Outstanding issues
Good working conditions and effective pay structures are vital for all professionals working in educational improvement and children’s services.
The Association is actively involved in discussions arising from the current three-year Soulbury Agreement, and is currently arguing for:
- local measures to identify and avoid work-related stress for professionals working in the field
- further increases to London allowance levels to compensate for the cost of living and working in the London area.
Structured Professional Assessments (SPAs)
Over the past few years, Aspect has successfully campaigned for the introduction of two Structured Professional Assessment (SPA) points. These SPA points provide additional pay progression for Soulbury officers over and above the annual cost of living increases set out in the Soulbury Agreement.
A third SPA point was introduced in September 2006, following a key agreement between Aspect and the Soulbury Committee on 10 July 2006. This will further benefit specific groups working in the field. Go to www.aspect.org.uk/pay/soulbury for further details.
CPD/training
Professional development is a key method by which professionals working in education and children’s trusts can improve and enhance their existing skills, knowledge and practice.
The Association played an active role in helping the Soulbury Committee to produce its first-ever national framework for the continuing professional development(CPD) of Soulbury officers.
The framework will assist Soulbury officers in accessing local CPD provision and in setting targets for training at local levels. A copy of the framework has been circulated to all local authorities.
The Association will continue to press for the inclusion of national targets in the framework at regular national-level Soulbury meetings.