Teachers who take part in postgraduate courses help bring about significant improvements in their schools, including in the standards of pupils’ work, according to a new report from Ofsted. It found that all but a small minority of teachers who followed courses leading to recognised qualifications were proving to be real assets to their schools and to the wider teaching profession.The Government’s strategy for supporting teachers’ professional development includes making money available to higher education institutions, local education authorities and professional associations to enable them to supply postgraduate in-service training courses. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell said the new report’s findings highlighted how important this form of training was to both the professionalism of teachers and the improvement of schools.

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A three-year study of London’s 30,000 National Health Service staff has shown a move towards improved working lives in spite of increased job pressures, new challenges and the cost of living in the capital. Figures published today show almost two thirds of staff felt their jobs were interesting and challenging and offered a feeling of accomplishment.”The Healthy Attitudes: Quality of Working Life in the London NHS” survey was conducted by leading independent employment research and consultancy body, the Institute for Employment Studies, on behalf of a consortium of NHS Trusts and Health Authorities.

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By Jill Gardiner Recruiting and retaining staff is high on the agenda of local councils and other public bodies. Private sector employers are able to offer benefits packages including gym discounts, company cars and private medical insurance, which put public sector organizations at a disadvantage. The author describes the benefits of a mutual friendly society, dedicated to the needs of the public sector, which can provide flexible healthcare benefits.