Following a comprehensive review of its Fitness to Teach rules and conduct process, GTC Scotland has now published an action plan, setting out the next steps the regulator intends to take.
This follows on from detailed consideration of the recommendations made by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) on its Fitness to Teach conduct process, and feedback gathered through a public call for views and stakeholder engagement on the Fitness to Teach rules and wider process.
The PSA recommendations along with all of the other feedback obtained have been drawn together and themed in the action plan. The feedback was wide ranging and immediate priorities have been identified, namely:
- the work needed for the Fitness to Teach rules review and
- the work needed to improve the current operation of the Fitness to Teach process, including to recover the caseload and implement a case management system
In addition to this, other areas of feedback have been prioritised into short, medium and long-term actions.
Jennifer Macdonald, Strategic Director at GTC Scotland, said:
“We are pleased to publish our action plan, which sets out a clear and considered path to improve our Fitness to Teach process. This work is vital to maintaining public trust and safeguarding the reputation of the teaching profession. We are committed to ensuring our Fitness to Teach process is robust, transparent and fit for purpose.
“The work needed to deliver this action plan is complex and will take significant effort and time to complete. Many elements will need to be reviewed and approved in accordance with our governance arrangements.
“This work is a priority for us and we remain committed to transparency and collaboration as we move forward. We are grateful to all those who have shared their insights so far and ask for the continued collaboration of our partners in helping to improve the areas within their sphere of influence.”
