Join the conversation

We've been tasked by the Scottish Government to introduce a scheme of professional review and development for teachers. The working title for this is Professional Update.

We 're now starting a conversation with teachers about Professional Update. As part of this, we've published our initial thinking about the scheme and how it could operate. This is available at www.gtcs.org.uk/professional-update

We'll be holding seven meetings with teachers across Scotland in October and November to discuss Professional Update in more detail, and take on board the views of teachers. It must be stressed that it has not been decided exactly what Professional Update will look like in practice. This is only our initial thinking. Once our conversation with teachers is completed we will look again at Professional Update and amend our thinking before embarking on a formal consultation.

What Professional Update is not

Professional Update is not a tool to get rid of teachers. It is anticipated that Professional Update will focus on continuous improvement rather than on determining whether or not a teacher is, or has remained, competent.

In line with the Code of Practice on Teacher Competence, competence cases will therefore continue to be handled by authorities in the first instance, with cases of alleged serious professional incompetence referred subsequently to us for resolution. In addition, it is hoped that the small number of cases which lead to a formal review of the competence of an individual teacher may be assisted by the improvements in professional review and development arising from the introduction of Professional Update.

Find out more

We know you will have many more questions to ask about Professional Update. You can find our initial statement online along with advice notes. We have also created a Professional Update FAQs page to help answer any questions you currently have about the scheme.

A list of the meetings we are holding with teachers at seven venues across Scotland are also listed on the website.