Lead the future of educational psychology – become the next AEP general secretary
Lead the future of educational psychology – become the next AEP general secretary
We are at a pivotal moment for educational psychologists across the UK. With education reform under scrutiny across all four nations, we have a unique opportunity to improve the lives of children and young people as the voice of our profession. As educational psychologists, we're all driven by a deep passion and commitment to improve the lives of children and young people and as the next leader of the AEP you could impact the lives of so many more.
The Post
As our General Secretary you will lead the AEP and be an ambassador for our profession.
You’ll help steer the organisation through an exciting period and be at the forefront of influencing key policy developments, advocating for our values and helping to ensure educational psychologists have a powerful voice on the national stage.
It’s an incredibly rewarding role, offering opportunities for personal growth, organisational leadership experience, and the privilege of representing and supporting your peers across the UK.
Who can apply?
Nominees must be:
- Qualified educational psychologists
- Have been an AEP member for at least five of the past seven years
A detailed job description is available HERE.
As required by law, the election will be overseen and conducted by an independent scrutineer - Civica Election Services. The election will be conducted according to the timetable set out at the end of this page.
Nominations
To be considered for the role, nominees must be nominated by 20 eligible AEP members (full, trainee, or assistant EPs). Members can only nominate one candidate in this election. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure their signatories are qualified to nominate them. If in doubt, please contact the AEP office.
The nomination form(s) and an accompanying contact form can be submitted electronically, or as hard copies.
Nominations must be received by noon on 5th June 2025 by our independent scrutineer. We cannot accept late submissions.
Please send completed forms to: Civica, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, N8 0NW, email nominations@cesvotes.com or call 0208 8899 203.
Election Address / Statement
Nominees can submit an election address (max. 1,250 words) for distribution with voting papers.
This is your chance to share:
- Your views on current and future issues in educational psychology
- Your professional background and areas of interest (particularly in relation to trade union interests)
- Strategic priorities you would champion as general secretary.
Nominees can also include details about their current post and employer or state if they are self-employed, and how they meet the requirements of the post as outlined in the job description.
The deadline to submit the election address is 5 June 2025. Even if elected unopposed, all statements will be published to AEP members.
Please note: An election address must not contain statements of a discriminatory, disparaging, racist or sexist nature or that make accusations against members or staff of the AEP.
Ballot and Results
- If only one valid nomination is received, that candidate will be declared elected.
- If more than one valid nomination is received, a postal ballot of eligible members (full, trainee, and assistant EPs) will take place.
- If three or more nominees stand, a single transferable vote system will decide the result.
Independent Scrutineer (Details)
Section 15 of the Employment Act 1988 requires Trade Unions to appoint an independent scrutineer to conduct any ballots in connection with the election of a General Secretary. The AEP has appointed Civica to act in this capacity. The Scrutineer may be contacted as follows:
Postal address: Civica, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, N8 0NW
Telephone: 0208 8899 203
email: nominations@cesvotes.com
Election Timetable
Notice of election published to members - W/B 7 April 2025
Last date for receipt of nomination forms by the Scrutineer - Noon on Thursday 5 June 2025
If uncontested, result declared - W/B 9 June 2025
IN THE EVENT OF CONTESTED ELECTION:
Ballot papers dispatched by Scrutineer - W/B 16 June 2025
Closing date for return of ballot papers to Scrutineer - 28 July 2025
Ballot result declared - 4 August 2025
Terms and salary
General Secretary
Salary: £79,661–£89,618 (AEP scale points 23–26, the salary will commence on point 23).
- Annual progression subject to performance
- Includes pension contributions and car loan facilities
- Other financial benefits include a 'loss of office' payment should the General Secretary lose a subsequent election
The successful nominee will be required to step away from their current employment to take on this post.
We know stepping into a position like this is a big decision. If you are considering the role, or are interested to find out more and would like a friendly, informal and confidential chat, please do get in touch with AEP president, David by email: David.Collingwood@aep.org.uk to arrange a mutually convenient time to talk.
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