What we do

IfL is the independent professional body for teachers and trainers in further education (FE) and skills. Our members work across a range of educational environments; in any context where young people and adults develop the skills and knowledge required to lead successful and rewarding lives. The role of IfL is to support professional development and excellence in order to deliver the best possible teaching experience to millions of learners.

As a key partner in ensuring an expert FE workforce, IfL is responsible for:

• registering teachers and trainers in FE and skills
• keeping an overview of teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD)
• conferring the professional status of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) and Associate Teacher Learning and Skills (ATLS) through the Professional Formation process

We work to raise the status of teachers and trainers in FE and skills by promoting and supporting professional excellence through continuing professional development (CPD). We also represent the voice of our members to sector organisations, national agencies and the government.

Read IfL supporting professionalism: Update for 2011–14 (PDF, size 1.5 MB), an update to IfL’s Strategy, which builds on and replaces the previous Five-Year Strategy. Members’ views have informed fresh approaches for the coming three years, and confirmed the strong continuities in our vision, values and the three strategic priorities.

Read IfL’s latest Impact Review (PDF, size 1.73 MB) to find out how IfL has been working for our members.

All teachers and trainers working in publicly funded further FE and skills provision are required to register as members of IfL, undertake CPD each year and abide by the IfL Code of Professional Practice. Membership of IfL entitles members to a range of benefits that aim to support professional practice and development.