Introduction

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The GTC…

• serves the interests of pupils and the wider public so they can have full confidence in teachers' competence and conduct
• works to uphold the public's trust in teaching, and has the power to act if this trust is abused
• has a statutory power to advise the Secretary of State on professional issues around teaching and learning
• is not part of the Government; it is an independent not-for-profit professional body, serving the public interest.
• is not a teachers' union
• relies on working very closely with the teaching profession; the six teacher associations are all represented on the Council, and the majority of the 64 Council members are teachers.

The GTC - a professional voice for teaching
The GTC works closely with teachers and others passionate about promoting quality in education, to research and highlight current issues in teaching and learning. The GTC represents the views of the teaching profession to government and other agencies, influencing policy. The professional status of teaching is enhanced through seminars, conferences and professional networks, and through the GTC website and publications.

GTC governing Council
Made up of 64 teachers and others, including parents, school governors and employers, the GTC Council is a unique partnership of people who are passionate about promoting quality in education. Two thirds of Council members are practising teachers and 13 are appointed by the Secretary of State through public advertisement. Each appointed member will serve for a period of two to five years.

An independent body
The full Council meets four times a year, and each member serves on governance, regulatory and disciplinary committees for about 12 days a year, supported by appointed committee members. Members also take part in teacher and head teacher gatherings in schools and local authorities and meet with trainee and newly qualified teachers at local level, explaining the role of the GTC and the opportunities for teachers to get involved in the work of the Council.

Established under the 1998 Teaching and Higher Education Act, the GTC began work in 2000 as the professional body for teaching in England, joining similar General Teaching Councils representing Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The 1998 Act gave teachers the same status as other self-regulating professions, such as lawyers, doctors and nurses. The 1998 Act requires that all teachers in state schools in England must be registered with the GTC.

Workforce
GTC offices are based in Birmingham and London. Hearings are normally held in the Birmingham offices; the press office is located in London. To contact someone in a particular GTC department, or to find a particular person who works for the GTC, please phone the helpline number with your query.