Why have a code at all?

last updated:30 Sep 2009

Teaching is by no means unique in having a code. An effective code draws out, both for the public and the professional, what is special about medicine, or law, architecture, engineering, or any of the wide range of professions on which the public rely. It does this so that members of the profession itself can be clear about what is expected of them and also for the public, who will receive the services provided by the profession.

To put it another way, a code is a hallmark of a profession – it shows what’s distinctive about that particular profession, and makes guarantees to the public about the conduct and practice of its members. Those uses are well understood in professions where a code is longer established.

And it’s a key role of a professional body to draw up that code. For teaching in England, that means the GTC; indeed the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 makes clear our power to do so.