As I begin my tenure as Interim Chair Elect of NASBTT, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to Members and share some reflections on the year ahead.
Away from work, I am a husband and proud father of three wonderful children, all now adults and forging ahead in a range of careers from hospitality, law and care. Professionally, I have spent my entire career in education. I began as a teacher before serving as a headteacher across several schools in the South West. Throughout that journey, initial teacher training has been a constant thread, and I have been privileged to work with trainees, mentors and providers for many years. Today, I work within local government, where I oversee initial teacher training, professional development, early intervention and inclusion services, giving me the opportunity to continue supporting the development of the education workforce and the children and communities we serve.
Like many of you, I care deeply about the future of the teaching profession and the role that school-based initial teacher training plays in developing excellent teachers. It is one of the reasons that I have long respected NASBTT and the contribution it makes to the sector.
The year ahead presents both opportunities and challenges. Across education we continue to navigate important conversations around SEND reform, workforce readiness, teacher supply and retention, mentor recruitment and capacity, and the development of technical and vocational pathways. Alongside this, providers are operating in an increasingly challenging financial environment, with pressures on budgets, capacity and resources felt across the system.
Against this backdrop, the role of NASBTT has never been more important. The need for a strong, credible and principled voice for school-based initial teacher training is clear. Our Members continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to training and developing future teachers, often whilst balancing significant operational and financial pressures of their own.
What gives me confidence is the strength of the NASBTT community. We are fortunate to be supported by an exceptional staff team whose professionalism, expertise and dedication underpin everything the organisation achieves. Equally, we represent a sector that is innovative, resilient and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people through high-quality teacher development.
As we look ahead, I see NASBTT continuing to build on its commitment to connect, collaborate and engage. By bringing together providers, schools, trusts, policymakers and partners, we can ensure that the collective expertise of our Members continues to influence policy, shape practice and strengthen the profession.
The coming year will also provide valuable opportunities to come together as a community. I am particularly looking forward to our Annual Conference which remains one of the most important events in the school-based ITT calendar. It offers a chance to learn from one another, share innovation, celebrate success and discuss the issues that matter most to our sector.
Whilst challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, I remain optimistic about the future. NASBTT has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for school-based ITT and a valued source of support, insight and leadership. Working together, I am confident we can continue to strengthen that reputation, support you, our Members, and contribute positively to the future of teacher training.
I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months and to working alongside you as we continue to champion excellence in school-based initial teacher training.