What do we look for in an ideal member of the House of Lords?
They should bring with them a range of personal and professional experiences, which they can draw upon as they interrogate ministers, contribute to debates and examine legislation. Being able to consider issues from a number of different perspectives means laws that better achieve their aims.
They also need to have serious expertise in the kind of matters that will pass through the Lords. This is more important than ever when the Government has a massive majority in the Commons, too many bills are poorly scrutinised for coherence and MPs lack understanding of how things will land in the real world.
A Lord should also be independent of mind and temperament in order that they will speak their mind whether or not it will be popular.
It is for the above reasons and more that I think the former head of Ofsted Amanda Spielman is a superb choice for elevation. I’ve seen myself the positive impact that she’s had on our education system over the years. Among other things, she helped set up one of the best school groups in the country (Ark), at Ofqual she transformed our exam system for the better and then she took on the herculean task of running and reforming Ofsted.
While she’s been doing this, I’ve worked in and around schools too, first as a maths teacher, then free-school founder, Principal, Special Adviser and now Executive Headteacher.
I’ve been through five Ofsteds in my time, three as a Headteacher. Two were before Spielman’s time and one just after, using the reformed framework she’d introduced. The most recent could not have been more different to those before. The inspection was done with, not to, us, by a team of people with real experience and expertise in running schools. Inspectors explored in detail the substance of what was actually taught, to properly check the underlying thinking and impact on students. They wanted to understand the quality of education as well as exam results. It was a real testament to the changes brought in during Spielman’s tenure.
I’ve also seen Amanda up close as she worked with different Education Secretaries. It’s not easy to speak without fear or favour to smart, powerful and important people. Telling folk things that they might not want to hear is hard, but that’s the job of HMCI. It’s why all Chief Inspectors finish their term far less popular than when they started it.
(Although interestingly enough, Spielman earned the respect and affection of many on the frontline because she took it upon herself to engage with lots privately. She also enjoyed quietly attending grassroots events to hear directly from teachers about their research or experiences.)
Given her achievements and lengthy service, I believe the tragedy that occured during her final year at Ofsted should not preclude her from making further contributions to public life. Indeed, I think she will be a better Peer because of the experience. If we reach the point that only those without critics or controversy can enter Parliament, then we’ll all be the worse for it.
All too often, people moan about politicians being ignorant, inexperienced or self-serving. Spielman is none of these. I look forward to seeing what she does from the red benches.
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