Poll under way for general secretary of teachers' union

The process of electing a new general secretary for the second largest teaching union, the NASUWT, is under way, after the current incumbent, Dr Patrick Roach, decided to step down.

Roach has held the top post in the 284,000-member union for the last five years, and before that served as assistant then deputy general secretary.

Last month he announced he would not stand for re-election, despite saying that leading the NASUWT had been “the privilege of my working life”. He told his union’s staff and members: “The last 15 years witnessed one of the most difficult and turbulent periods for the teaching profession, but, throughout, we have continued to deliver support, protection and a stronger voice for our members at work.”

He said the election of a new government would allow his successor to “make their mark” and gave the union new opportunities to “secure a New Deal for Teachers and achieve its mission of putting teachers first”.

NASUWT national president Rashida Din said Dr Roach would be “sorely missed”. She added: “Patrick has not only been a staunch defender of working rights for teachers but his campaigning against all forms of discrimination and injustice also deserves wide recognition.”

Noting his role as chair of the TUC’s Anti-Racism Task Force, Din said Roach “has been instrumental in leading the trade union movement’s fight against racism at work”.

Applications have been invited for the post and nominations close on 17 March 2025.