A debate in the public interest

last updated:06 Aug 2010

Chief Executive Keith Bartley has written an article for the National Education Trust (NET) calling for a debate on the functions, duties and powers currently performed by the GTC.

Keith says: ‘There are many views on what it means to belong to a profession.  Most definitions include an element of altruism; an understanding that professionals serve the public. Professional bodies like the GTC are therefore required to work in the public interest. It’s worth pausing to re-examine and debate how the public interest is best served.’

Questions to look at include:

• what’s the purpose and value of a universal register of teachers?
• what determines whether a teacher is fit to practise?
• should a professional body play a role in supporting professional development?

Keith’s call for debate follows the publication of a paper looking at the functions of the GTC presented at Council in July. Keith hopes it will encourage discussion: ‘It’s about looking at what the GTC does, and asking how effectively the different functions serve the interests of children and young people, the profession and the wider public.'