Helping those teachers designated as Subject Induction Tutors in secondary schools who support Newly Qualified Teachers to become autonomous, self-reflecting practitioners has been the basis of a participatory action research project based at the University of Leicester. The first part of the paper explores the notion of professional autonomy in terms of staff development, professional communities and the encouragement of critical reflective dialogue. The second part presents some strategies for continuing professional development, with illustration of their impact that appear to provide for greater professional autonomy. (Contains 2 notes, 1 table, and 1 figure.)