Professional Learning & Leadership

About the Group

This Research and Knowledge Transfer group is led by Professor , Chair of Public Service, Educational Leadership and Management.

The Professional Learning and Leadership RTK group will focus its activity on research, policy and practice related to the continuing development of people working in education and other human service areas. It will adopt a multi-layered approach that considers young professionals that have recently entered the workforce from teacher education or from other human service areas, those who to aspire to middle level or senior leadership positions in the public service and those who have been in senior positions for some time, and seek ways of promoting their ongoing development that will keep them at the cutting edge of their chosen profession. 

The group welcomes colleagues in education or human service professions that are interested in working with our staff on research, policy development or practice activity related to the on-going development of people in education, health, public safety and other social and community services. It is interested to work with individuals or groups that wish to consider policy issues associated with improving local, national and international services, and those that use cutting edge research or practice to create professional opportunities for those wishing to improve their practice, through teacher education or other means.

Possible interest areas that may be developed include a focus on leadership of all kinds, from teacher and student leadership, through middle level and organisational leadership to the leadership required at the system or political levels. We will also develop activities that will focus on continuing professional learning in teacher education and other human service areas, even if leadership is not the ultimate goal. At all times the focus will be on developing opportunities for people to undertake meaningful research (to both themselves and the community) but then to ensure that the results of such research are turned into appropriate outcomes (either publications, presentations or professional development) that will see research linked to appropriate changes in practice.

Possible Future plans

Over the next few years, the RKT will develop a rang of professional activities, seminars and conferences and other opportunities to interact with the public as well as working with colleagues, locally, nationally and internationally to promote meaningful research in the field.

Public Engagement

As the group develops we establish an advisory group of people from education institutions and agencies, local authorities and the community to assist us to make decisions that are appropriate and effective for the communities we serve. We look forward to collaborating with other university staff, and individuals and groups from outside the university to build relationships that will support our work, both within Scotland and beyond. We hope to attract current or recently retired professionals from education or other human service settings to become associates or affiliates of our RTK.