Conduct concerns
How concerns about teacher conduct are reported, assessed, and managed to protect learners and uphold professional standards.
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How are conduct concerns managed?
Concerns about teacher conduct are managed through a formal process involving the Teaching Council, the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) and, where appropriate, the Disciplinary Tribunal.
Each has a distinct role in the process, which may include reporting, investigation, independent consideration and disciplinary proceedings.
Not every concern progresses through every stage. Explore the information below to understand how conduct concerns are managed and the roles of those involved.
Reporting a concern
Concerns about a teacher's conduct or competence can be brought to the Teaching Council's attention in different ways.
Assessing a concern
When a concern about a teacher is received, there is a process to consider the information and determine the appropriate next steps, including referral to the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).
Investigating a concern
Investigators investigate whether a teacher has engaged in misconduct or serious misconduct on behalf of the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).
What is the Teaching Council’s role?
The Teaching Council regulates the teaching profession and works to protect the safety and wellbeing of learners and the reputation of the profession.
It receives reports and complaints about teachers and supports the conduct process, including investigations and referrals to the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).
The CAC and Disciplinary Tribunal make disciplinary decisions independently.
What is the Complaints Assessment Committee's role?
The Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) is an independent decision-making body that considers conduct matters referred by the Teaching Council.
The CAC considers the information and evidence available and determines what action, if any, is appropriate. This may include taking no further action, making decisions within its disciplinary powers, or referring a matter to the Disciplinary Tribunal.
The CAC is made up of experienced teachers and lay members.
Related guide
Referral to the Disciplinary Tribunal
Where a matter is referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal, the Tribunal independently hears the case, considers the evidence and submissions presented, and determines whether disciplinary charges are established and what orders, if any, are appropriate.
The Tribunal is independent of the Teaching Council and makes its own disciplinary decisions.
