NATFHE's HE policies and priorities are determined by our HE members through our democratic lay structures.

Branch meetings determine NATFHE policy at institutional level. This is where decisions over local negotiations, and activities are decided. For further information about local activity in your institution try your branch web site, or contact your NATFHE branch officer; branches are part of NATFHE's regional democratic structure and national democratic structure policy-making structure, and can participate in the development of regional and national policy.

In the vast majority of 'new' universities and HE colleges, NATFHE is the only union recognised to negotiate over academic pay and conditions of service. There is a NATFHE branch operating at every new university or HE college. Our branch officers are trained to deal with local negotiations and individual casework. If you have a query or need assistance then you should always first contact your NATFHE branch officer, who will be able to provide you with assistance in representation with management, and provide you with information as to developments at your institution. A number of NATFHE branches have developed local web sites.

Your branches are supported by a dedicated team of national and regional staff with expertise of working in the higher education system.

In addition, there is a cross-sectoral Regional structure and National Structure which determine all non-HE specific policy such as professional issues affecting post-school education eg access, franchising; and cross sectoral industrial relations issues such as casualisation; government pay policies and legal developments; and general membership and union organisation issues.

The current direction of governmental policy makes our ability to talk with one voice for lecturers across the post-school education system increasingly important. Already 15% of HE is delivered in FE colleges, and a large number of HE institutions also do some FE work.

National HE Committee

The HE Committee is made up of HE National Executive members and meets four time a year to develop national policy on negotiating and professional issues. It also oversees the work done by the Universities Department at both national and regional level, sets union priorities for HE, and represents member's interests on a range of external bodies. It is accountable to the HE Sector Conference, and also reports to NATFHE's National Executive Committee.

The HE Committee members are elected on an annual basis by members in HE Colleges and Universities. The rules allows for one representative per region.

National HE Sector Conference

This meets annually at national conference in May. It is the final decision-making body, and is made up of institutional representatives elected by HE Regions. There is currently a debate within the sector as to whether to make the HE Sector Conference directly elected by HE branches.

HE Advisory Committee

HEAC is an advisory body made up of NEC, HE Regional and specialist representatives (eg teacher education). It meets termly and acts as a mini conference to discuss more detailed educational policy issues.

Regional HE Sector Committees

HE Regional Committees are responsible for determining regional policy positions and as a network for HE branches to share information and expertise. They are made up of one representative for each 'new' university and HE College branch. They report to Regional Council which is a cross-sectoral body. The operation of these committee varies by Region. For further information contact your HE Regional Secretary.