GTC announces new public appointments

published:01 Sep 2009

Thirteen Council Members selected through the public appointments system take up post at the General Teaching Council for England (GTC) today, 1 September 2009.

Sheba Joseph, Mohammed Zubair Khan, Rebecca Kroese, Nasreen Majid, Stephanie Mason, Aamer Naeem, Susan Netherton, Adam Nichols, Carl Phillips, Sally Townsend and Jason Whyborn have been appointed for four years.  Claire Craig and Janet Draper have been reappointed.

As the professional body for teaching in England, the GTC works in the public interest to help improve standards of teaching and learning and to raise the standing of the teaching profession. It registers and regulates qualified teachers, provides independent advice to Government on teaching and learning and supports teachers’ professional learning.

Sixty-four Council Members make up the GTC’s governing body. They contribute to GTC policy development, assist in upholding professional standards of conduct and competence by taking part in the investigation or hearing of regulatory cases, and act as advocates for teaching.

The candidates reflect a wide range of experience and expertise including parent governors, outstanding classroom practitioners and specialists in special educational needs and early years.

GTC Chief Executive Keith Bartley said: 'I welcome the new appointees to the GTC and congratulate them on their selection. Their combined skills and experiences will make a valuable contribution to Council and I look forward to working with them, starting with their first Council meeting in October.'

The recruitment process was run in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments.  Appointees are selected by a panel consisting of the Chair of Council, a member of the DCSF’s NDPB sponsor team, an accredited Independent Public Appointments Assessor and their appointments are confirmed by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

The GTC's 64 council members form a unique partnership. They develop and support relationships within and beyond the education community. The Council is made up of: 25 members who are elected by registered teachers; nine members chosen by teacher trade unions and associations; 17 members chosen by other organisations connected with teaching; and 13 members chosen through the public appointments procedure, which the Government uses to appoint people to a wide range of public organisations.