• Home
• Viewpoint
• Features
• Regulars
• Round-up
• Previous issues
• Archive

• Viewpoint
• Comment
• Big issue
  • Latest big issue: Share a slice of compassion
  • Opportunity knocks
  • It's not a black and white issue
  • Technology
  • Building a structure that's fit for purpose
  • Independence consultation
• CPD
• My perspective

Here two main protagonists share their opinion on some of the issues that warrant attention.

Anthony Finn, CEO, GTCS

Just what does independence mean for GTCS? That's a question I have been asked many times by colleagues in recent weeks, as we begin to consider the implications of the Government's proposals for the future independence of GTCS. And it is difficult, at least at this stage of the process, to give a clear answer. Government has yet to announce definitive plans, preferring to engage the educational community in considering a number of possible future changes to GTCS structures and practices.

However, this very openness and uncertainty provide strong reasons for teachers and other stakeholders to express their opinions and submit them to Government before the consultation closes on 26 June 2009.

In the future, therefore, we may be more independent but we will never be detached.

GTCS is a respected public body which builds its credibility on the relative independence it already enjoys; on the credibility it has established as a professional body, paid for by teachers' registration fees, with an elected teacher majority on Council; on the work it has done to promote and maintain high standards in teaching and learning; and on the strengths of its partnership with others. As a result, Scotland, unlike some other countries, has a well-qualified, highly professional workforce led by registered teachers who generally do a difficult job with great skill and expertise.

It is perhaps the GTCS's status as a trusted body which has led to Government planning for its independence. The consultation provides an opportunity to confirm this good standing of GTCS, while perhaps developing its professional role further, allowing it to oversee developments in CPD, to bring about more flexibility in registration, to have closer scrutiny of routes into teaching; and to consider whether existing standards need revision or new ones should be created to reflect the changing needs of the profession.

Carefully balanced independence would also free GTCS from the bureaucracy of a legislative framework drafted in 1965, which, despite the effective partnership between GTCS and Government in 2009, still requires legislative approval for relatively small rule changes.

An independent Council will always, however, work in partnership with Government and others, including universities, local authorities, colleges, HMIe and professional associations. GTCS will continue to promote standards with the support of the wider educational community and of Government. In the future, therefore, we may be more independent but we will never be detached.

May Ferries, Council Convener

The current consultation on independence for GTCS is a great compliment to all those Council members and staff who have worked hard throughout the years to earn the confidence of the public and Government to merit that independence. I believe that trust is deserved and comes from our history of strong partnership working.

We relish the challenge, freedom and responsibility that independence offers and look forward to an interesting future for GTCS.

The recognition that the teacher majority should be maintained is very welcome. My experience over a number of terms on Council is that teachers take issues of professional standards very seriously indeed and I see absolutely no evidence of the hackneyed stereotype of 'closing ranks to protect your own', which I'm sure is abhorrent to all regulatory bodies.

We already take a leading role in the maintenance of standards, e.g. The Standard for Full Registration, and welcome the opportunity to be the lead body for developing and maintaining standards in the future in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

We also hope to develop our role in CPD. This is an area close to teachers' hearts. Their entitlement to quality lifelong professional development must be honoured and it's appropriate that GTCS should be involved in this professional support.

The size and make up of Council seems to be an area of particular interest for Government. We are driven by our need to deliver our core functions; many Council members find it difficult to take on some extended commitments as most have the demands of their full time jobs to balance. We do recognise the need for an increase in the number of Council members who are seen to represent the public interest across the wide diversity of today's Scotland.

We relish the challenge, freedom and responsibility that independence offers and look forward to an interesting future for GTCS.

Consultation timeline

• April - June 2009
  Consultation exercise. The Scottish Government invites comments on the future status of GTCS.
• August 2009
  The Scottish Government will publish responses to consultation exercise.
• Autumn 2009
  The Scottish Government will issue a report including (if applicable) details of the intention to proceed to independence, as well as the shape of an independent GTCS.
• November 2009
  New Council appointed. A new Council will begin to look at how any changes to the structure and status of GTCS will be implemented.

Depending on the outcome of the consultation and the Scottish Government's subsequent report, further legislative changes may be required. Details of these and the associated timeframes will be published in due course.

More information

www.gtcs.org.uk/consultation

they do feel that fostering a sense of global citizenship in the classroom can have a long-term, positive effect on the wider world?

• VOTE NOW

Have your say

Latest comment...

would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!

Add your comment