May 2009

last updated:March 2010

Meeting of Executive Committee, 12 May 2009

Code project: findings from the consultation and the process for making revisions
Jane Steele (Head of Research and Evidence) and David James (Head of Professional Regulation) attended for this item and jointly summarised progress with this project following the conclusion of the consultation period.  Committee’s attention was specifically drawn to the section in the paper regarding the criteria for considering revisions to the draft code in particular the following themes:-

• the length and focus of the document
• the balance in the document between expectations of normal practice and guidance on minimum standards
• ability to address different audiences.

Early discussion focused on feedback from the two Member discussions on the code which had been incorporated into the process. The different perspectives were considered valuable particularly around the Code’s use as a regulatory tool.  A Member raised an issue relating to section 4 of the Code and specific equality and diversity considerations.  The Committee was advised that any debate on this issue within the current governance structure needed to steer clear of any reference to a case currently in the process of adjudication by a Professional Conduct Committee.  The Registrar explained counsel’s advice on the need for extreme caution and this was reiterated by Chief Executive.

Members believed section 4 needed rewording in terms of application to behaviour and conduct of registered teachers and it should relate to all six equality and diversity strands.  In terms of the next stage a question on the application of the Race Relations Amendment Act in terms of promoting good community cohesion was raised and whether the Council was undertaking Equality Impact (EIA’s) Assessment of this policy.  The Head of Professional Regulation referred to the process under this legislation and stated that there could be a positive or an adverse impact of the GTC’s policies.  The Chief Executive in response to an issue regarding EIA’s stated that whilst this area was complex it was vital the Council assessed the impact publicly indeed, the Code Board had given consideration to this matter at its last meeting.  The Director of Policy added that there was a body of evidence from the consultation for the Council to assess any differential impacts as mentioned above that might arise and this would be addressed in the re-draft and included in the reports to be published on the consultation.

Further discussion centred on the process for embedding the code. The Director of Communications recommended that Council Members should be updated by email, on the process building on the January and March discussions and reminded Executive Committee Members of the importance of their promotion of the debate amongst the wider Council Membership.

The Committee made some minor presentational corrections to the paper.

Committee noted this report and endorsed the approach of the Code Board to the revision of the document.

Draft Pre Audit annual Report and Financial Statements
The Head of Finance and Workforce Development introduced the Draft Annual Report and Financial Statements and took the Committee through section by section. She drew Members’ particular attention to the section on Data Governance and Information Assurance and the position regarding reserves particularly in respect of a new ICT strategy.

The Committee noted that there would be some textual changes to the paper as a result of further proofing and that if Members had any other comments in addition to presentational suggestions made at the meeting they should email the Head of Finance.

Committee:

• reviewed the Annual Report especially noting the management commentary review of achievements of the year against the Corporate Plan objectives
• thoroughly reviewed the accounts, in the light of their ongoing familiarity with the
  Management Accounts during the year and noted the key issues and agreed the proposed allocation into the designated reserve funds.

2009/2010 Budget Revisions
The Management Accountant presented this paper asking the Committee to approve proposed refinements to the current budget on the basis of information available from the outturn for 2008/9 and in respect of activities deferred from 2008/9 to now be undertaken in 2009/10.

Discussion centred on whether the level of the Casework Reserve was sufficient and bearing in mind the improved financial position, whether it would be possible to review the revision of the budget in the light of the reduced fee.  In response the Chief Executive advised the Committee that the annual accounts for the 2008/9 financial year had not yet been finalised and as Accounting Officer he stated that it was prudent for Council to maintain the current level of reserves at least until the end of the first quarter, in view of remaining external uncertainties.  The Registrar believed that the Casework Reserve is sufficient.

This being Craig Edmondson’s last meeting before he leaves the GTC to join BECTA ,the Committee placed on record their sincere appreciation of his work at the GTC. 

Committee:

• noted the impact on the 2009-10 budget arising from the preliminary out turn from 2008-09 and the proposed changes to the 2009-10 budget
• approved the proposed revisions to the 2009-10 budget.