Education Workforce Council

Jane Setchfield

How long have you been on the Education Workforce Council (EWC)?
I was appointed in April 2015 and have served two terms totalling eight years. I was also a Council member for the General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW).

Why did you apply be an EWC member?
Given my extensive background and knowledge of the education sector, I initially applied as I was keen to understand the role and remit of the EWC and how I could contribute to its work and vision.

What have you found to be the most notable achievements of the EWC during your time as a Council member?
I am proud to have been a part of many notable achievements of the EWC during my time as a Council member. The delivery and maintenance of the Council’s core functions of registration and regulation has been fundamental in ensuring that the EWC is respected as a leading professional body within education in Wales. The work undertaken on behalf of the Welsh Government is delivered efficiently and professionally and is highly regarded amongst education professionals. In recent years, the work that the Council has achieved in establishing the process for the accreditation of initial teacher education has been notable and continues to be a crucial area of work. As a Council, we encourage and promote diversity and equality and this is evident in all of the work undertaken by the EWC.

What have you personally gained from your time as a Council member?
I have a deep understanding of the importance of the professional registration and regulation of education professionals. I have embraced the opportunity to make key contributions to help shape the educational landscape in Wales and have valued the chance to do so by networking and collaborating with other stakeholders and colleagues. I have grasped a real understanding of how education policy is shaped, implemented and challenged.

How do you feel that your contributions have impacted on the EWC?
I am an EWC registrant and have been able to give the perspective of the classroom teacher whilst enhancing my knowledge and understanding of the other registrant groups.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying to become an EWC member?
Visit the EWC website to read its publications and understand its crucial role as the independent, professional regulator for education professionals in Wales. Council meetings are open to the public to attend so this would be a good opportunity to observe the work of the Council and speak to current members. Familiarise yourself with the appointment process and ask any questions you may have openly.

Kelly Edwards

How long have you been on the Education Workforce Council (EWC)?
I have been a Council member since April 2019.

Why did you apply to become an EWC member?
I was previously an English teacher in secondary schools before working in the work-based learning (WBL) and further education (FE) sectors. I was interested in becoming a Council member to provide a wide ranging perspective from these various roles across education. I am committed to encouraging parity of opportunity and recognition for those who work in all education sectors. My previous experience of engaging with the EWC had been positive and I was keen to play a more active role as part of the organisation by becoming a Council member.

What have you found to be the most notable achievements of the EWC during your time as a Council member?
The EWC performs many key functions in maintaining standards across its seven registrant groups but also provides a wide range of professional learning resources to support the workforce. I have been particularly impressed with the resources offered as part of the EWC’s commitment to improving standards of teaching and the quality of learning. The professional learning passport and the research library are useful tools for practitioner development and enable access to the latest journal articles for practitioners across the various educational sectors. In particular, the standard of the ‘professionally speaking’ events and ‘masterclasses’ has been striking; with a range of internationally acclaimed academics from within the field of education providing up to date research findings on key topics. The EWC actively promotes the education workforce in its entirety, from projects to support the youth sector to the development of the Educators Wales platform with a view to supporting recruitment across all education sectors.

What have you personally gained from your time as a Council member?
I have gained knowledge of other education sectors and it has been a great opportunity working alongside experienced Council members from a diverse range of backgrounds. I have had the opportunity to continue my own professional learning through a planned training programme; strengthening my knowledge and understanding of good governance practices; and sharpening my strategic thinking skills.

How do you feel that your contributions have impacted on the EWC?
Bringing the WBL and FE perspective to discussions and ensuring issues across WBL and FE are understood and considered as part of wider education workforce matters. I have also delivered training sessions for the Council on my particular area of knowledge and experience.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying to become an EWC member?
The EWC publishes regular resources, good practice guides, research and policy briefings. These are useful resources which might help you get a clear understanding of the full functions of the EWC and consider how you might support and add value to the work of the Council.