Welcome to the latest issue of Leadership Focus. As the country continues to try to find its way out of the pandemic, talk in the teaching profession turned to the government’s much-anticipated recovery plan, led by Sir Kevan Collins. While this issue of the magazine was in production, the government released details of its plan. Unfortunately, in the words of NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman, the result was something of a ‘damp squib’. In this issue, we put these proposals under the spotlight and examine why the measures outlined in the plan simply don’t cut the mustard, especially when compared with NAHT’s recently published blueprint report, which laid out what schools and learners need if the government were serious about meaningful and sustainable recovery.

Elsewhere in this issue, we introduce you to NAHT’s new president, Tim Bowen. We chat with him about his plans to support school leaders’ well-being and learn more about his chosen charity partner for the year, Education Support, a fantastic organisation that NAHT has had a strong relationship with for several years.

We also celebrate the launch of the new book produced by NAHT’s Leaders for Race Equality group, You Are Not Alone. The book features stark, honest and compelling accounts from Black, Asian and ethnic minority school leaders who share their experiences of the barriers and challenges they’ve faced throughout their careers. It acts as a timely reminder of the work we all have to do to create better working environments and a fairer society. Our article contains a link to a digital version of the book, and I’d strongly recommend having a read of it when you have a chance.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Best wishes

DAVID GILMORE
NAHT HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS