Sue Crowley

Membership Grade: Fellow

Current Position: Part-time teacher

Reserved Seats: Greater London

I am the current elected chair of the IfL non-executive board. I am a founded member of the Institute and believe that the establishment of this professional body for our sector can and will have a profound effect in improving the quality of provision for our learners, the status of the sector as a whole and those who work within it. The establishment of QTLS and it’s recognised parity with QTS in schools and the establishment of the code of professional practice is only the beginning of such an effect.


I have given much thought to whether I should stand for re-election. IfL is a very young professional body, I was there at the birth and I want to offer maximum support as it moves towards maturity. I know the landscape of the sector very well, it’s different constituencies and it’s stakeholders. I understand the policy landscape. I want to be able to offer an informed and experienced steer to the changes and continuities we need to reach that maturity.

There are those who say that they do not need a professional body as they are already professional. Working in the sector for 40 years, all my evidence suggests that the vast majority of teachers and trainers are indeed highly professional but they need the support of each other to maintain that professionalism especially in times of rapid change in curriculum, technology, brain science and educational policy. They also deserve validation of their professionalism and a mechanism for supporting their colleagues, sector wide, in that professionalism; this can only be achieved through membership of a professional body. Adherence to the IfL code of practice also protects not only the public but those of us who are committed to high professional standards.

The key areas I would like to address with the IfL President would be to:

  • develop a greater voice for the membership through the Advisory Council and the non-executive board
  • further develop the regionalisation of IfL
  • expand and develop the memberships’ thinking about what it means to be the best professional
    that you can be
  • clarify the potential career pathways available to professionals working in the FE and Skills sector.

The FE and Skills sector has for too long been the unsung hero of economic and social development. Our professional body can help to change this perception and develop the recognition this sector deserves.

I do hope you vote for me, but if not, do make sure you vote for someone to ensure that you influence this democratic process.