Assessing a concern
When the Teaching Council receives a report or complaint about a teacher, it assesses the information to determine whether further action is needed.
Initial assessment
When a mandatory report, notification of a criminal conviction, or complaint is received, the Teaching Council Triage Committee carries out an initial assessment.
The teacher is invited to respond to any allegations to help inform the Committee's assessment and determine the appropriate next steps.
Following the assessment, the Triage Committee may:
- take no further action, for example if the concern does not require a conduct or competence process
- refer the matter to the teacher's employer
- refer the matter to the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) if it concerns teacher conduct
- refer the matter for a professional practice evaluation if it concerns teacher competence
- refer the matter to the Teaching Council's Governing Council where a serious criminal conviction may require cancellation of registration under Schedule 2 of the Children's Act 2014.
Interim measures to address immediate risks
If concerns arise about the immediate safety of children and young people, or the reputation of the profession, the Teaching Council may take steps to address potential risks while a matter is being considered.
This may include contacting the teacher's employer to confirm that concerns have been investigated and appropriate action has been taken to protect learners.
The Triage Committee may also consider inviting the teacher to enter into a Voluntary Undertaking Not to Teach.
Where immediate risks have not been able to be mitigated through other channels, the Triage Committee may refer the matter to the CAC to consider applying to the Disciplinary Tribunal for an interim suspension of the teacher's practising certificate or Limited Authority to Teach.
