting Union Leadership:
   • Assist the NEU Secretary and other senior officers in their duties.
   • Help in the administration and coordination of union activities and initiatives.
2. Membership Services:
   • Provide support and advice to union members on issues related to employment, workplace conditions, and union policies.
   • Assist members with grievances, disputes, and negotiations with employers.
3. Organizing and Campaigning:
   • Organize campaigns, meetings, and events to promote union objectives and raise awareness of key issues.
   • Mobilize members to participate in union activities and campaigns.
   • Work on recruitment drives to increase union membership.
4. Communication:
   • Act as a liaison between the union leadership and members, ensuring effective communication.
   • Disseminate information to members through newsletters, emails, social media, and other channels.
   • Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations as required.
5. Representation:
   • Represent the union and its members in meetings with employers, educational authorities, and other stakeholders.
   • Advocate for members’ rights and interests in various forums.
6. Training and Development:
   • Organize and deliver training sessions and workshops for union members on topics such as workplace rights, negotiation skills, and union policies.
   • Stay informed about current issues in education and labor relations to provide up-to-date advice and support.
7. Administrative Duties:
   • Maintain accurate records of union activities, member details, and correspondence.
   • Assist with the preparation of agendas, minutes, and other documentation for meetings.
   • Handle general office duties to ensure the smooth running of the union branch or district office.
8. Policy Implementation:
   • Help implement union policies and strategies at the local level.
   • Monitor and report on the effectiveness of these policies and suggest improvements.
9. Dispute Resolution:
   • Support members in resolving workplace conflicts and disputes.
   • Work with legal advisors and other professionals to provide comprehensive support to members facing legal or disciplinary action