Independent review panel appointed to examine teacher workload in Northern Ireland

Education Minister Paul Givan has formally announced the appointment of an independent panel tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of teacher workload across Northern Ireland.

The move fulfils a key commitment made as part of the 2024/25 teachers’ pay settlement and aims to address long-standing concerns within the education sector about increasing pressures on teaching staff.

The three-member panel will examine all aspects of the workload faced by teachers and school leaders, and will provide actionable recommendations to the Department of Education. The review will also monitor the implementation of workload commitments issued alongside the pay offer.

Experienced Panel Members Appointed

The panel will be chaired by Paul Sweeney, a seasoned civil servant with extensive leadership experience, including a seven-year tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education. Mr Sweeney currently serves as Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund.

Joining him are Larry Flanagan, nominated by the Northern Ireland Teaching Council, and Liam Perry, representing the Management Side.

Mr Flanagan brings over three decades of classroom teaching experience and a strong background in union leadership, having served as General Secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland. He is also a prominent figure in international education policy.

Mr Perry, a former principal and experienced assessor, was awarded an MBE for services to education in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Ministerial Commitment to Reducing Teacher Workload

Speaking on the announcement, Mr Givan said:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Independent Panel who will tackle the review of teacher workload. Teacher workload is a key concern raised by teachers and school leaders and I am committed to addressing this issue. I want to ensure that teachers can focus on what matters most – teaching, learning and supporting pupils in the classroom.”

He added that each appointee brings “an extensive breadth of knowledge, expertise and experience of the education sector,” and expressed his gratitude for their commitment to the initiative.

Timetable for Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement

The panel is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Minister by the end of November 2025. In the interim, it will engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including school leaders, teaching unions, and education professionals.

Mr Givan encouraged full participation:

“I encourage stakeholders, invited to inform this work, to help support the work of the panel.”

This independent review is widely seen as a significant step toward addressing the workload challenges that have impacted teacher morale and retention in recent years.