Institute for Learning survey

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has published a report summarising the findings of its first member survey, which nearly 6,500 members completed during summer 2008. The purpose of the survey was to help IfL learn more about its members' views so far and develop a better understanding of what they valued and their requirements. Members completed the survey during summer 2008, however it was revealed that most had not been with the IfL for long enough to benefit from their membership. This was reflected in figures that showed many members did not seem to be well informed about the benefits to which they were entilted. Toni Fazaeli, IfL's chief executive, said: "Listening and responding to members is at the heart of our work, and these findings will help us build on our successes, develop membership benefits, refine our communications with members and improve the way we work. "IfL is, and should be, bold on behalf of its members. As a member-led body, we are determined to listen to members so that we understand and can respond to the needs of the professional teachers, trainers and assessors who serve some five million learners across the further education and skills sector. "The survey findings are already informing our policy and advisory work, and feeding into our five-year strategic plan. We have grown very quickly as an organisation, and this survey has highlighted aspects of our service that clearly need further work. We take members' feedback seriously and have already started making improvements in a number of areas. Examples include improved telephone and helpline services and more training for members in the use of REfLECT, our online personal space for planning and reflecting on professional development." When asked about their main reason for joining the professional body for teachers, tutors, trainers and student teachers in the learning and skills sector, nearly half of respondents chose 'employer requirement' from the list of options offered. Government regulations accounted for 28 per cent, professional status 13 per cent and professional development eight per cent. However, a much higher proportion of respondents cited professional status, professional development, membership benefits and networking opportunities as contributory factors when asked about other factors that influenced their decision to register.

External Link: http://www.ifl.ac.uk/services/p_wwv_page?id=140