UNISON represents around 250,000 school support staff across the UK. The government has laid legislation in England to create a new negotiating body for school support staff to establish pay, terms and conditions, in which UNISON is a key stakeholder. UNISON also continues to campaign around issues affecting school support staff such as dealing with health needs in schools, violent behaviour and cover for teachers. This session will give an update on UNISON’s work in these areas.



Joanna Parry, National Officer, Education Team, UNISON

Joanna is currently a National Officer in UNISON’s Education team, focusing on policy and campaigning work around pay and professional issues affecting school support staff. Joanna is interested in training and development for school support staff and highlighting the value they add value to pupils’ education and wider experience at school. These interests are reflected in the development of UNISON’s Skills for Schools website and the introduction of a national celebration day for school support staff, Stars in Our Schools.