Appointment of lay Fitness to Teach panel members

Closing date
18
August
2024
-
12:00 am
Salary
Working pattern

About us

Who we are

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland) is the independent regulator for teachers in Scotland. We work in the public interest to enhance trust in teachers by setting, upholding and promoting high standards. 

We are a statutory body meaning our role is set out in law – we are independent of government.

Why work for us?

Make a difference to the quality of learning and teaching for children, young people and adult learners in Scotland.

Flexible working is our default and is open to all. You will have flexibility over when and where you work, depending on the requirements of the role. Most of our people choose to primarily work from home but office space is available if preferred. You will be expected to travel to our office in Edinburgh to attend collaborative events and as the role requires. Please talk to us about your individual flexibility preferences.

Learning is one of our core principles. We will support your learning and development to help you perform at your best in your role and to develop your future career.

Annual leave entitlement is a generous 42 days (294 hours).

Local Government Pension Scheme is open to all employees.

Our Values

Trust and Respect – All of us are equally important. We seek out and listen to others’ views. We support each other and build positive working relationships.

Integrity – We do what we say we will. We deliver on our plans and effectively communicate with others. We are committed to continually learning and improving.

Social Justice – We embrace diversity. We understand the importance of positive wellbeing and seek to support each other and our registrants. We want you to feel like you belong.

About the role

What you will do

What you will need to be successful

We don’t expect perfection. If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but you share our values and you believe you have the potential to be successful in the role we encourage you to still apply.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where people can bring their whole selves to work. We want to hire the best person for the role, irrespective of their background. We use a recruitment platform which aims to reduce any unconscious bias.

Working hours / pattern

Application and selection process

If you have a medical condition or other individual need which you believe may affect our interview / assessment arrangements, or your ability to be at your best please, let us know so we can discuss how we can support you and make any adjustments that may be required.

Please note that GTC Scotland is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas.

If you have any questions about the role or about the application process, please contact recruitment@gtcs.org.uk.

Closing date
18
August
2024
-
12:00 am
Appointment
The appointment term is 4 years
Commitment
There is no obligation or minimum commitment placed upon panel members. A reasonable level of availability is desirable in order to facilitate the hearing/meeting scheduling process. GTC Scotland does not guarantee a minimum number of days attendance. The majority of the Fitness to Teach panel work is now largely conducted virtually. However, there will be a need to travel to our office in Edinburgh for hearings and panel meetings that are required to be held in person.
Compensation

Panel member and Convener posts are voluntary, unpaid public appointments. Panel members are not employees of GTC Scotland.

Compensation for any financial loss may be claimed in accordance with the Member Expenses and Compensation Scheme policy.

About us

Who we are

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland) is the independent regulator for teachers in Scotland. We work in the public interest to enhance trust in teachers by setting, upholding and promoting high standards. 

We are a statutory body meaning our role is set out in law – we are independent of government.

Why apply

Make a difference to the quality of learning and teaching for children, young people and adult learners in Scotland.

Learning is one of our core principles. This appointment provides an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of professional regulation, the Code of Professionalism and Conduct (CoPaC) and Professional Standards and how these are applied in practice. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in these areas to develop their professional learning further.

A full induction process is provided and we will support your learning and development to help you perform at your best in your role.

Our values

Trust and Respect – All of us are equally important. We seek out and listen to others’ views. We support each other and build positive working relationships.

Integrity – We do what we say we will. We deliver on our plans and effectively communicate with others. We are committed to continually learning and improving.

Social Justice – We embrace diversity. We understand the importance of positive wellbeing and seek to support each other and our registrants. We want you to feel like you belong.

What we are looking for

Lay applicants to sit on our Fitness to Teach panels. You will be responsible for hearing and determining matters related to the fitness to teach of individuals who apply to be, or who are, registered with GTC Scotland.

Click here for more about the key elements of Fitness to Teach.

What you will do

You will form a pool of Panel members and Conveners to sit on our Fitness to Teach panels. You will be responsible for hearing and determining matters related to the fitness to teach of individuals who apply to be, or who are, registered with GTC Scotland. This includes consideration of cases where teachers/lecturers or applicants have criminal conviction(s) or where allegations of misconduct or lack of professional competence have been made.

Hear from a past Convener about what panels do and how they make decisions

What you will need to be successful

  • As a lay applicant, you must not be, nor have ever been registered, with GTC Scotland and you must not hold a qualification which would make you eligible for registration with GTC Scotland
  • Independence of mind and ability to demonstrate fairness
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a team
  • A real commitment to the role and a determination to make a difference

We don’t expect perfection. If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but you share our values and you believe you have the potential to be successful in the role we encourage you to still apply.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where people can bring their whole selves to work. We want to recruit the best people for the role, irrespective of their background. We use a recruitment platform which aims to reduce any unconscious bias.

Application and selection process

  1. Apply through Applied using the button below by the closing date of midnight on Sunday 18 August 2024.
  2. If you are successful, invites to group assessments will be issued by Wednesday 28 August 2024.
  3. Group Assessments will take place on Thursday 5 September 2024 at Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh EH12 6UT.

You must be available to attend the assessment centre on the date stated. We advise you to hold this date in your diary.

If you have a medical condition or other individual need which you believe may affect our interview / assessment arrangements, or your ability to be at your best please, let us know so we can discuss how we can support you and make any adjustments that may be required.

GTC Scotland aims to promote equality and diversity in all its activities. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community.

If you have any questions about the role or about the application process, please contact governance@gtcs.org.uk.