How the Association works
The Association of Professionals in Education and Children’s Trusts (Aspect) is a democratically-run organisation. Members are encouraged to participate in the activity, decision-making and overall direction of the Association, both at national and local level.
The Association's membership is divided into 12 regions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Members can contribute to Aspect's policy direction by attending a number of events held throughout the year, including the Association’s annual conference, annual general meeting and local meetings.
National council
Members from each of the Association’s 12 regions and from the various sectors covered by the organisation, are represented on the Association’s national council.
Branches
Groups of members employed by the same employer can form branches, which act as the focus for local discussion and representations.
Regional officers
Members can access specialist advice and support on salaries, contracts, conditions of service, workloads, pensions and other work-related issues from the Association’s dedicated team of regional officers, who have an excellent track record in defending and promoting members' interests. For further information go to support and advice.
Local representatives
The Association currently enlists the help of over 100 local representatives, who act as the first point of contact between members and their employer.
Aspect local representatives are normally elected by groups of members working in a given local authority, or in a voluntary or private sector organisation which undertakes similar functions.
Annual conference
The Association organises an annual conference which provides members with the opportunity to debate and learn about national and international developments in educational improvement and children’s services. The Association’s annual general meeting is held at the annual conference.
Aspect's 2007 annual conference will explore the key theme of the Every Child Matters agenda. To find out more go to the annual conference section.