Education Minister launches consultation on delivery of the GTCNI

Education Minister has launched a public consultation on functions delivered by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).

Following the decision to dissolve the GTCNI, the consultation exercise will identify those functions currently assigned to the Council which need to be kept and to seek views from the public, the teaching profession and key educational stakeholders on how these could be delivered efficiently and effectively.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said:

“I value the dedication and professionalism of our teaching workforce and recognise the need to protect the quality of the teaching profession and provide them tangible support.

“With that in mind, this consultation will address those functions currently delivered by GTCNI. It will also give the opportunity to explore any additional matters which would benefit the teaching profession in Northern Ireland, including options to strengthen teacher regulation.”

There will be a 16 week consultation period starting on Monday 13 June and closing Friday 30 September at midnight.

The Minister added:

“This consultation will give the teaching profession, educational stakeholders and the wider public an opportunity to shape how we now move forward. We have a unique opportunity to reflect on the learning from the past, consider the needs of our teaching workforce and shape a delivery model that will meet those needs for the future.

“I encourage the teaching profession to engage in this consultation exercise and give their views on those functions and services which are essential and those which could help to enhance their professional careers.”

The consultation is available to access on the department’s website.

Notes to editors: 

1. GTCNI was established in 2002 to enhance the status of teaching and promote the highest standards of professional conduct and practice. Under its founding legislation, its functions are to establish and maintain a register of teachers; approve qualifications for the purposes of registration; regulate teachers in relation to serious professional misconduct; and provide advice to the Department and employing authorities on registration; professional learning, career development and performance management of teachers; standards of teaching; and standards of conduct for teachers.
2. Follow the Department of Education on Twitter @Education_NI and on Facebook @Department of Education NI
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207 or email: Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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