Professional standards

Teachers should be mindful of the Code of Professionalism and Conduct. Here we have a regular update on issues and some general information around the Code.

Information on professional regulation

Some changes have been introduced to the format of Professional Standards Committee Panel hearings. The Council can now call for a representative from the probationer teacher's employer to be present for the purpose of providing information relevant to the case.

Prior to July 2007, as part of the registration process, GTCS was unable to consider an applicant's criminal convictions or allegations of misconduct until the point he or she successfully completed their programme of teacher education. Owing to a recent change in legislation the Council is now entitled to consider such matters in the run up to graduation. This has helped better manage the registration process, reduce delays and also anxiety for those embarking on Teacher Induction Scheme placements.

Code of Professionalism and Conduct

The Council's Code of Professionalism and Conduct came into effect on 1 August 2008.

Copies have been sent to every school and college in Scotland as a staff and school Council/forum resource; an electronic version of the Code of Professionalism and Conduct (PDF, 257KB) can also be downloaded.

The June edition of Teaching Scotland included a pull-out feature outlining the key areas and features of the Code together with further background information. Teachers are advised to be familiar with the Code as it states not only to the profession but also to members of the public, the standard of professionalism and conduct expected of registered teachers.

The Code is now the focus of the workshop presentation delivered across the country to probationer teachers by the Department of Professional Practice. The Council is looking at ways these workshops can be extended.

Conduct matters

Below are generic details of issues recently considered by the Council. Drawn from recent casework, these provide some insight into situations which can and do occur. Some of the subject matter has been mentioned previously, however many of the issues continue to be dealt with through the Council's disciplinary process.

Accessing pornographic websites on a school computer

Such material has no place in schools or around pupils and students; not only is such action contrary to employer policies regarding use of the internet; it also falls short of expected standards of professionalism.

Falsification of references or other documentation

Notwithstanding the legal ramifications of such behaviour, a registered teacher must uphold high levels of honesty and integrity.

Inappropriate relationships with pupils

Both professionally and legally a teacher is in a position of trust in relation to pupils and students. Professional boundaries must be clearly established and maintained and in all such situations the onus to act properly rests upon the teacher and not the pupil or student. The Council takes a very serious view indeed of abuse of the unique and privileged position of trust which is at the heart of the professionalism of teachers.

More guidance and information on the three areas referred to above is contained in Part 1 of the Code of Professionalism and Conduct.