In a report by Bennett et al. for the National College for School Leadership on the role and purpose of middle leaders (Subject Leaders) in secondary schools, two areas were identified for further research. First was the nature of effective subject leadership and second, the Subject Leader's "pivotal role in leading and managing cultural change and the extent to which they are creating "a new professionalism" that tackles the tension of managerial and educational aims." This paper considers evidence from Subject and Senior Teachers and their Subject Leaders about their perceptions of characteristics of effective subject leadership. The research drew on a sample of 11 schools, aimed at giving a representative range of secondary schools from successful independent to comprehensive schools under special measures. A survey approach was used to collect data: questionnaires and telephone interviews. In their evaluation of well-led departments, all teacher groups were agreed that the benefits of good leadership would be overall improvements to teaching and learning for both pupils and staff. All groups are also aware that subject leadership of an effective department requires efficient management skills to provide a framework, routines and support for Subject Teachers to carry out their teaching roles. Whether or not they understand the differences between leadership and management, they do recognise that effective departments are run by Subject Leaders who have energy, enthusiasm, drive and motivation for their work, and who will be prepared to stay in post for a longer period of time to bring some stability to the work of the department. (Contains 1 figure.)