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Teaching Scotland journalist
It's frustrating to call somewhere and be passed from pillar to post. However, with the help of our customer service desk, we aim to answer every question.
All contact with GTC Scotland should be helpful and friendly. When you need to speak to us, it is often difficult to know who to talk to. That is where the customer service desk acts as a hub for your queries.
The customer service desk provides a service not only to teachers in Scotland, but teachers from around the world. In addition, the desk deals with queries from a large number of other people and organisations. The range of queries is wide ranging (see our panel, right, for a selection of typical questions).
Kate Adams (pictured), the Customer Services Administrator, said: "No two days are the same. The range of queries and questions are often influenced by current media coverage. I've had the obvious question like how to become a teacher in Scotland. But I also receive an ever-widening range of Freedom of Information requests."
"We've been asked how someone goes about moving their dog"
There are also extraordinary questions. Kate explained: "We've been asked how someone goes about moving their dog or whether the GTC Scotland will pay the train fares for commuting to and from school!"
Regardless of the question, the key to providing a successful service for Kate is always the same. She said: "The key is to always try to help, even if we can't answer the question, we will always try to guide the person in the right direction."
John Adams, Teacher Registration Manager, who oversees the service, points out that not all telephone calls are easy, but staff will always try to assist a teacher. "If you have a query or question, try us. If we don't know the answer we probably know someone who does."
The Customer Service Desk will always strive to give as comprehensive a response as possible, and they can normally pre-empt further questions and would normally give relevant additional information.
Query that Customer Services can help you with
GTCS' Customer Services deals with a variety of queries every day. Below are some examples of the kinds of queries they can help with.
Registration queries
- Professional registration
- How many credits are required?
- Are Open University credits accepted?
- Registration with qualifications from outside Scotland
- How to change name/address/re-register
- Duplicate certificates required
- Overseas police clearance information
- Is another disclosure required?
- Registration fees paid over the years for tax purposes
- Queries from stakeholders (SSSC, local authorities) to confirm registration
- Registration if qualified in Further Education
Miscellaneous queries
- Problems searching the register
- How to become a teacher
- Does a degree meet the Memorandum requirements?
- How to get transcripts to show number of credits in degree
- Are there any grants or bursaries?
- Login for MyGTCS
- Freedom of Information enquiries from a wide range of organisations (press, marketing companies, teachers etc)
- Teaching overseas
- Acceptability of Scottish qualifications abroad
- How do I get a UK visa?
- Complaints
Employers' queries
- Is teacher currently registered?
- Who funds TIS extension teachers?
- How much of the timetable can be taught in another subject when on Teacher Induction Scheme?
- Can a teacher be employed whilst they go through the registration process?
Contact the Customer Service Desk
Email customerservices@gtcs.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 314 6080
37% OF VOTERS SAY
they do feel that fostering a sense of global citizenship in the classroom can have a long-term, positive effect on the wider world?
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Latest comment...
would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!
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