In brief?

Education policy officer
Estelle Morris was quoted in The Guardian recently as saying: "I think ex-cabinet ministers are like ex-headteachers. Once you've been a cabinet minister, once you've been a headteacher, where do you go next?"

The answer of course is that you work for SHA. And we have a vacancy at present...

Applications for the new post of education policy officer are being accepted until 13 May. Please contact carole.wright@sha.org.uk for more information or visit www.sha.org.uk

South-east regional event
A SHA south-east regional conference, Making Every Child Matter, will be held on 7 July in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

The keynote speaker is Jeanette Pugh, director of the DfES Children's Workforce Unit who will discuss Every Child Matters. John Dunford will address the issues of foundation partnerships and the New Relationship with Schools.

Helen Kenward, assistant head of Filsham Valley School will lead workshops on pupil behaviour. There will also be an open forum on extended schools.

For more information contact Malcolm Noble on 0208 303 5696 or cho@bexleyheath.bexley.sch.uk

Learning rep guide
A guide, Teacher Union Learning Representatives: Promoting the role of Teacher ULRs has been produced jointly by ATL, NASUWT and NUT among others.

There are already more than 7,500 trained ULRs and the TUC estimates that there will be a network of 22,000 by 2010. They also now have statutory rights similar to those of other union representatives.

The guide provides information for LEAs and school leaders to address concerns that might exist about the role of teacher ULRs, illustrated with case studies, and to encourage schools to support and promote development of teacher ULRs.

Copies of the guide can be obtained from learning.reps@nut.org.uk

E-newsletter
Did you receive your invitation to appear in the audience of the Jonathan Dimbleby programme in April? You would have received it if you were signed up to SHA's email newsletter.

The weekly e-newsletter is members' quick guide to announcements and updates that affect schools, reminders of events and deadlines, and what's new on the web.

You will receive the e-newsletter once a week. We do not, and will not, pass your details on to third parties or use it for purposes other than keeping you informed about education policy and SHA business.

Don't miss out on the up-to-date news that will keep you ahead of the game. To sign up for the newsletter go to www.sha.org.uk and log into the members' area. If you don't have your membership number, email membership@sha.org.uk

Partnership funding
SHA has cautioned the government that its Education Improvement Partnerships (EIPs) - formerly known as foundation partnerships - will struggle to take off unless there are sufficiently strong incentives for schools to take part.

LEAs will also need incentives to move to the commissioning role which will be necessary for the partnerships to flourish.

Speaking to the press John Dunford said: "Collaboration costs money and the success of EIPs will depend on the willingness of schools to commit funds to local partnerships.

"In Excellence in Cities, specialist schools and Leadership Incentive Grants, to name but a few, collaboration is backed with funding. It is very disappointing that there is no additional funding for EIPs."

A SHA guidance paper on EIPs will be published later this term.

Get business on board
Business Action on Education, the education campaign within Business in the Community, is hosting a one-day conference on 18 May in London's Kings Cross for school leaders and those staff tasked with building business links.

The conference features speakers from the DfES, British Chamber of Commerce, primary and secondary schools, the business world and The Guardian.

Delegates will discuss best practice and working effectively with businesses. For more information please email sarah.gardner@bitc.org.uk