First full week as President of the NAHT

Monday 10th May is the start of the NAHT and NUT SATs Boycott. I’m approached by a wide variety of media, and undertake three radio interviews and several newspaper interviews from across the Country.

On Tuesday 11th, I travel to the Royal Commonwealth Club in London for a meeting in the morning with ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders). This looks at developing some joint positions on issues such as accountability, and funding. We are joined by the National Governors’ Association for the afternoon session. Discussion includes the future role of School Governors; and information about the rather sad berating of Chairs of Governors whose Schools were taking part in the SATs Boycott. My own Chair of Governors characterized this as being ‘bullied’.

Train to Manchester on Wednesday, to take part in interviewing candidates for the new post of NAHT Director of Operations on Thursday 13th. This post is designed to be responsible for the day-to-day operational concerns of an organization serving 28,500 Members and a further 11,000 life Members, and will be line-managed by the General Secretary. It will enable the General Secretary to concentrate on key issues relevant to the Association. A very good field. After a fairly exhausting day we (Stephen Watkins, Jack Hatch, Margaret Evitts, Russell Hobby and myself) arrive at a decision and await a response from the selected candidate - which is a Yes. Arrived home Thursday at 10.15pm.

Catching up on Friday with preparation for next Monday’s Strategy Group meeting at HQ in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. The Strategy Group meets monthly and is made up of the National Officers: President, Vice President (Chris Harrison), Immediate Past President (Chris Howard), Treasurer (Jack Hatch), General Secretary (Mick Brookes), General Secretary Designate (it is Russell Hobby’s first official day of working for the NAHT), and invited senior staff. Media interviews continue throughout the week. Several further invitations arrive for meetings and speaking engagements. I’m also working on writing two articles, and following up letters from two Branch Presidents.

My first full week as President is set against the SATs boycott, and the construction of the first coalition UK Government since 1945. What will the next week bring?