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- Tasks: Lead the NEU South West region, providing strategic leadership and support to members.
- Company: Join the National Education Union, a powerful advocate for educators across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Interviews will be held on 2 September 2025; apply by 4 August 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in trade union leadership and strategic management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 79000 £ per year.
Job Description
REGIONAL SECRETARYÂ
Based in the NEU South West region (Sowton, Exeter EX2 7HU)Â
Permanent, full-timeÂ
£79,146 per annumÂ
The National Education Union is a force for change in the world of education, bringing together more than 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff and leaders working in maintained and independent schools and colleges across the UK.Â
We are now seeking to recruit a Regional Secretary to lead the NEU South West region. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Regional Secretary provides strategic leadership for the region, ensuring the union is a formidable force across the region, an inclusive organising union which builds strength in the workplace, promotes issue-based bargaining, supports members and elected officers.Â
We are seeking applicants with significant experience of leading and managing in a trade union environment, who can work strategically at senior leadership level to prepare, review and deliver organisational and team plans to agreed objectives and priorities.Â
The NEU is a dynamic education union, committed to shaping the future of education, improving educators’ rights and championing social justice. Prospective applicants will need to be committed to operating within the NEU’s culture; political, educational and legal contexts, being able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with external bodies and stakeholders, represent the NEU externally with credibility at a senior level to a range of audiences, and to manage productive relations with the media.
Prospective applicants are also advised that your normal place of work will be the NEU office specified in this advert. The NEU operates a ‘Blended Working Policy’ for office-based staff, which means staff will typically need to be based in the designated NEU office for 3 days a week (based on a full-time contract), with the remaining days based at home, and subject to business needs.Â
The Regional Secretary will be required to manage their own time to ensure that they spend time in the regional office with travel across the region. Travel arrangements will be discussed in more detail at the interview stage.
In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 35 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a generous pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants.
Further details can be downloaded from our website via the button below, where applicants will also be able to complete an online application on our recruitment portal, by the stated closing date of mid-day Monday 4 August 2025.Â
Prospective applicants are also advised interviews for this role will be held on 2 September 2025, at our Hamilton House offices in London.Â
THE UNION IS FUNDAMENTALLY COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ITS POLICIES AND PRACTICE.
Regional Secretary employer: National Education Union
Contact Detail:
National Education Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Education Union's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to social justice and educators' rights will help you align your responses during discussions and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the NEU or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the role, which you can leverage during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or initiatives in a trade union environment, as this will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the Regional Secretary position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current issues facing educators in the South West region. Being knowledgeable about local challenges will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to tackle the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Regional Secretary position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in leading and managing within a trade union environment. Emphasise your strategic leadership skills and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and social justice. Discuss how your values align with those of the NEU and provide specific examples of how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is professional and polished, reflecting your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Education Union
✨Understand the NEU's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the National Education Union's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to social justice and educators' rights, as this will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the role requires significant experience in leading and managing within a trade union environment, prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles. Highlight how you've successfully managed teams and driven strategic initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges in the education sector. Think about potential issues you might face as a Regional Secretary and how you would address them effectively.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
The role involves maintaining positive relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles, particularly with external bodies and the media.