Much like a jury decides the outcome in some types of court case, Fitness to Teach Panels decide the outcome of some types of Fitness to Teach cases.
Panels are made up of 3 people:
- 2 registered teachers
- 1 lay person (someone who is not a registered teacher)
It is important to have a lay person on a panel as they bring a different perspective.
Panel members are independent volunteers. Panels are supported in their work by a GTC Scotland employee who advises them on any procedural matters, and an independent legal assessor to advise on legal matters.
We currently have 40 Fitness to Teach panel members and are very pleased to have received over 100 applications in our most recent recruitment cycle. We will shortly be appointing 90 new panel members.
By upholding teaching standards, our Fitness to Teach process ensures we have a teaching profession in Scotland that is and remains fit to teach. This ensures public trust and confidence in the profession is maintained. Panel members are a vital part of this process and those who are teachers tell us that the work is a worthwhile professional learning opportunity.
This year, we anticipate scheduling full hearings requiring a combined total of more than 200 hearing days. Our recruitment of additional panel members helps us to create the capacity for these hearings to go ahead. We also rely on employers to recognise the importance of panel work and commit to releasing their staff as necessary.
How panels reach decisions
Where a serious concern has been raised about a teacher or someone seeking registration as a teacher, panel members use the Fitness to Teach rules to make decisions about these concerns.
They also use practice statements to help guide and inform their decisions. These help to promote efficient, effective, rational and consistent practice throughout the process.
Some of these practice statements have been updated recently, to ensure that they are accessible and reflect best practice.
All Panel decisions require to be reached fairly and in line with the law.
Panel members receive ongoing learning on the Fitness to Teach rules and policies, and skills training on areas like questioning, considering evidence and conscious and unconscious bias.
You can read panel decisions on our website.
