Case Study: Teachers, Professional Boundaries and Online Communications

Victoria Rees from our Professional Disciplinary team was instructed to advise and represent a teacher who faced an investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) into allegations of misconduct.

Background:

A teacher faced allegations that he had failed to maintain professional boundaries and that he had demonstrated over familiar behaviour towards pupils, with regard to his online communications, as well as hugging a number of pupils. He accepted the factual circumstances of the allegations, but needed to mitigate this to achieve the best possible outcome and save his career.

Our Approach:

We worked with the teacher over an extended period. We prepared a detailed witness statement, setting out vital context and showcasing his insight, remorse and remediation. We sought compelling testimonials, speaking of his approach which formed a critical part of our defence bundle. We worked with the teacher and advised him about appropriate training courses to undertake, as well as how to prepare a detailed and thoughtful reflective piece. We worked collaboratively with an expert barrister who represented him at his TRA Professional Conduct Panel hearing.

The Outcome:

Our strategy paid off and the teacher secured a great outcome. Although the Panel found that the teacher’s conduct amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, they acknowledged his continued training in child protection, safeguarding and professional boundaries. They found that his training had demonstrated sufficient insight into his gaps in knowledge and commitment to establishing professional boundaries. The Panel were satisfied that he had shown remorse and remediation and the therefore decided not to impose a prohibition order. This enabled the teacher to return to teaching, which was the desired outcome.

The teacher gave the below feedback:

“Professional and Human. Victoria guided me through what could have been a difficult and highly emotional time. She showed empathy and honesty, whilst providing me with the knowledge and advice I needed.”