College Employers Scotland (CES) and the EIS-FELA trade union have jointly developed a new national grievance policy designed to strengthen protections for lecturers.

Agreed through the National Negotiating Committee for Lecturing Staff, the policy, which will be implemented across colleges from 1 August 2026, sets out principles for addressing workplace disagreements and differences. A model procedure has also been developed to guide local rollout.

The policy establishes clear expectations around manager training and competency, as well as strong safeguards to identify and address potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it introduces accessibility commitments through adjustments for protected characteristics, alongside a focus on settling grievances fairly and within reasonable timescales.

Other priorities include resolving issues early through informal methods like joint mediation, and ensuring all conversations remain strictly confidential and respectful.

Looking ahead, the framework delivers broad, comprehensive coverage for staff. Key measures include a formal route for collective grievances and provisions for grievances raised by former employees.

College employers and the EIS-FELA said the new policy and model procedure would mean workplace concerns are tackled through a robust process that generates real solutions.

Debbie Kerr, Director of People Services at Borders College, who helped to drive forward the national agreement, said: "This is an important step forward in ensuring consistency, fairness and transparency for staff.

“It is vitally important to resolve grievances at the earliest opportunity, which is why the new policy emphasises early action, mediation and constructive dialogue. Such a focus also supports positive working relationships while ensuring staff concerns are considered thoroughly and fairly.

"Developed in close partnership with the EIS-FELA, these new arrangements place respect, fairness and collaboration at the heart of grievance handling and further strengthen Scotland's colleges as Fair Work employers."

Anne-Marie Harley, EIS-FELA President, who also helped to drive forward the national agreement, said: “EIS-FELA welcomes the agreement of a national grievance policy and model procedure developed through the National Negotiating Committee for Lecturing Staff.

“The new policy ensures that grievances raised by lecturing staff, irrespective of which college they work in, will be processed consistently across the sector and staff are fairly supported throughout that process.

“EIS-FELA look forward to working with CES in the same collaborative manner on further national policies for our members in FE.”