The amendment I am proposing sets this out clearly as a principal aim for the council. I also believe it is right that the GTC should be a body not just concerned with protecting the interests of its own members. Column 439 speak out where standards are not as they should be. It will be working to raise the quality of teaching and learning in our schools for the benefit of parents, pupils, and the wider public. There are few professions as important as teaching.
Teachers are responsible for the success of future generations.
Any objectives for the GTC must therefore have these responsibilities to the wider public at their heart. The amendment I have brought forward I believe reflects the principles behind the amendments tabled by the noble Baronesses and the noble Lords during Committee stage. There was some debate then about whether the GTC should also have an overall aim about enabling the profession to exercise responsibility for the standards and quality of its professional service and to offer advice. There were mixed views about that. In my view the GTC will achieve this by fulfilling its wider aims and its functions, as set out in the Bill.