Press Release
IfL welcomes the minister's proposal for an independent review of professionalism in the further education and skills sector
8 September 2011
The Institute for Learning (IfL) welcomes the recent announcement from John Hayes, the minister of state for further education, skills and lifelong learning:
“I am pleased to hear in regard to the issues arising on IfL membership that a basis has been proposed on which constructive discussions can be resumed and legal action suspended, and I want to do all that I can to help find a solution that is in the best, longer term interests of those who are served by the sector and those who work within it.
"For my part, I am happy to confirm my willingness to commission an independent review that would look broadly at the arrangements for achieving a professionalised workforce and how this is facilitated by the Institute for Learning and other partners in delivering the regulations and other policy initiatives aimed at supporting a professional workforce. I would want to ensure that all parties were able to support the terms of reference and have confidence in the appointment of the independent chair.
“My aim would be to commission this review as soon as possible. However, in order to go ahead, I am asking that all parties now refrain from further action. Once that is confirmed, my officials can facilitate a further discussion on the terms of reference for an independent review.”
IfL will engage positively with the proposed review, and continue working to promote the status and professional interests of teachers and trainers.
Article Comments
I was under the impression that the review was to find out if the ifl has any worth. if they have their way around 60 per cent of lecturers will be layed off due to not paying for this unwanted or needed tax on jobs.
Adam Ferguson
13th Sep 2011 at 11:08 am
The review may further like to evaluate whether there is a need for IFL when the GTc has been abolished and when so few members have renewed membership.
Emma Shaw
13th Sep 2011 at 10:42 am
The Institute for Learning was founded upon mutually incompatible objectives.
It simultaneously seeks to be a trade association for learning providers, a selective regulatory enforcer (membership and CPD hours, but not professional competence) and an 'independent' professional body for teachers and trainers.
As a consequence of these inherent conflicts it is unable to perform any of these functions with competence, let alone professionalism. The ministerial review must work from a tabula rasa: its objective should be ensuring a professional FE and ACL workforce, not a mere 'reform' of the structurally flawed and hopelessly tainted IfL.
Bob Hayes
13th Sep 2011 at 10:22 am
If the IfL want to find a solution that is in the best interests of FE professionals, they don't have to look very far.
Abolish compulsory membership of this useless organisation, so permitting FE teachers to get on with their job without fear of being either robbed, if they pay up, or sacked, if they don't.
Rosemary Williams
13th Sep 2011 at 10:03 am
The review might like to ask whether QTLS, a rubber stamp on an already rigorous qualification and a declaration of the number of hours CPD carried out per annum, to administrators who have never seen anyone teach, actually constitutes a model of professionalism that is worth 1p let alone 38 pounds per annum.
The sooner this ridiculous notion is punctured, the better.
Jonathan Russell
13th Sep 2011 at 9:44 am
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Laurence Wright
14th Sep 2011 at 5:24 pm