Why I Joined ACM Council
I decided to join ACM Council for three reasons. First, my line manager
suggested that as a new member of the college SMT, this organisation
would compliment my needs. Second, the ex-General Secretary (John Mowbray)
kindly accepted a conference invitation by the Network of Black Managers.
He spoke with great belief and dignity in his support for all college
managers. Finally, an ex-Council member asked me to become a co-opted
member of the Council. He claimed it would be the best staff development
possible. He was not wrong.
ACM is an organisation that has a significant voice in post-16 education.
Issues on education policy, pay initiatives and personnel matters are
regularly debated at macro and micro levels. Members are involved in
discussions at the highest levels, usually dealing with CEOs of partner
organisations. Recently, the Association has organised a series of debates
between Council members and significant stakeholders in post-16 education.
My role at an incorporated college, is that of Assistant Principal.
As a manager of curriculum and quality I feel my knowledge in these
areas is sufficient. ACM Council meetings allow me to develop my knowledge
in other areas such as personnel or finance. In addition, there are
no specific college bases. Whether the college is a large FE instititution,
specialist agricultural college or small sixth form organisation, managers
are supported.
Education is forever changing. Presently we have the relatively new
LSC, revised common inspection framework, college pay initiatives, etc.
It is important that managers at every level have some knowledge of
these issues. Estelle Morris rightly points out that middle managers
need development so that senior managers can work at a more strategic
level. ACM Council meetings are tailor-made to achieve some of these
aims.
Finally, let me say, that it was refreshing to hear that the Association
puts learners at the heart of its discussions. Being in a room surrounded
by Principals, Vice-Principals and other managers of institutions who
talk passionately about the individual student reminded me of why I
became a teacher in the first place.
Naz Mistry
Assistant Principal,
Gateway College &
Co-opted Member ACM Council
COUNCIL ELECTIONS
If you would like to enhance your professional development by debating
issues of national importance at the highest level, complete the Council
nomination form and return it to us by 30/11/01. For further information
or a nomination form, call 0116 275 5076 or send an email to saramccaffrey@acm.uk.com
or visit our web site acm.uk.com
HELPLINE SERVICE COMMENCES
Tel: 0116 285 4055
Fax: 0116 255 0548
Email: helpline@acm.uk.com
ACM’s new employment relations helpline is now in operation. Members
with any kind of work related problem can phone, fax or email the helpline
to receive advice, guidance or information.
Our helpline staff are experts in employment relations, having an in-depth
knowledge of the law, including workplace issues such as grievances,
discipline, redundancy, discrimination, harassment, and contracts of
employment.
Members are asked to make the helpline their first point of contact
with ACM for all employment related problems. In many cases, we will
be able to offer immediate help. Alternatively, we will refer you to
one of ACM’s caseworkers who will be able to represent you directly
at your workplace. (Please note: to have free access to a caseworker,
members must have three months continuous membership).
All calls to the helpline will be dealt with confidentially.
The helpline is open from 9.30am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Outside
of these hours an answerphone is available. Alternatively, members can
contact the helpline by fax or email. Further information is available
from the ACM web site acm.uk.com
Coming soon!
In future issues of the ACM newsletter, we hope to answer some of your
most frequently asked employment relations questions. Please look out
for our new column in the new year.
REMINDER
Don’t forget to register your username and password to enable
you to access the members’ only area of our web site acm.uk.com