GTC statement on rise in referrals

last updated:15 Feb 2010

There has been a significant rise in referrals received by all professional regulatory bodies; teaching is no different. Standards of professional conduct are very high in the teaching profession. 

We are confident that the rise in the number of cases referred to the GTC is due to a growing awareness among employers that they have a legal duty to make these referrals, combined with an increase in public understanding that they have the right and opportunity to raise concerns.  We do not believe that there is a growing problem of misconduct. 

There are more than half a million registered teachers in England, so 800 referrals is a very small proportion of the profession.  It is important to note that, following a review of the referral against the GTCE’s Code of Conduct and Practice, not all cases will proceed to a formal hearing. 

Professional regulation provides assurance to the public and protects the reputation of the profession as a whole. In cases of misconduct, it is possible for parents to complain directly to the GTC. However, before considering such a complaint the GTC will check which local routes have been used first. 

Under current law, members of the public are not able to complain directly to the GTC about a teacher's lack of competence. This route is only available for misconduct cases, and these concerns should be taken up with the school in the first instance. 

The 800% rise from April 2007 to January 2010 (mentioned in Friday’s edition of The Times Education Supplement) is in Initial Conduct Referrals (ICRs).  ICRs are not only from parents – teachers and members of the public can also raise concerns about conduct through this route. 

In fact, since 2003, only 4% of ICRs (18 cases) have been found to be of sufficient concern to be passed on to a committee of GTCE Members for investigation.  The remainder were referred back for resolution at a local level.

Overall, the number of conduct and competence referrals from all sources has risen from 412 to 827 between April 2008 and January 2010, which we believe is due to a growing awareness among employers that they have a legal duty to make these referrals.

Notes to editors
About the GTC
The General Teaching Council is the independent professional and regulatory body for teaching in England. 540,000 qualified teachers are registered with the GTC.

Its principal statutory remit is to contribute to improving standards of teaching and the quality of learning and to maintain and improve standards of conduct in the public interest. It works for children, through teachers.

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