Ability to teach
Information about how health conditions or other circumstances that may affect a teacher's ability to teach safely are considered and assessed.
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Problems affecting ability to teach
A health condition or other circumstance may affect a teacher's ability to teach safely or meet professional expectations.
Where concerns arise, an assessment may be needed to understand the circumstances and determine whether any further action or support is required.
Voluntary impairment assessment
During a conduct or competence process, a teacher may be offered the opportunity to voluntarily undergo an impairment assessment if there are concerns about their ability to teach safely.
The assessment is carried out by the chairperson of the Impairment Committee, a registered medical practitioner, and is confidential to the chairperson and the investigating competence evaluator.
The purpose is to better understand the teacher's circumstances, identify any appropriate support and inform the next steps in the regulatory process.
Impairment Committee assessment
When a teacher is referred for assessment by a decision-making body, the Impairment Committee considers whether a health condition or other circumstance is affecting their ability to teach safely or effectively.
The Committee may consider information about the teacher's health, professional practice, and circumstances, and may seek further information or arrange an independent medical assessment where appropriate.
The assessment helps inform appropriate next steps, including any support or other action required.
