False accusations/anonymity

Date: 08.05.09

Voice is backing SecEd’s "Don’t abuse my name" campaign against false accusations.

House of Commons Children, Schools and Families Committee Report Allegations Against School Staff (16 July 2009) and written evidence submitted by Voice (May 2009)

 

PCC 24 hour helpline for dealing with the press/media

 

"Fighting the press": SecEd, 14 June 2007 

 

"Case of Mr X shows system is still unfair", SecEd, 28 September 2006

 

Sec Ed’s "Don’t Abuse my Name" campaign

 

Voice Official Response 972: Review of Implementation of Guidance on Handling Allegations of Abuse Against Those who Work with Children and Young People (October 2007)

 

Voice backs Scottish Commissioner’s anonymity call (April 2008)

 

 

Press release: 2 March 2006 

Voice backs SecEd’s campaign against false accusations 

PAT (Voice) is backing SecEd’s "Don’t abuse my name" campaign. 

 

General Secretary Philip Parkin said: "Children need protection, but those who work with them are entitled to protection too.   

 

"We have seen too many cases of innocent people whose lives and careers have been ruined by false allegations of abuse, even after they have been acquitted of any offence. Being falsely accused and suspended can cause severe personal distress and long-term damage to the accused’s career.  

 

"Splashing someone’s name across the front page of a newspaper because they have been accused of something is trial by media.  A small paragraph on an inside page weeks later reporting that the charges have been dropped is not acceptable - mud sticks.  

 

"An accusation of abuse should never be ignored for fear that a child, pupil or student may be at risk, but neither should the accused be obliged to wear the mantle of guilt. 

 

"It is time for teachers and support staff to be given some basic rights and safeguards. Among these should be the right to anonymity unless and until charged with a criminal offence.  

 

"The necessary legislation to effect this should be introduced as soon as possible.  

 

"At our 2003 Annual Conference, members voted for a motion calling for ’the introduction of basic safeguards and rights for teachers, and all other persons involved in child welfare and education, who are accused of assaulting pupils’."

 

Notes

 

"Stop the press": SecEd, 17 November 2005

(Those who work with children are entitled to protection)

 

"Case of Mr X shows system is still unfair", SecEd, 28 September 2006

 

General Secretary’s 2006 Conference Speech (pdf) 

 

Safeguarding Children in Education: Dealing With Allegations of Abuse Against Teachers and Other Staff  (2005)

 

ends

 

Contact: Voice Press Office (pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk, tel: 01332 372 337).