As noted in the diagram on page 1, conduct cases at full hearings follow a 3-stage process. A panel has to decide, in turn:
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This document sets out both general and specific guidance for panels relating to stage 2 and stage 3. Guidance regarding stage 1 of the process is set out in the separate fact-finding in fitness to teach conduct cases practice statement.
In terms of procedure, it is important that a panel keeps stage 2 and stage 3 separate. The range of disposals available must not influence the decision regarding the teacher’s fitness to teach.
This guidance is also relevant to the panel consideration stage of our Fitness to Teach process. Panel consideration may involve a panel determining whether or not a teacher’s fitness to teach is impaired . Further information can be found in our panel consideration practice statement.
Alleging that a teacher’s fitness to teach is impaired is a serious matter. It is not simply that the teacher has made a mistake or done something wrong, or that their judgement or practice could have been better. It suggests that they have done something that is of a level of seriousness that it raises concerns about their ongoing fitness to teach meaning that the teacher presents a risk now or in the future.
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