Best teaching union, or an alternative?

Teaching union, or an alternative?

With information at our finger-tips, an increasing numbers of teachers and school staff are searching for the best-value, highest-quality employment support for their needs. You might have even come across this article yourself after searching for ‘best teaching union’ on Google!

Edapt provides teachers and school staff with casework services and edu-legal support in individual employment disputes and allegations. We’re apolitical and independent. Our team supports our subscribers individually, with integrity, consistency and confidentiality. A bit like a union, but different…

Surprisingly, there are no comparison websites such as GoCompare or Confused.com which collates the monthly subscription costs for different teaching roles, regional fees, satisfaction ratings and opening hours for different organisations.

We’ve outlined the main differences in another blog post here: ‘Which teaching union to join.’ 

One of the main differences between Edapt and teaching unions is that we are not in fact a teaching union. For example, we do not take part in strike action or political lobbying activities.

When making the choice of which organisation to join, we thought we would let our feedback do the talking:

The quality of support has been outstanding

• “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, sincerely, for the support and guidance you have given me through one of the most challenging times I have faced professionally. I cannot speak highly enough of your handling of my case and the professional, assured representation you gave me throughout, which allowed me to make clear informed choices about what I needed to do. Edapt as an organisation is one I will most certainly continue to subscribe to and recommend to others.”

• “The quality of support I received whilst with Edapt has been outstanding. Whenever I have felt the need to contact Edapt, I have received a reply within just a few hours. The advice given has always been relevant and reliable. Unlike the teaching unions, I felt that Edapt where there to support their members, rather than advance a political agenda.”

• “The support was first class. I couldn’t honestly recommend Edapt highly enough. No one wants to be in a position where they need this sort of support but if you are, as many teachers are throughout their career, then Edapt are most certainly the people to rely upon.”

• “The support was excellent. Communication and follow up was beyond expectations. I have recommended you to my friends.”

• “The previous union I was with (I know you aren’t a union) were not great at all with keeping in contact and I felt very alone. But with your support, I feel much more positive about the future.”

• “Thanks again to you and the whole Edapt team for a fantastic job. You have really helped me out over the past year, and I can’t thank you all enough. It is because of the work you have done as an organisation in managing an incredibly difficult situation that I am now on a much happier and more fulfilling career path. Thank you for helping me get my life back.”

• “I have been consistently pleased with Edapt’s support – they are committed, very helpful and with great follow-up.”

Feedback on social media

After a lot of research and debate, my wife and I have cancelled our @ATLUnion membership and moved to @edaptuk We feel that the Union no longer represents our best interests as teachers in the Independent sector

— Adam M Greenwood (@PointersHM) September 26, 2019

@edaptuk – much cheaper than NEU. Only legal cover but that’s all I wanted anyway

— Sophie Bee (@_MissieBee) October 7, 2019

I’m with @edaptuk and the support I’ve received has always been exceptional. Less politicised than other unions and always there. #teaching https://t.co/ZafDGj0zLG

— Andrew Temple (@andrew_temple) November 17, 2019

@edaptuk are ace. They provide legal support without the political elements of a union. They may be able to help you

— Hugh Richards (@HughJRichards) December 6, 2019

I must say I find your articles far more informative than the content of my previous Union. Great work!

— Adam M Greenwood (@PointersHM) December 8, 2019