Two major organisations, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Principals Professional Council (PPC), representing leaders in schools and further education respectively, are coming together to form a strong and authoritative voice across the education spectrum.
Both the school and FE sectors have seen many examples of collaboration in recent years and the Government’s intentions to further develop the 14 plus curriculum means that the vision of the NAHT for a cradle to grave representation of educational leadership is one that will appeal to both FE and school leaders.
At the same time it has been vital to maintain a strong and independent sectoral voice so that the gains that have been made in recognising the importance of further education should not be lost and, indeed, should be enhanced.
This new federal arrangement between the two organisations has allowed both aims to be fully realised. The existing PPC professional support team comprising the General Secretary, trained and experienced principals as liaison/monitoring officers, solicitors and pensions experts can now be further supplemented by FE trained full time regionally based caseworkers. Additionally at a single stroke the new partnerships develops a programme of tailor-made membership benefits for college leaders.
The gain however, is not just a one way process for the PPC. The NAHT has immediately a wider membership base allowing exchange of views, training and curriculum development between the school and college sectors. Additionally it is promoting the development of strong relations between the secondary sector and further education.
The development of the process of greater independence for schools is to a large extent mirroring the experience of college leaders during the process of incorporation so providing a base of experience that should help to preserve many of the benefits of self management without necessarily repeating some of the mistakes that have occurred in the FE sector. Although the federal arrangement allows each organisation to retain its independence, it does also provide the opportunity to strengthen the voice of education leaders working together at the national level.
The voice of PPC remains the authentic voice of FE college leaders and the new relationship with NAHT has strengthened PPC’s independence, profile and assured its long term independence.
The democratic voice of FE leaders will now join together with those of primary, secondary and special school leaders in influencing national strategy. Government policy has blurred the divisions between the sectors and NAHT, with PPC, is uniquely placed to represent all these interests.
Mick Brookes, General Secretary NAHT
“This union develops the vision of cradle to grave representation of educational leadership through a new federated model.”
Dr Michael Thrower, General Secretary PPC
“This exciting development allows PPC to retain its name, identity and officers and enhances the political voice of the FE sectors’ leaders at the national negotiating table”.
Joanna Tait, Principal of Bishop Auckland College and Chair of PPC
“PPC members want protection as well as representation. This exciting new partnership allows the highly successful caseworker team to be expanded to meet the growing needs of our members. The new structure will maintain the good working relationships with AoC and allow both the NAHT and PPC to develop new co-operative ventures with the Association of Colleges”
For further information please contact headquarters on 01444 472472.
