November 2013

The know zone

  • Pensions unpicked
    Thought about retirement yet? However far off it may be, start looking now at your options, says David Binnie. There may be unforeseen complications but also opportunities. More
  • Squeezed middle
    Schools may need to become lean and mean in order to adapt to new funding levels, says Sam Ellis, or they may find themselves facing a budget crisis. More
  • Raising the stakes
    Ofsted judgements look likely to be tougher in key areas under the revised guidance introduced in September, says Jan Webber. And the bar is being set higher for achieving ‘good’. More
  • Leading education
    ASCL exists to reflect and promote the views of its members, which is why ASCL Council is so important. ASCL Council is made up of 148 elected representatives and is the association’s policy-making body, meeting four times a year. Council members represent ASCL at meetings with government officials and other organisations. It is from Council that national officers, including the president, are elected. In each edition of Leader this year, we will spotlight the work of a particular committee of Council. This month, it is the turn of the Education Committee. More
  • Council focus
    What does it mean to be a Council rep? More
  • ASCL PD events
    New to the leadership team, Leadership for Outstanding Performance, and Homerun for Headship More
  • First term almost over
    ASCL Professional Development (PD) offers high-quality, relevant, up-to-date and competitively priced courses. Our training is delivered by a team of skilled trainers and consultants, almost all of whom have been headteachers or senior school leaders. More
  • How do you say?
    Focus on... 1,000-words challenge More
  • Adding value
    Time to protect your pension pot? More
  • Food for thought
    The government plans to spend £600 million on free school meals (FSM) for every child in a state-funded infant school and disadvantaged students in further education. Is this a good idea? Is this money well spent or should it be spent elsewhere? Here ASCL members share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums... More
  • Choice language?
    Would you like IT with your G&T? Or, like Eric Hester, are you bemused by the proliferation of acronyms? More
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Council focus

What does it mean to be a Council rep?

ASCL Council representatives are key in setting the direction for the association, as it is Council that determines ASCL’s position on issues and government policy.

Representatives attend Council meetings four times a year, held in a conference venue normally in the Midlands from lunchtime on Thursday to early afternoon on Friday. They are assigned to one of the main committees – of which Education Committee is one (see right) – and one other committee, both of which meet during Council.

The Thursday of Council consists of a plenary session with reporting back from officers, committee meetings and a pre-dinner forum session with an invited speaker – previous speakers have included Sir Michael Wilshaw and senior Ofqual officials. Friday consists of committee meetings and plenary debates – for instance, debates at the last Council included ASCL’s response to GCSE early entry.

Representatives are expected to read the papers that are sent out in advance and to participate in committee and plenary discussions. They may also be asked to give feedback by email between meetings on consultations or emerging issues.

It is important that Council reflects the make up of the membership, so deputy and assistant heads and business managers are strongly encouraged to stand.

LEADING READING