Greater Pay Incentives for Counsellors Across Schools and Tertiary Institutions

16 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider giving greater pay incentives to school counsellors across Primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions in order to attract sufficient counsellors of the highest quality and ensure low student-to-counsellor ratios.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: MOE and the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) periodically review salaries of staff to ensure remuneration packages remain competitive. Adjustments are also made, where necessary, to keep pace with the market. MOE is, currently, working with PSD to review salaries of officers on MOE schemes, including Counsellors.

Besides competitive remuneration, Counsellors are provided opportunities for professional development and growth, which are important for staff attraction and retention. MOE supports Counsellors in honing their counselling competencies through courses and regular clinical supervision and consultation sessions with their clinical supervisor.