Who will be in the hearing room?

Panels make decisions about a teacher or college lecturer’s fitness to teach. They are independent of GTC Scotland. They are there to make sure that the Fitness to Teach process is fair, transparent and proportionate.

There are three Fitness to Teach Panel members: two teachers and one layperson.

One member of the Panel will act as the Convener. The Convener explains the process to hearing attendees and makes sure they are listened to and supported.

The Panel uses a suite of Practice Statements to provide a framework for their findings.

Other people who may be present include:

• ‍Legal Assessor - An independent solicitor or advocate who advises the Fitness to Teach Panel on legal matters.
• ‍Servicing Officer - A member of GTC Scotland staff. They advise the Fitness to Teach Panel on procedural matters.
• ‍Presenting Officer - A solicitor or advocate who shares the evidence and information gathered during GTC Scotland’s investigation.
• ‍The teacher or college lecturer and their representative - The teacher or college lecturer facing the allegations may be in attendance. They may choose to represent themselves or appoint a representative. Representatives are usually either solicitors or representatives of a professional body.
• ‍Witnesses - Witnesses can be called to attend by us, by the teacher or college lecturer, or their representative. If the hearing is held in public, they can choose to stay in the room after giving evidence.
• ‍Members of the public and press - Most of our hearings are held in public. Members of the public and press can attend.