How are cases referred?

last updated:03 Apr 2009

There are four ways in which cases are referred to us:

1. From the employer of a registered teacher or a supply teaching agency
2. From the police when a teacher is convicted of or cautioned for a criminal offence
3. From a member of the public who has complained about alleged unacceptable professional conduct on the part of a registered teacher
4. From a teacher training provider with respect to a trainee teacher who is provisionally registered with the GTC

Employers of registered teachers are required to refer a case to the GTC when a teacher is dismissed because of misconduct or incompetence or leaves employment in circumstances where dismissal was a possibility.

Cases raising child protection issues must, however, be referred to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Case categories
We have divided the cases referred to the GTC into eight categories. A few fall into more than one category. The categories are:

1. Inappropriate language and/or inappropriate conduct in respect of pupils
2. Actions which undermine the school and/or parents
3. Misconduct relating to management and administration of exams
4. Fraud and financial impropriety
5. Misrepresentation of qualifications and other matters
6. Misconduct relating to contractual matters
7. Misconduct outside the workplace including criminal convictions
8. Serious professional incompetence.

Relevant criminal offences have included:

• Benefit fraud
• Indecent assault
• Inflicting grievous bodily harm
• Manslaughter
• Possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition
• Threatening or disorderly behaviour
• Unlawful wounding.