News

Date: 27.05.08

comes into effect in Scotland on 1 August 2008

General Teaching Council for Scotland: Code of Professionalism and Conduct 2008

 

The Code was launched on 27 May 2008 by Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and comes into effect on 1 August 2008.

 

The Code is available on the GTCS Website (www.gtcs.org.uk).

 

There will be copies in schools and colleges. An electronic copy should be sent to the work e-mail address of all teachers for the start of session 2008/09.

 

scotland@voicetheunion.org.uk

 

 

Questions and Answers

 

Why is this new Code needed?

 

The previous Code (2003) needed to be updated to take account of developments in technology. The existence of social networking sites, the Internet and text messaging can lead to potential dangers. The Code also needed to respond to the Bichard Report and the whole area of child protection.

 

To whom does the Code apply?

 

The Code applies to all registered teachers, whether they teach in schools or the further education sector. Parts 1, 2 and 4 of the Code also apply to probationer teachers.

 

What is the yardstick for acceptable behaviour?

 

Teachers must use a ‘commonsense approach’ and sound professional   judgement.

 

Who can complain about a teacher’s behaviour?

      

Complaints can be made by an employer/former employer, members of the public, the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) and Disclosure Scotland and/or any comparable organisation established by statute.  (Members of the public cannot bring complaints in regard to teacher competence.)

 

What are the areas covered by the new Code?    

 

The new Code covers four areas:

• Professionalism and maintaining trust in the profession;
• Professional responsibilities towards pupils;
• Professional competence; and
• Professionalism towards colleagues and parents.

What does the Code say about standards of professional and personal conduct, honesty and integrity?

 

Parents in particular and the public in general place a very high degree of trust in teachers. Pupils rely on teachers to interpret what is right and wrong. The public need to have confidence in teachers and teaching as a profession and therefore the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty and integrity must be maintained.

 

How can I protect myself against accusations of inappropriate behaviour?

 

All teachers must be aware of their vulnerability and take what steps they can to minimise the possibility of accusations. It is important to recognise teacher/pupil boundaries, which would include:

• not being alone with a pupil in a private or isolated situation;
• not by any means or in any circumstances making, viewing or accessing illegal or inappropriate images of children; and
• maintaining an appropriate balance between formality and informality when dealing with pupils.

Above all, you should bear in mind how your decisions and subsequent action may appear or be interpreted by others not fully aware of all the circumstances.

 

What are my professional responsibilities towards pupils?

 

You must treat pupils fairly and be honest in relation to information you provide about pupils and be a positive role model.

 

What do I need to know about Child Protection?

      

You must maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of, and implement and comply with, child protection procedures as they may currently apply in your place of work.

 

What should I do if I am concerned about a colleague’s behaviour towards a pupil?

 

You must raise any concerns, which you may have if you feel the behaviour of a colleague falls short of child protection standards.

 

How do I achieve professional competence?

 

You should maintain and develop your professional practice to make sure you meet the requirements of the Standard for Full Registration (SFR) through professional knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, values and personal commitment.

 

Why must I be careful if engaging in workplace banter or practical jokes?

 

These could be seen as being behaviour of an unprofessional, discriminatory or harassing nature.

 

What sanctions are available to the GTCS?

 

If a teacher is found guilty of relevant misconduct or a relevant offence, the Disciplinary Sub-Committee can impose the following sanctions:

• removal from the Register
• Conditional Registration Order; or
• Reprimand.

In the case of serious professional incompetence being proven, the only sanction available is removal from the Register.

 

The Code is available on the GTCS Website (www.gtcs.org.uk) or in schools and colleges. An electronic copy should be sent to the work e-mail of all teachers for the start of session 2008/09.

 

Maureen Laing, Senior Professional Officer (Scotland) (maureenlaing@voicetheunion.org.uk)