Workforce Reform

“We want to free up teachers’ time to concentrate on what they do best – teaching.” was what the then Minister for Schools Standards, David Miliband, said of the National Agreement 'Raising Standards - Tackling Workload', when it was first signed in January 2003. 

The agreement has subsequently been implemented in three phases, with the most recent implementation being that teachers must 'rarely cover' for absent colleagues (September 2009).  The various phases of the agreement can be viewed by following the link.

A briefing note summarising governors' commitments under the national agreement (PDF, 77KB) can be viewed by following the link. New - added 20 April 2010.

The Co-ordinators of Governor Services, National Governors' Association and the Church of England have collaborated to produce a Briefing Document for Governors (PDF, 294KB) on implementing the National Agreement in 21st Century Schools.  Governors should note that, since publication of the document the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Bill has received royal assent (12th November 2009).