The Education Workforce Council (EWC) have updated their suite of good practice guides to reflect emerging trends and best practice from across the education landscape.

Each guide offers registrants guidance covering various subject matters, from addressing peer-on-peer sexual harassment and tackling racism, to positive working relationships, using social media responsibly, and mental health and wellbeing.

Although not regulatory or mandatory guidance, each document contains scenarios which aim to help registrants think about, and explore issues which might arise.

David Browne, Director of Regulation for the EWC said “As an independent, professional regulator, it’s really important that the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date.

"The scenarios and examples used in these guides comes directly from our case work experience, so that it’s as relevant as possible for our wide range of registrants.” 

The guides have been developed to complement the Code of Professional Conduct and Practice which sets out the standards expected of registrants.

The guides can be found on the EWC’s website.

A number of changes will be coming into effect for those working in further education (FE) and adult learning across Wales.

The first will require the following to register with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) before they begin working:

• those employed as principals, or senior leaders (directly managing teaching and learning), in FE institutions
• practitioners of community-based adult learning (employed by local authorities)

The second will introduce minimum qualifications for those working as FE teachers and adult learning practitioners.

The changes follow a public consultation, run by the Welsh Government, between September and November 2023. They will help close anomalies in the current legislation.

In order to work as an education practitioner in Wales, individuals working in certain roles must first be registered with the EWC. As the independent, professional regulator for the education workforce in Wales, these changes give the EWC a wider remit to safeguard learners, young people, and parents/guardians, whilst maintaining public trust and confidence.

Hayden Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the EWC said “Registration and minimum qualifications are common practice in regulated professions including medicine, law, and social work. It means that only those who uphold a high standard of conduct, and are competent, knowledgeable, and skilled are able to work in certain roles.

 “The EWC is pleased to see Welsh Government introduce this new legislation to address the irregularities we have previously highlighted, whilst acknowledging there is still work to do.”

Those required to register under the changes will be contacted by the EWC in due course and do not need to take any action at this time. The majority of individuals will be automatically registered through their employer.

If you’d like to find out more information about registration with the EWC, visit the website.

The Education Workforce Council (EWC) have today (12 February 2024) launched two consultations seeking views on their draft Strategic Plan 2024-27, and Strategic Equality Plan 2024-28.

The draft Strategic Plan 2024-27 sets out the EWC’s priorities for the next three years. It is underpinned by four key objectives, and reinforces the EWC’s vision to be a trusted, independent, professional regulator that works in the public interest to maintain professionalism and enhance standards within the education workforce in Wales.

The draft Strategic Equality Plan (SEP) 2024-28 has been informed by insights from a wide range of groups and individuals. It sets out the EWC’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and explains how they will promote these principles inside the organisation, and (within their remit), across the wider education workforce in Wales.

These consultations will be of particular interest to registrants, members of the public, and education stakeholders. The EWC would like to hear from both individuals and organisations. Responses will be collated and considered before the final plans are published.

You can provide your feedback now. The closing date for responses is midday on 25 March, 2024.

Cardiff Youth Service has been announced as the latest recipient of the Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales, receiving the silver award.

Administered by the Education Workforce Council (EWC), the QMYW is a national award which supports and recognises improving standards in the provision and performance of organisations that deliver youth work services. In order to receive the accreditation, youth work organisations must self-assess against a set of quality standards and pass an external assessment.

In achieving the silver, Cardiff Youth Service demonstrated that they promote inclusive practice, celebrate equality and diversity, plan their provision to meet the needs of young people, ensure that activities make an impact on young people and their outcomes, and deliver their services by an appropriately experienced and qualified workforce who involve young people in decision-making.

James Healan, Principal Youth Officer at Cardiff Youth Service said “This award demonstrates Cardiff Youth Services commitment to improving and learning as it provides support to young people throughout Cardiff.

“The young people are an integral part of the service and continue to provide invaluable insights into the support they require. We are proud that young people help shape the excellent activities and opportunities that we provide.”

Speaking on behalf of the assessment team, EWC’s Development Officer for the QMYW, Andrew Borsden said “The QMYW assessors were really impressed with Cardiff Youth Service being an active part of Cardiff Child Friendly City status. The participation of young people in planning activities, and in leadership roles was very encouraging. They also noted that the use of digital technologies was inspirational and very creative.

“Congratulations to the whole team on this well-deserved award.”

For more information about the QMYW, including how your organisation can apply, visit the EWC’s website.