Amended Motion 33
Work Shouldn’t Hurt - Protecting the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing of School Staff
“Congress recognises the essential role of teachers and support staff in fostering safe and effective learning environments in Scotland’s schools.
“Congress expresses grave concerns over the increasing levels of violence and aggression directed towards school staff and other pupils. Over three-quarters of schools report weekly incidents, many schools reporting daily occurrences. Such violence and aggression disproportionately affects women, who form the majority of the teaching workforce and support staff, and who are often the deliberate targets of violence and aggression in the classroom.
“Incidents such as verbal abuse, physical attacks, and prejudice-based violence result in psychological distress, physical injuries, and a rise in staff absences and staff leaving the profession.
“Congress condemns the lack of prosecution of employers who fail to take appropriate measures to protect their workforce from violence.
“Congress demands urgent comprehensive actions from the Scottish Government, COSLA, and local authorities, working in collaboration with the relevant trade unions to:
- implement robust policies to prevent and respond to violence and aggression, with specific recognition of its gendered impact;
- mandate risk assessments that address staff vulnerabilities, particularly in female-dominated roles and high-risk environments such as ASN settings;
- provide opportunities for training of staff on de-escalation, conflict management, and recognising gendered patterns of violence;
- increase funding for Education to significantly increase staffing levels and resources (including HEPA filters), with additional prioritisation of schools serving disadvantaged communities; and
- establish consistent post-incident care and support, including employee assistance programs and specialised support for women education staff facing workplace gender-based violence.
“Congress recognises that only by addressing the systemic and gendered aspects of violence in schools, can we create environments where all staff and all pupils are and feel safe, respected and supported to thrive.
“Congress calls on the Scottish Government, COSLA and all Local Authorities to dedicate specific funding and resources to support all schools to make meaningful improvements to reduce violence and aggression in schools and to protect all staff and pupils and the HSE to prosecute employers who fail to take appropriate measures to protect their employees from violence”
Mover: Educational Institute of Scotland
Seconder: NASUWT
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