There appears to be no doubt that our country has a nagging problem with productivity, to say the least. All the data I’ve seen suggests a prolonged downturn, particularly since the pandemic, that shows no sign of easing.

Well, if journeys to work are a good indication, then it certainly isn’t going to change in the short-term. Mine are increasingly complicated and bemusing. Just as one set of roadworks is completed, another is started further down the track. This adds time and frustration to the working day.

(As an aside, I am amazed by the increase in traffic since the peaceful streets of April 2020; is this because we have more people, or more people with cars, or worse public transport, or is it just a Merseyside thing?)

Anyhow it’s not good.

Alongside this trend is, I think, a call from many quarters for greater agency in our public life. It is becoming a trendy word and merits attention because it may provide the answer to greater productivity.

An incredibly detailed piece from the pollster and political strategist, James Kanagasooriam, is persuasive in calling for greater agency, particularly amongst young people. He argues that a lack of agency leads to a feeling of ‘being left behind’ which is affecting the political landscape before our eyes.

In his May lecture for the John Smith Centre, ex-PM Gordon Brown made a rousing appeal for a return to the ‘public square’ where people can connect, share and live in solidarity with each other.

And I am currently reading the book by Michael Marmot entitled ‘Fair Society: Healthy Lives’, where he concludes that ‘central to people’s health and well-being is empowerment of people and communities.’

Then there is my faith. Pope Francis used to bang on about the importance of action, not simply words and good intentions. It was quite an uncompromising message. ‘Do not withhold good from others when it is in your power to act.’

As I hinted at above, schools are remarkably busy and high-stress places, though not necessarily the most efficient. If we are to feel the nudge as suggested from the likes of Brown and Marmot (which sounds bit like a high-end interior decoration brand) then what could we do in education to add greater agency and improve the efficiency and well-being of our staff?

Here are some thoughts on how we can drive up efficiency as well as promoting agency:-

1. It is surely time to move away from this constant auditing and checking that acts as such a brake on innovation and active thinking. It is ever so unproductive. We have an immense pool of ability within educators in their 40s, 50s and 60s who, rather than advise, consult, or inspect, should really be helping more directly. Away from ‘proving’ to ‘improving’.
2. AI support and technology. Trusts and LAs need to develop a toolkit of suggestions as to how to integrate AI into all the administrative tasks associated with planning, preparation and assessment. AI won’t be able to physically cut out phonics flashcards (yet?!), but it could do a high proportion of what I remember doing as a primary class teacher.
3. Reform the PPA (preparation, planning and assessment) system. If AI can take away most of the administrative tasks, then time needs to be found for teachers to meet, learn together, reflect and recharge. The 9-day fortnight (one day at home) is a good idea, though I worry it mitigates against collaboration and team dynamic. But at least it shows innovative thinking.
4. Greater ‘bottom-up’ voice. Ask those on the front line where the waste is. Involve all part of the staff group in trouble-shooting and problem-solving, seeing them as the solution. This is a good use of non-contact time. It takes a brave leader to do this, but this is an age where we need courageous leaders.
5. Dare I say it, reduce the amount of management? Whilst we are well away from the image of the headmaster, feet up on desk, reading the newspaper, is it time to review the role of the headteacher so that their time is spent leading and not managing. Too many avoid decision-making preferring to defer to others; this is ultimately dispiriting and unproductive.
6. Reforms of the SEND system must reduce the absurd amount of paperwork currently required. Some of my staff were spending a day a week just dealing with the paperwork surrounding consultations, let along that related to the children in the school. An appalling waste of time. SENCOs are at their wits-end at the moment.
7. Education leaders should be working with wider services to support productivity, health and well-being. Synergy with health, social services and yes…transport. No more working in silos. If teachers could just spend less time in traffic jams, that would make a huge difference.

Whilst I am not advocating an Elon Musk-style bonfire, nonetheless there is some mileage in exploring what can be changed to make us more efficient.

But for leaders, surely the key is agency. A sense of empowerment that allows all of us to feel we are part of a system that needs radical change.