Paul Whiteman re-elected for second term as NAHT general secretary

It has been announced today to NAHT staff and members that Paul Whiteman has been re-elected for a second term of office as general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT.

The union’s National Executive Committee and Regional Secretaries gave Mr Whiteman their unanimous support, and he was elected unopposed. His second term as general secretary will begin in September and last for five years.

Reflecting on his first term, Mr Whiteman celebrated the growth of the union and its successes during some difficult times. He said:

“Even without a pandemic, the world is a fast-changing challenging place. Our role as a union is to support school leaders as they navigate what can be a stressful and sometimes lonely job. Our members turn to us for help and guidance when sometimes that is in short supply from government. The struggles and successes of the last five years have helped remind us of the strength of mutual support and the power of collective endeavour.”

Looking forward to his second term, Mr Whiteman said:

“At NAHT we campaign to create the very best conditions under which school leadership – and therefore education – can thrive. That in turn gives children in this country the best opportunities for success. With everything this generation is facing – Covid, making Brexit work, and climate change to name a few – education is our country’s best hope. I’m proud of our work to support that, and more than proud of our members, who constantly inspire me and everyone at NAHT.”

Paul Whiteman took up the role of general secretary of NAHT in September 2017, having joined the union in 2012 as director of representation and advice. He has a life-long commitment to trade unionism, starting his career as a lay official at the Banking, Insurance and Finance Union, and spending ten years as national officer for the FDA civil service trade union, as well as completing an MA in industrial relations and employment law at Keele University in 2000.