At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent members in grievances, negotiate with employers, and provide support to local associations.
- Company: Join the EIS, Scotland's largest trade union for teachers and lecturers, with 65,000 members.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, car allowance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while promoting social justice and equality.
- Qualifications: Ideal for candidates with teaching experience or trade union involvement.
- Other info: Work from Edinburgh or Glasgow with a supportive team dedicated to member advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 66000 £ per year.
The EIS is Scotland’s largest and most influential trade union and professional organisation for teachers and lecturers, with almost 65,000 members working in all education sectors and at all career stages. A vacancy has arisen within our Area Officer team for a permanent, full-time position. The post of Area Officer within the EIS carries significant responsibility and represents a crucial link between the national campaigning work of the EIS and its local associations and members across the country.
Duties of the post include:
- Representation of individual members in high-level grievance and disciplinary matters
- Local negotiations with employers
- Recruitment and retention of members
- Training
- Provision of technical and organisational support and advice to the Institute’s local associations
Area Officer posts come with the option of the use of a car provided on the basis of the EIS car policy or a car allowance. Applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates with a background in teaching or lecturing are particularly welcome, as are those from candidates with previous or current involvement in a trade union.
The post will be based in the EIS Headquarters in Edinburgh or the Area Office in Glasgow. The Institute has a Flexible Working Patterns policy, offering all members of staff a high degree of flexibility over the location at which work is carried out, subject to the overall requirements of the EIS and its members. The geographical areas for which the successful candidates will be initially responsible will be determined by the General Secretary and the Assistant General Secretary (Employment Relations) in consultation with the successful candidates, taking into account the requirements of the Institute.
As a trade union employer, the EIS is committed to the principles of social justice and equality. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of any protected characteristics.
Closing Date – 29 May 2025
Area Officer (Based in Edinburgh/Glasgow) employer: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND
Contact Detail:
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Officer (Based in Edinburgh/Glasgow)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the EIS's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to social justice and equality will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Area Officers or EIS members. Engaging in conversations can provide you with insider knowledge about the role and the organisation, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenarios you might face as an Area Officer, such as handling grievances or negotiating with employers. Practising your responses to these situations can demonstrate your readiness and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent campaigns or initiatives led by the EIS. Being able to discuss these in your interview will show your genuine interest in the organisation and your proactive approach to understanding their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Officer (Based in Edinburgh/Glasgow)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Area Officer. Highlight your experience in representing individuals, negotiating, and providing support, as these are key aspects of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your background in teaching or lecturing, as well as any previous involvement with trade unions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your personal values with the EIS's commitment to social justice and equality. Explain why you are passionate about supporting teachers and lecturers, and how your experience aligns with the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of an Area Officer. Familiarise yourself with the EIS's mission and values, as well as the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as member representation and local negotiations.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your background in teaching or lecturing, and any previous involvement with trade unions. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially in handling grievances and negotiations.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Social Justice
The EIS values social justice and equality. Be ready to discuss how these principles resonate with you and how you can contribute to promoting them within the organisation and among its members.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the role, the team, and the EIS's future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.