The Education Oversight Body was established as a result of the Public Services Pay Agreement to act as a “fast-track” clearing house for disputes which arise regarding the specific education-related provisions of the Agreement.
Initially the membership of the Body was very restricted because the Official Side (the employers) was anxious not to be out-numbered by Trade Union representatives.
On the other hand, IFUT has consistently and repeatedly pressed the argument that our unique position as the pre-eminent Trade Union representing academic staff in Higher Education meant that it was completely inappropriate and cumbersome for us to have to ‘filter’ our representations through a Union which did not have our familiarity with the sector and its unique problems.  That point has now been conceded and we now enjoy full and equal membership of this important entity.