Principles
The following principles underpin the Chartered College of Teaching Code of Professional Conduct (the Code):
1. The Code is aligned to the Chartered College of Teaching’s Values, Chartered Professional Principles and relevant Teacher Standards.
2. The College can only regulate standards for membership and Chartered status; it is not the regulator for the profession.
3. The College does not have any investigatory powers and can only take action against a member when it is made aware that a breach has been determined by a third party, typically the member’s employer and/or teacher regulatory authority. However, it reserves the right to suspend membership pending any outcome from third-party investigations when not doing so could increase reputational risk for the College.
4. The College only has powers to either reprimand a member or refuse, remove or suspend membership of the College or Chartered status.
5. Any action taken against a member should be proportionate and based on clear evidence of a breach of the Code.
Disciplinary powers and disciplinary process
Within the College Regulations and subject to the disciplinary process, the College disciplinary powers are:
Refuse admission to membership
Admission to membership is based on entry standards articulated in the College Regulations and Membership Handbook. On this basis it is unlikely that any applicant who meets these standards would be refused membership. However, the Disciplinary Committee does have powers to refuse entry to membership if an applicant is known to have previous convictions, or other adverse disciplinary and safeguarding findings on record, that could bring the College into disrepute.
Suspend membership
If the College is made aware that a member is being investigated by a third-party for misconduct that could bring the College into disrepute, the Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to suspend membership; according to the nature of the complaint under investigation and until such time as the investigation has been completed.
Remove from membership
If a member has been removed from the teacher register under their jurisdiction or found guilty of improper conduct, the Disciplinary Committee will automatically determine that the Code has been breached and recommend removal of the member. If the circumstances of any member previously removed from membership should change and they meet the entry criteria for membership, they will be entitled to reinstate their membership of the College.
Disciplinary process
Any complaints or relevant information suggesting improper conduct should be made to either the Chief Executive or her/his delegated representative, who will make the President aware of the complaint or relevant information.
If the President considers a prima facie case has been established, we will notify the member:
⚬ that a complaint has been made against them and that it will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee;
⚬ that if they wish to do so, they can provide a written statement in response to the complaint for the Disciplinary Committee to consider as part of their deliberations;
⚬ of the disciplinary powers of the College;
⚬ that they can choose to resign their membership with immediate effect, rather than be held to the membership regulations in regards to an annual membership;
⚬ failing any notification of resignation, the Disciplinary Committee shall meet to consider all the evidence and determine the resolution.
A member may appeal against the decision of the panel no later than 15 days after the date of notification and this Appeal panel shall be chaired by the President, another Honorary Officer and a Member of Council neither of whom have been involved in the original hearing or have any prior knowledge of the matter, who shall consider all the evidence and determine the resolution. The decision of the Appeal Panel shall be final.
In accordance with the College Regulations, a member is guilty of improper conduct if, in the opinion of a Disciplinary Committee, that member:
⚬ is convicted of an offence which renders them unfit to be a member;
⚬ has acted in breach of the Code; or
⚬ is precluded from the performance of professional duties in a manner which is consistent with the standards of the profession.
The Council shall establish a Disciplinary Committee to consider complaints against members.
The membership of the Disciplinary Committee shall be at least six members of Council.
Three members of the Disciplinary Committee will hear any complaint against a member – it shall be for the committee in consultation with the President to determine the appropriate members of the committee to hear each case.
Membership and the terms of reference of the Disciplinary Committee shall be as determined by the Council.
Further amendments for 1. Leading Inclusive Schools, 2. Fellowship process/guidance and 3. Values
1. An additional reference to the Leading Inclusive Schools online course currently in Development.
2. A more direct statement on the requirement for Fellows of the College to act in accordance with the Framework for Ethical Leadership as follows (amendments in green italics):
Previous statement
“Where appropriate, members should also be aware of and act in accordance with the Framework for Ethical Leadership in Education, established by the Ethical Leadership Commission though the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).”
Proposed statement
“Where appropriate, all members should also be aware of and act in accordance with the Framework for Ethical Leadership in Education, established by the Ethical Leadership Commission though the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). In addition, upon achieving Fellowship of the College, all Fellows are required to declare that they have read, understood and will act in accordance with the Framework for Ethical Leadership.
Members and Fellows may also wish to consider undertaking the College’s Leading Inclusive Schools online course to underpin their understanding and commitment to ethical, inclusive leadership.”
3. Amendments to the College’s values as follows in green:
⚬ Collaborative
– Building, valuing and connecting a diverse and inclusive professional community
⚬ Committed
– Courage to do what is right on behalf of others and, at all times, to seek to achieve greater diversity, equity and inclusion across the profession