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GTC Scotland, the independent regulator for teachers in Scotland, has opened a call for views on its Fitness to Teach Rules.
The Fitness to Teach Rules set out the legal framework for when and how GTC Scotland investigates Fitness to Teach referrals and how the outcomes of cases are determined.
The rules were enacted in 2017 and are being reviewed to ensure they reflect current law and best regulatory practice and make the Fitness to Teach process work as efficiently as it can, while still meeting the public interest and ensuring fairness.
Call for views on Fitness to Teach Rules
This initial stage of the review is looking for comment on general themes surrounding the rules and processes. Views are being sought on:
- Interpreting and applying the Fitness to Teach Rules
- The resources that support understanding and participation
- Experiences of participating in the Fitness to Teach process
- Respecting the rights of children and young people who are involved in the process
Jennifer Macdonald, Strategic Director, GTC Scotland said:
“Our communities place a high degree of trust in teachers. They rely on teachers to interpret what is right and wrong, keep learners safe and be positive role models.
“We are always looking for ways to make our Fitness to Teach process as efficient as it can be while meeting the public interest. This call for views is focused on the legal framework that underpins this process. At the same time as opening this call for views, we have also commissioned the Professional Standards Authority to review the performance and efficiency of our process.
“The call for views is open until 12 November 2024 and there will be opportunities to provide further input on the detail of the proposed changes as the review progresses.”
The Professional Standards Authority will also be seeking input from stakeholders as part of their work.
Insight into our fitness to teach work
This review of the Fitness to Teach rules follows the publication in April of a five-year insight report on GTC Scotland’s work investigating conduct and professional competence concerns raised about teachers between 2018 and 2023.
