Etio on the national teacher recruitment and retention challenge

Etio recently hosted a panel discussion on the national teacher recruitment and retention challenge. Hosted at the recent Labour Party Conference, the panel discussion brought together policymakers and sector leaders to share their observations and perspectives around causes and solutions. In addition, the discussion touched on possible solutions that the government could employ to achieve its goal of recruiting 6,200 new teachers. 

The sector leaders on the panel included: Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive, Confederation of School Trusts; Dr Gordon Carver, UK Managing Director, Etio; Sonia Kumar MP, MP for Dudley; Freddie Whittaker, Deputy Editor & Political Editor, Schools Week (Chair); Tom Rees Chief Executive, Ormiston Academies Trust; and Sarah Smith MP, MP for Hyndburn. 

Dr. Gordon Carver laid out his insights on possible solutions to improve and alleviate the national teacher recruitment and retention challenge, including access to flexible working arrangements, access to subject-specific CPD, and interventions to make the profession more attractive to women.

The panel also discussed barriers and issues faced by those in the profession, including high stress levels, reforms required to the accountability systems for schools, and the need to rebuild relational trust with teachers. Emphasis was placed on the importance of empowering teachers to become experts through professional development - so that they can view teaching through the lens of a long-term career with real prospects and pathways for progression. 

Watch the panel discussion in full

Click the thumbnail above to watch the panel discussion recoding in full on YouTube. 

(Left to right)  Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive, Confederation of School Trusts; Dr. Gordon Carver, UK Managing Director, Etio; Sonia Kumar MP, MP for Dudley; Freddie Whittaker, Deputy Editor & Political Editor, Schools Week (Chair); Tom Rees, Chief Executive, Ormiston Academies Trust; and Sarah Smith MP, MP for Hyndburn. 

Learn more about Etio's work here.