Your photographs and form must be with INTO Northern Office by 5pm, Friday, 30th May, 2025
Members may submit up to a maximum of three original paintings, these need not be framed but if chosen as the winning piece will become part of the growing Northern Office art collection.
Members have found the choice of a theme to be helpful when creating or choosing a painting to enter and we hope those listed are as varied and engaging as possible (further suggestions welcome):
People
Animals
Landscape
Seascape
Cityscape
Abstract
Still Life
While this Art Competition produces a winner each year, we hope members find the opportunity to bring an idea to completion, to share their work with fellow members and support the continued growth of an entirely INTO member produced display of art to be an appealing and inspiring one.
The Brendan Harron INTO Art Competition is as much about creating art works as it is about experiencing art. Through this competition INTO hopes to offer members another way to connect with each other and to a part of their creative lives that may get side-lined in a busy life. Maybe during the coming months work on your entry for this year’s competition could provide a welcome element to work-life balance. We hope as well as INTO enjoying the artistic work of its members, that importantly, you enjoy the benefits that come with creating pieces of art.
If you have not entered before we hope the diversity of past years will encourage you to do so this year!
We are an INTO committee made up of 5 Division Reps plus the General Treasurer and General Secretary. The purpose of the Committee is to give help and advice to INTO members who fall into financial difficulty. The Benefit Funds Committee (BFC) is seen as the Big Friendly Committee.
What do we do?
Meet members to establish if help can be given or just to give advice
Meet on a regular basis to discuss cases
Attend joint CEC/BFC meetings that give authority for the INTO to spend money on legal cases
Sign off Death Grants and Christmas Grants
How do we work?
Hardship cases and advice:
The BFC member is contacted by member. The BFC member arranges to meet the member to discuss the issue and complete paperwork
The case is then discussed confidentiality within the committee. A consensus is reached after discussion. The outcome may be favourable or unfavourable. On occasions the Rep is asked to go and seek more information so that the Committee can have a clear view of the difficulty and the commitment that the Committee may be taking on. The BFC Rep will usually then contacts the member to pass on the decision. A letter often follows from Head Office to the member.
Death Grant:
The BFC oversees death grants for INTO members and their spouses. A 4,000 Euro is available to help with funeral costs in the event of a member’s death. A 2,000 Euro grant is payable in the event of the death of a member’s spouse. To claim the grant a form is requested from and returned to the BFC Rep for authorisation.
Attendance at meetings:
BFC attend District meetings but only attend Branch at the Branch Request. Division I Rep is also member of NC.
What financial help can be given?
A small emergency grant (if specific conditions are met).
One off grant to help resolve a situation
Long term grants on occasions that are reviewed regularly
A grant that will be paid back when maybe a lump sum comes through (Ill health)
Is there a stereotypical member who needs help?
Each case is individual, and it is important to stress that but in a broad way there could be 2 stereotypes:
Members who fall into ill health and financial difficulties follow
Members who get into debt by a partner who leaves a financial mess before a breakup
Specific Examples
A teacher who had to leave home because the home couldn’t be heated. A grant for oil was given.
A teacher who had retired due to mental health issues and was officially homeless was given a small grant to cover something that needed paid for. A grant was given to a member who was about to lose the house due to a marital breakup. The member’s partner was refusing to co-operate to resolve financial difficulties. A recurring grant was given to a teacher for a limited period while the teacher got their finances sorted after a breakup with childcare the main issue. A terminally ill member was given a grant to make up shortfall in salary for a couple of
months.
How can INTO members help?
Ask the Branch Secretary to action a death grant if they hear a member has died.
Get members in need to give me a ring to discuss the issue. If they don’t ask, they won’t get and the worst thing that can happen is that the BFC will say no. The result won’t be passed onto the NC Rep by the BFC though the member may share it with the NC Rep.
Under the terms of a special INTO scheme, a members’ personal property up to £100 (subject to a £5 excess) and personal cash up to £30 is insured whilst on the school premises against loss or damage by fire or theft. Conditions apply.
For further details and to make a claim our Fire and Theft Claims Form can be downloaded below:
Under the terms of a special INTO scheme, a members’ car is insured against malicious damage when parked on school premises while the member is engaged in school business during any period of teaching or directed time. Conditions apply.
For further information and to make a claim our Malicious Damage to Members' Cars Claims Form can be downloaded below:
INTO members contribute to the INTO Solidarity Fund through their membership subscriptions. Your money is used to support the development of educational facilities in developing countries and ensures that the most vulnerable children in these countries receive an education. There are 113 million children of primary school age not enrolled in schools worldwide, millions more are taught by untrained and underpaid teachers in overcrowded, unhealthy and ill-equipped classrooms.
Aims and Objectives
The INTO Solidarity Fund is committed to funding pre-primary or primary school related projects which are part of a recognised Charity, Development Agency or Missionary, Society or Trade Union Group. The aim of the INTO Solidarity Fund is to improve the livelihoods of
extremely poor women, men and children and one of the most effective ways of doing this is by increasing access to quality education.
The solidarity fund provides capital expenditure for the construction of schools, classrooms, libraries, school toilets. The provision of school furniture, equipment and textbooks, the training and professional development of teachers and payment of their salaries and curriculum development projects. As a minimum standard, education results in sufficient levels of literacy and numeracy enables people to lift themselves out of absolute poverty and continue to improve their lives.
Apply for Funding
The INTO work with a range of agencies and charities to achieve carefully devised development plans to benefit some of the world’s poorest children. There are rigorous controls and safeguards in place to ensure the money is used to meet the objectives of the fund.
You can apply for funding by downloading the application form below or contact Georgina Glackin at (01) 804 7745, and send it to: The General Treasurer, INTO Head Office, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
A sub-committee of the Central Executive Committee assess each application at their monthly meetings and are responsible for decisions on grants from the solidarity fund.
Feedback to INTO
It is a standard INTO requirement to seek a report from applicants detailing the expenditure and feedback in relation to the progress of their projects. Details of grants from the solidarity fund will be highlighted on the INTO website shortly and articles and photographs will be published in InTouch.
INTO Global Solidarity Network
Sign up today by simply emailing the following information to INTO Head Office Official, John O’Brien at jobrien@into.ie: Name; Email Address; School and Branch; Mobile number (optional).
Anyone who has done or is interested in doing volunteer work in developing countries or if you have an interest in education, trade, development and justice issues in the developing world, you can keep up to date with news on these matters. You will be able to get general updates on the range of activities your colleagues are pursuing within the aegis of the INTO Solidarity Fund, and also get involved in campaigns which INTO will occasionally be involved in.
Deadline for applications is Friday 25 September 2020
The INTO Bursary Scheme for members will be continued for 2020. Up to six bursaries will be awarded with awards of €3,000 for doctorate level and €1,500 for master’s level/other. Bursaries are open to all INTO members, North and South. Any project which has been approved as a research endeavour by a recognised third level institute will be considered for grant purposes.
CEC have decided that one of the INTO Bursaries in 2020 will be ring-fenced for research into Educational Disadvantage in honour of Vere Foster, INTO’s first President, who was born just over 200 years ago and who was particularly active in addressing educational disadvantage. Therefore, one of the six bursaries will be awarded to a teacher undertaking research on a topic relevant to educational disadvantage.
All applications received by the closing date of 5pm Friday, 25 September2020 will be examined by an independent assessor who will make recommendations on the applications. Bursaries will be awarded at a ceremony at this year’s INTO Consultative Conference on Education, which is taking place on Friday 13 and Saturday, 14 November 2020 at the Mullingar Park Hotel.
Application forms should be returned to: Education Section (Bursary Scheme), INTO, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 or via email to education@into.ie.
Benefits exclusive to INTO members include INTO grants for educational research enabling up to six bursaries to be awarded to members carrying out Doctorate and Masters level research; the INTO Solidarity Fund which funds members to participate in programmes to support the development of educational facilities in developing countries; INTO fire & theft and malicious damage to members’ cars insurance and the INTO Benevolent Fund which is there to assist members who fall into financial difficulty.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, you work incredibly hard your entire career, shaping the minds of the future. Therefore, at Platinum Financial Planning our aim is to ensure that throughout your career you are provided with quality financial insight that will support your personal needs and goals now and your aspirations for life after the classroom.
Although it may seem like a long way off, making robust financial plans for your future now will give you peace of mind to enjoy your retirement – safe in the knowledge that you will be able to live the lifestyle you desire.
As teachers’ pension specialists Platinum Financial Planning have been offering INTO members independent financial advice for nearly 20 years.
Our expertise combined with our independent status means that we are perfectly placed to advise members at any stage in life. Whether you’re planning for retirement, investing for the future, buying your first home, or protecting what’s important we can guide you at any stage of your financial planning journey.
We offer financial education seminars and webinars in partnership with INTO for their members, covering a range of important financial topics to enable you to feel confident approaching each of life’s big milestones
Our vision is to empower and improve lives through insight and, as the recommended financial advisers for INTO, we are trusted to advise members in an easy-to-understand, approachable way and to provide members with the best possible financial advice, service, and support.
Contact us today to arrange your initial complimentary consultation.
Remember it’s completely complimentary and totally obligation-free.
As a teacher, you work hard, shaping the citizens of tomorrow, therefore at Cornmarket Insurance Services, we believe you deserve insurance cover that rewards and recognises your responsible attitude. As INTO’s official insurance provider we are delighted to offer members of INTO great value car, home, motorbike, GAP, travel, and temporary car insurance that comes with a range of benefits that are tailored to you.
As a trusted broker for over 25 years, we know that insurance is not straightforward and often it is tempting to make your decision based on price but going straight for the cheapest insurance you can find on comparison websites may not give you the cover you need. It’s worth time comparing the policy benefits to make sure that you really are fully covered should you need to make a claim.
We all have busy lives and so INTO members can now get a car or home insurance quote and buy cover online at anytime giving you the flexibility to buy cover when it suits you.
Get an online quote from Cornmarket, as well as other providers, then give us a call to see if we can match or beat their price, this way you can be sure that you are buying the cover that best suits your needs.
With Cornmarket Protect, INTO Northern Ireland members can avail of great value cover which includes - Travel Insurance, Motor breakdown cover across the UK and Europe, Mobile Phone Insurance, GP 24 hour consultation service, Online 24 hour counselling support as well as Legal Expenses Insurance all for only £22 per month.
Big savings all in one place for INTO members in NI.
Using the combined buying power of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation and Cornmarket, a great range of insurances and services have been negotiated for you and your family.
You can view the latest Cornmarket Webinar Presentation from May 2024 by clicking the link below:
No Claims Bonus Protection Talk to Cornmarket about their No Claims Bonus Protection and make sure that you don't lose your no claims bonus when you have to make a claim.
Price match - Challenge Challenge Cornmarket to beat the price of your car insurance premium from your existing insurer and let us see if we can beat your renewal.
Great Value GAP Insurance GAP insurance covers the difference between what your insurance company would pay out and the market value of your car or motorbike in the event of it being written off or not recovered following a theft. GAP insurance protects you whether you purchase your vehicle out straight or finance over a fixed term.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to be buying a new vehicle. You can also buy agreed value GAP insurance for your car or motorbike if it is 2nd hand and worth £7,500 or more!
Accidental damage Cornmarket’s home insurance policy provides real peace of mind when it comes to protecting the contents of your home against accidental damage to your television and audio equipment or accidental breakage to your sanitary ware, ceramic hob or glass in your windows and doors.
Oil & water Trace and Access Finding the source of a leak of oil or water in your house is more commonly known as trace and access. You can rest easy with Cornmarket home insurance cover knowing that they include trace and access insurance as standard on our policies and that we will be here to help you put right the damage caused in finding the leak.
Garage, Shed & Outbuildings are all covered The value of your possessions can all add up when you take note of all of the things you pack away for storage each year such as the garden furniture, pressure washer, BBQ, gardening tools, camping equipment.... the list goes on. The good news is that the
contents of your garage, shed & outbuildings as well as storm damage to the buildings themselves can be covered on Cornmarket’s home insurance policies.
24 Hour Home Emergency Assistance (optional) Home Emergency Assistance is a 24-hour, nationwide emergency service available 365 days a-year which will complement your household insurance policy by providing an immediate solution to your emergency situations such as failure of your central heating system, blocked drains, roof damage, electrical failure and so much more all for only £32 per year.
Our Travel Insurance policies are packed full of benefits, which means you can sit back and relax with the peace of mind that you can enjoy your holiday knowing that we will be there to care for you if something goes wrong.
To offer you the very best cover at the right price we’ve teamed up with a real expert in the field of travel insurance, Switched On Insurance, who are rated Excellent on Trustpilot. By clicking on the ‘get a quote’ button you will be taken to an external site where you can find out more about our cover and choose a policy that fits your needs to protect your next getaway.
As well as a great price you can have great benefits such as 24/7 emergency medical helpline & cover for 50+ sports and activities as well as …….
Motorbike Insurance
European Cover Your cover can be tailored to match your requirements, including multi-rider policies, multi-bike policies1 and up to 90 days European cover for UK bikers2.
1 Multiple riders and multiple bikes cannot be insured on a single policy. 2 European cover that an Insurance Green Card may be required for EU travel
Great value GAP insurance for your motorbike Cornmarket’s GAP Insurance offers you great value cover. GAP insurance covers the difference between what your insurance company would pay out and the market value of your car or motorbike in the event of it being written off or not recovered following a theft. GAP insurance protects you whether you purchase your vehicle out straight or finance over a fixed term.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to be buying a new vehicle. You can also buy agreed value GAP insurance for your car or motorbike if it is 2nd hand and worth £7,500 or more!
Unlimited Accessory Cover Cornmarket provide unlimited cover for any non-performance after-market accessories you might fit to your bike. Please ask our operators for more details.
No excess payment Cornmarket’s GAP insurance policies are competitively priced and there is no excess payment in the event of you having to make a claim. In fact, Cornmarket will pay up to £250 towards your car or motorbike insurance excess in the event of a total loss claim.
Replacement vehicle Cornmarket’s GAP insurance policies will keep you on the road by providing you with a replacement vehicle for up to 28 days in the event that your car is stolen or written off.
Wide range of cover options We can offer GAP insurance cover for vehicles valued between £7,500 and £150,000.
Choose the term that suits you GAP insurance policies available from 2 to 5 years
Cornmarket Customer Call Times: We know you are busy and don't want to be left holding on the phone when you are calling us. At Cornmarket Insurance Services we go the extra mile to answer your call in 90 seconds or less.
Cornmarket Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registration number 308099. You may check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA's website or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768. Cornmarket Insurance Services, registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI030039. Registered Office: First Floor, Boucher Plaza, 4 – 6 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR.
Congratulations to INTO Member, Shauna Forbes the latest winner with Membership Plus !
Reasons to Shop with Membership Plus
As a member of INTO, you will receive a Membership Plus Card. This card is provided to you as a “Plus” of your INTO membership and gives you access to a wide range of savings with over 1,500 discounts and special offers available across the country.
Great Savings Across the Country
From eating out to shopping, days out to golf, hotels to big high street names, there is something for everyone with significant savings in a short space of time. Once you receive your INTO Membership Plus Card, ensure you activate it online to view the full range of offers, be kept up to date with new offers throughout the year, enter fantastic competitions and much more.
Whether you are out and about and need to see where you can save with your card or want to see what offers are close to home, our app brings over 1,500 offers to your fingertips. The App is available and free to download from the App Store for iPhone users or Google Play for Android phone users.
View over 1,500 offers...
Search for your favourite offers or find somewhere new where you can save with your Membership Plus Card.
Find Offers on the Go...
Whether you are out and about or relaxing at home, see what offers are close to you.
My Offers...
Keep track of the offers you have used or save new offers to My Offers so you can come back to them again and again.
FREE to download
Available from the App Store for the iPhone and Google Play for compatible Android phones - simply search for Membership Plus. Visit www.membershipplus.co.uk/mplusapp for more details.
What our members say... “The Membership Plus Card is a great card as you can use it in a lot of places. I have two children, so the offers are fantastic, and it really helps to save money.” “I have saved over £500 this year - it's fantastic! It also makes eating out and staying in hotels cheaper as well.” “I used my card on a day out and got 2 for 1 admission - very pleased!”
Membership Plus Card: Big Brand Savings (PDF)
Membership Plus brings you over 60 high street retailers and grocers who offer up to 12% discount on everyday spending including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Asda, Currys, PC World, Starbucks, Boots, B&Q, River Island and Primark.
Save on the go with your new digital Membership Plus card…
The majority of Membership Plus offers can now be redeemed with the digital Membership Plus card. Conveniently accessible in the mobile app, your new digital Membership Plus card is an easy way to continue enjoying your Membership Plus discounts, even if you have left your plastic Membership Plus card at home!
Make sure you have downloaded the Membership Plus app from the App Store or Google Play store.
How it works
Find an offer on the Membership Plus app by using the search bar or browsing the offer categories.
Choose an offer and view the full offer page to read the Terms & Conditions.
If the offer can be redeemed in-store, press ‘Use Now’ at the bottom of the offer page, and present your digital card!
Your digital card is live and will display the name of the business you are redeeming an offer in, your full name, your Membership Plus card number, expiry date and a live date/time stamp.
Membership Plus Shopping Cards, a great way to save at big brands
With Membership Plus Shopping Cards, you can continue to save when shopping with big-brand retailers such as Argos, B&Q or Starbucks. Whether you are simply picking up your coffee on the go or deciding where to purchase your new fridge-freezer, order a Membership Plus Shopping Card to make huge savings - even on top of sales happening in-store!
How to order a Shopping Card:
Login to Membership Plus and choose the Shopping Card you wish to purchase.
Follow the on-screen instructions to load credit onto the Shopping Card – this is when you will receive your discount.
Receive your Shopping Card in the post a few working days later or your digital code in your email inbox straight away.
Use your discounted Shopping Card to pay in-store or online, just like a credit or debit card.
