Independent Review of Teacher Workload

In line with the commitment given by the Minister as part of the teachers’ pay settlement for 2024/25, the panel were tasked with examining all aspects of teacher workload and monitoring the implementation of a series of workload commitments issued alongside the pay offer.

The terms of reference for the review are below:-

• link to ToR document

Independent Review of Teacher Workload - Final Report

The Independent Review of Teacher Workload panel submitted their final report in November 2025.   

In their report, the Panel has noted that there is no single solution to addressing excessive teacher workload, but rather a requirement to embark on a framework of progressive reforms which cumulatively and over time will bring about a sustainable workload culture within schools based on a healthier work-life balance for teachers and school leaders.  There are 27 Key Recommendations in total.

A link to the report can be found below.

Independent Review of Teacher Workload - Final Report

Panel members

Appointed members of the Independent Review of Teacher Workload Panel are:

Paul Sweeney (Chairperson) - Paul retired from the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 2017 having held a number of senior positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education from 2010 to 2017; Permanent Secretary in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure from 2006 to 2010; and Under Secretary in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister from 2001 to 2006. He currently holds one public appointment as Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund.

Larry Flanagan (Northern Ireland Teaching Council nomination) - Before becoming General Secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (a post he held for 10 years), Larry was a classroom teacher for 33 years, primarily in his home city of Glasgow. He served a 4-year term as the European President of Educational International, the global federation of Education Unions, and as well as advising EI on the ISTP, International Summit on the Teaching Profession, he currently Chairs the OECD TUAC (Trade Union Advisory Committee) Working Group on Education and Skills. Larry is the author of several English textbooks, and he remains a registered teacher in Scotland.

Liam Perry (Management Side nomination) – Liam commenced his extensive experience within the education sector as a teacher in St Malachy’s High school in 1981.  Further roles followed as senior teacher/Head of Department in St Mary’s CBGS, before taking up the role of principal of St Columbanus’ College between 2004 and 2021.  In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, Liam had significant experience as an Associate Assessor with the Education and Training Inspectorate until his retirement in 2021. Since retirement, Liam has undertaken consultancy work with schools, the Education Authority, and the Department of Education. Liam was awarded an MBE for services to Education in Northern Ireland in 2019.