The Ethical Leadership Commission, founded by The Association of School and College Leaders in 2017 has published this report.

Driven by recognising issues around:

• How well do we fulfil our roles as trusted educators?
• What kind of role models are we for the children in our care?

… this ethical framework, they suggest, could help boost teacher recruitment and retention.

You need to be aware that this is published by a professional association and might reflect its political leaning. We make no comments here about that. As usual, it is for you to come to your own conclusions.

To give you a flavour of the report, this is quoted from p11:

“Schools and colleges serve children and young people and help them grow into fulfilled and valued citizens. As role models for the young, how we behave as leaders is as important as what we do.

Leaders should show Leadership through the following personal characteristics or virtues:

Trust | leaders are trustworthy and reliable
We hold trust on behalf of children and should be beyond reproach. We are honest about our motivations.

Wisdom | leaders use experience, knowledge and insight
We demonstrate moderation and self-awareness. We act calmly and rationally. We serve our schools and colleges with
propriety and good sense.

Kindness | leaders demonstrate respect, generosity of spirit, understanding and good temper
We give difficult messages humanely where conflict is unavoidable.
Justice | leaders are fair and work for the good of all children
We seek to enable all young people to lead useful, happy and fulfilling lives.

Service | leaders are conscientious and dutiful
We demonstrate humility and self-control, supporting the structures, conventions and rules which safeguard quality. Our
actions protect high-quality education.

Courage | leaders work courageously in the best interests of children and young people
We protect their safety and their right to a broad, effective and creative education. We hold one another to account
courageously.

Optimism | leaders are positive and encouraging
Despite difficulties and pressures, we are developing excellent education to change the world for the better.”

There are comments relating to Initial Teacher Training. Creating an ethical climate in the school is an important consideration.

There is a recognition that schools are not being led particularly ‘ethically’ at the moment. This is a reaction to that.

This is a useful discussion point for anyone who is concerned about how accountability has affected leadership and, therefore, teachers’ work.