The document guides associations and divisions on the use of and application to the Political Fund. It sets out when the Political Fund must be used and where general funds may be used outside the context of elections. An application form is provided for use by associations and divisions.
The term “political fund” has a special meaning in the law which relates to unions. It is not just a fund out of which a union pays for political campaigns and activity. These can be paid for, as they are paid for by the NUT campaigning for teachers and education, out of ordinary funds.
The Union established a political fund in 2008 following a ballot of members. The Union is not affiliated to a political party and is independent of any political parties.
There are statutory rules governing union political funds generally which the Union is required, by law, to adopt with the approval of the Trade Union Certification Officer.
National Union of Teachers rules including appendices to the union rules, joint partnership and other membership agreements, grant regulations and model rules for associations and divisions.
Members of the NUT have voted in favour of establishing a Political
Fund. A copy of the report by the Independent Scrutineer, the Electoral
Reform Services, is attached.