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Teaching Council (GTCS) Representation

Protecting Professionals

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We provide representation to teachers facing disciplinary proceedings before the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). If you are under investigation by the GTCS or facing allegations, it is highly recommended that you speak to a specialist solicitor to ensure you secure the best possible outcome.

Where the GTCS decide that a case should be investigated, they will follow by carrying out investigations into the complaint. The Investigating Officer will handle any investigations, which are carried out from a neutral point of view. The investigations are a fact-finding exercise, as opposed to gathering evidence to build a case against a teaching professional. Part of the investigation will involve interviewing the person or persons who made the referral so as to provide information on the conduct. On top of that, the Investigating Officer will interview the teacher’s employer and contact criminal justice agencies, such as the police or courts, for information that may be useful.

The duration of the investigation process will depend on the complexity of the allegations and the accessibility of the required information, but they are usually concluded within six months. The information gathered will then be intimated to the teaching professional under investigation, who will be given an opportunity to respond.

When there is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation, the Fitness to Teach Panel will consider the case and all the findings and decide on the next step. This can be to either to take no further action – where it is found there is no case to answer and the professional’s fitness to teach is not impaired ­– a consent order can be issued or the case can be referred for a full panel hearing.

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Fitness to Teach Panel Hearings

Fitness to Teach Panel hearings are held to determine whether an applicant for registration or a registered teacher’s fitness to teach is or is not impaired.

The Fitness to Teach Panel is composed of a minimum of three people, where the majority should be registered teachers as well as at least one layperson. You will be asked questions and given an opportunity to put your side forward, and a decision will either be made on the day or at a later date.

Appealing a Teaching Council Decision

If you are not happy with the outcome of the hearing, or think you have been treated unfairly and want to appeal the decision, you can do so, so long as you are appealing on a point of law. This can be done either through the Court of Session in some cases and in other cases to GTC Scotland’s Appeals Board. There are strict time limits within which you are allowed to appeal, so do get in touch with a solicitor at the soonest opportunity should you wish to go down this route.

If you find yourself subject to a complaint or investigation, speak to our Professional Regulatory Solicitors to see how we can help you get your teaching back on track. As professionals ourselves, we understand the gravity of the situation at stake, and will work tirelessly to ensure you secure the best outcome possible. We also do all we can to ensure you can continue practising until a decision has been made on the alleged conduct. Going through such an investigation can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones, which is why we are there to ensure you are given the best representation and advice every step of the way. We advise clients at each stage in the process, with clear, pragmatic advice and will fully explain your options to you. We can guide you on how to put across your views at investigatory interviews, evidence gathering and every step of the way during the hearing process.

Whether the complaint relates to professional performance, a scope of practice issue or misconduct, our solicitors have the requisite skills to get you results. If you are facing disciplinary action following a criminal conviction, you will require the representation of a highly experienced solicitor in the field who can help you to build a robust defence and work tirelessly to fight your corner.

Contact our Teaching Council Defence Lawyers Glasgow, Scotland

At the Glasgow Law Practice, our specialist Professional Regulatory Solicitors are well-versed in advising on and representing clients’ interests at hearings and appeals. We serve clients in and around Glasgow, including Paisley, Govan, Partick, Bishopbriggs, Moodiesburn, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Bellshill and Coatbridge. We will work with you leading up to and during the hearing, ensuring that you are fully advised of any decision to be made. Contact us today. Pop into one of our offices in Baillieston, Cambuslang, and Glasgow City Centre for free initial advice, or you can get in touch on 0141 471 9278 . You can also complete our online enquiry form, and one of our team will get back to you shortly.
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