National Association of Educational
Inspectors Advisers and Consultants

A TIME OF CHANGE

• The experience of the recent, bruising, pay round for educational advisers in Scotland forms part of a wider process of change. With advisers in membership across the UK, NAEIAC is aware of the broader trend towards altering the role, status and pay treatment of advisory staffs. There is a varying degree of movement away from traditional specialist subject support towards more generic advice for school leaderships. However, a range of policy developments within schools, and a variety of related changes, mean that schools will continue to need external support and advice, whatever job titles are utilised for advisers over the coming period.

• Scotland, with its devolved policy-making machinery, is generating its own approach to managing these impending changes, just as England, Wales and Northern Ireland are determining their own strategies for the future Organisation of school improvement services. The key issue for advisers in Scotland is to ensure they really influence the coming debate over the prospects for educational advisory work in Scotland, drawing upon practical experience and detailed knowledge of this field. NAEIAC and the AEAS have therefore concluded a formal Association Agreement, designed to provide practical support for advisers in Scotland over the coming period of restructuring and change. Joint membership of the two organisations is extending, building upon the longstanding relationship between them.

AN EFFECTIVE VOICE

NAEIAC is the established, over 3000 strong, Registered Trade Union, affiliated to the British Trades Union Congress (TUC), which represents the distinct interests of educational advisers and related staffs and is committed to protecting and advancing their unique professional role. We maintain effective relationships with local authorities, key policy-makers in government, and the range of associations representing teachers, headteachers and other education professionals. NAEIAC also provides specialist, adviser-specific training and development programmes, and has researched the specific skills required in advisory work.

• NAEIAC maintains a strong team of Regional Officers, who offer practical advice, support and representation to all members locally whenever required. We provide expert legal advice and a wide range of other benefits and services. The Association lobbies effectively at higher levels, on its members' behalf, with employers, civil servants and politicians, as appropriate.