Leadership in education… and social services

On 9-10 September Vilnius hosted the conference ‘Leadership in Education’, a topic which was highlighted as one of the priorities for the Lithuanian EU Presidency. The event gathered policy makers and experts from Member States and European institutions to share good policy and practice on education leadership, with an aim to feed into the European Council conclusions to be adopted later in November.

The event was opened by the European Commissioner in charge of education, Androulla Vassiliou, who made the case for stronger investment in education and, more specifically, stronger investment in innovative leaders in schools. Education is seen as vital for sustainable growth and preparing young people for the labour market, but the current education system needs to change and become more relevant. The Commissioner highlighted some of the policy and financial instruments available for Member States to develop quality leadership in education:

• EU Structural Funds supports measures to promote innovation in leadership.


• The Erasmus Plus programme to be launched in 2014 will provide opportunities for collaboration, research and international exchanges for European educational leaders.


• The European Policy Network on School Leadership promotes effective educational leadership drawing on research and good practice from around Europe.

Lithuania’s Minister for Education and Science, Dainius Pavalkis, emphasised that education plays an essential role in the Europe 2020 strategy and it is key to advanced sustainable growth; leadership and innovation are essential to advance education and to respond to modern social and economic challenges. “Even an orchestra of the most talented musicians needs a good conductor in order that he joins the unique styles of different musicians into a solid and wonderful sound of music. Likewise, schools also need a strong leader if we are to achieve the best results that ensure both personal and public welfare in the future.”

The European Social Network's Chief Executive John Halloran said: "It is good to see a European focus on leadership in public services. We are used to hearing about leadership in education and health, but less so in welfare, social work and social care. Having spent many years working with ESN members, I believe good leadership can contribute to policy implementation, staff morale, innovation and better outcomes for people using social services. Leaders in social services can also champion social work and care in politics and the public space."

The European Social Network's working group on Leadership, Performance and Innovation has begun to examine the issue and see how ESN might contribute to strengthening the leadership of social services in Europe. ESN is also committed to partnership with education, believing that social services and schools have to work closely together to address key EU priorities, notably early school leaving. In addition, they have to work together to support children in care and children with disabilities. In ESN members' experience, this sort of collaboration also requires good leadership from education and social services.