It is one of the dedicated representative groups representing several specific Sections or specific interest groups. In respect of members working in the independent or FE sector; or members working in support staff or leadership roles; these groups are called National Councils. Other groups are known as Organising Forums.
About the National Council
The group comprises representatives elected by Regional/Wales Councils and 3 Executive members. Regional/Wales representation is based on 3 per area (at least two of whom should be female) with 5 from the London Region (at least three of whom should be female). The Executive will elect one of the Executive members as Chair, and the Vice-Chair will be elected by the Regional/Wales representatives.
Remit
The focus of Regional/Wales National Council representatives is to encourage and facilitate the active participation of independent sector members in the union. Amongst other things, this includes helping to develop local activist networks, promoting local sector events or campaigns.
Integral to this is working with colleagues on the Regional/Wales Council. This includes attending, and providing a written report to, the Regional/Wales Council meeting.
Policy
The Executive may ask the National Council to consider and advise on policy issues relating to the sector, to allow more detailed work than strategy committees are able to undertake.
Organising and/or policy recommendations will go to the Executive and/or its strategy committees, as determined by the Officer Steering Group.
Meetings
The group meets once a term. This typically takes place on a Saturday in London, and expenses are covered. This academic year, the Council meets on 4 October 2025, 17 January 2026, and 25 April 2026.
Annual conference
The group also plays an active role in the yearly NEU independent sector conference.
Members
The National Council Independent Sector members are as follows :
| Carolina Avila-Jones | Wales |
| Claire Rickard | Wales |
| Jon Bartlett | Wales |
| Rebecca Hayes | Wales |
| Hannah Lake | London region |
| Fran Ryland | West Midlands region |
| Sarita Healey | West Midlands region |
| Brian Metcalf | Northern region |
| Phil Rowett | Northern region |
| Stuart Taylor | Northwest region |
| Jade Watson | Southeast region |
| Mike Cox | Southeast region |
| Anna-Marie Roberts | Eastern region |
| Joel Wood | Eastern region |
| Cova Corripio | Southwest region |
| Rachael Littlewood | East Midlands region |
| Ausra Bremner | East Midlands region |
Getting involved locally
If you would like to be involved in local activity in the sector, please contact the Regional Secretary and ask to be put in contact with your regional independent sector representatives.
Applying to be on the National Council
Applications were invited from interested members over the summer. Not all places were filled. If you are interested in applying, please contact your Regional Secretary to express your interest.