The Practitioner Advisory Group (PAG) is made up of members from across the further education (FE) and skills sector. The group meets three times a year to share insight from the sector and feed into developments to support both membership and the Education Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) wider activity. The group provides a crucial channel for member feedback and advice on the work carried out by ETF in meeting its strategic and operational objectives, as well as providing members with information on ETF’s activities and future plans.
There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the recent PAG recruitment round (October 2025), with a high volume of applications received. As a result, the group has been expanded, ensuring broader representation and incorporating a wider range of perspectives from across the FE and skills sector.
It’s an exciting time be part of the PAG; as SET membership and ETF transition into a single brand, creating a stronger, more connected professional community, PAG members will be instrumental in shaping the future of ETF, contributing to setting standards, driving professional development and making a difference to learner experiences.
In this blog, we meet the PAG’s new chair, Helen Wood MBA CMgr CTeach FSET ATS, Head of Staff Professional Development at The Loddon School.
What sector experience, knowledge and skills are you bringing to this role?
HW: ‘My teaching and management experience is within the charity sector, leading on staff professional development within education and care – predominantly work-based learning. Many learners have low levels of confidence with perceived academia, so I have learned that breaking down barriers and connecting with people on a human level, with kindness is key. The ability to teach in an engaging way with passion and to be observant, meeting individual need, is crucial. I consider myself lucky in my role to have been able to combine my background in psychology and interests in behaviour and wellbeing with a teaching and management role.
‘In terms of my chairing credentials, I have some experience in chairing work-based meetings and through involvement with voluntary organisations including school governance and trustee involvement with the local Ornithological society.’
Why is the work of the Practitioner Advisory Group important?
HW: ‘There is a risk that we become blinkered in a teaching role – let’s face it, there is much work to do, so finding the time to prioritise our own learning and professional networking can be a challenge. Despite this, it’s important for us, our colleagues and our learners to keep energised and current, and PAG provides this opportunity.
‘Conversely, in order to meet the needs of the membership, ETF need to understand and have an authentic insight into the experience, needs and challenges of teachers in a variety of roles. Members want value for money – particularly when finances are tight and many self-fund. PAG members are the voice of the membership and can influence the offer, enabling ETF to be informed and represent appropriately at a more strategic level. It’s a two-way relationship, the more PAG members put in, the more they get out and the more members benefit.’
What are you most looking forward to in this role?
HW: ‘I admit, my heart rate increased slightly in finding out that there are now over 100 PAG members! I am looking forward to the energy of us all in a room, helping to capture our ideas, meeting new people and re-engaging with current PAG members. I have already met with Jen Deakin, who will be a fabulous deputy-chair, and we will approach the role in partnership. I have found the PAG to be a creative, kind and friendly space and want to enable people to be involved, understand the value of ETF and share this widely.’
Can you share an interesting fact about you?
HW: ‘When not at work, you are most likely to find me in a nature reserve with camera in hand – I am an enthusiastic birder and photographer and being connected to nature is key to my wellbeing.’