In this case study, we look at an example of where a registrant was prohibited following a proven case of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to misrepresenting their qualifications.

Summary of the case

The EWC received a referral from an employer following the dismissal of a registered member of staff. The registrant was dismissed because it was discovered they had misrepresented their qualifications when applying for employment. It subsequently came to light that the registrant had made similar misrepresentations to other former employers, and had provided incorrect and falsified information to the EWC.

After hearing all evidence, the Fitness to Practise Committee was asked to decide whether or not the following allegations were proven, that the registrant:

• provided incorrect information to employers and the EWC when applying for employment/registration
• submitted an amended disciplinary outcome letter to a potential employer so as to suggest they had received a less serious disciplinary sanction for previous conduct than had actually been the case
• submitted qualification certificates to the EWC which were not genuine

The registrant did not attend the hearing, nor were they represented.

Having considered the  Fitness to Practise Disciplinary Procedures and Rules  and advice from an independent legal advisor, the Committee were satisfied that the hearing could proceed in their absence.

The Committee’s findings

The Committee (supported by an independent legal adviser throughout) considered the evidence provided to it and whether, if proven, the allegations amounted to misconduct.

The Committee noted that the registrant’s conduct involved three different schools and the EWC as their regulator, and took place over a period of several years. It determined that their conduct was misleading, dishonest, and demonstrated a lack of integrity.

The Committee decided that a Prohibition Order was necessary to protect learners, to uphold proper standards of professional conduct, and to maintain public confidence in the education profession.

A Prohibition Order means registration is removed indefinitely and the individual can no longer practice in Wales in their category of registration. The Committee determined the registrant could not apply to be re-considered as eligible for registration for a period of five years.

Code of Professional Conduct and Practice

In this case, the individual was in breach of the following principles from the Code.

Registrants:

1.1 recognise their personal responsibility as a role model and public figure, to uphold public trust and confidence in the education profession, both in and out of the workplace

2.1 are accountable for their conduct and professional competence
2.2 behave honestly, and with integrity, particularly with regard to:

• personal credentials, experience and qualifications
• references, declarations made and signing documents
• communications with the EWC, informing it of any recordable criminal conviction, or restriction placed on their practice by any other body
• their employer, and report any matter which is required by the terms and conditions of their employment

4.1 Know, use and take responsibility for the relevant professional standards for their particular profession throughout their career

Lessons learnt

As a registrant, your commitment to professional integrity is non-negotiable. Intentionally falsifying information, or misrepresenting qualifications, is a serious breach of trust that undermines public confidence in the profession, and puts your career at risk.

• Honesty is essential: misleading employers, regulatory bodies, or other stakeholders can lead to severe consequences, including permanent prohibition from practicing.
• Integrity matters: upholding your professional reputation means presenting your qualifications and experiences truthfully. Any deviation from these standards damages trust which can affect the entire education profession.
• Consequences of dishonesty: this case demonstrates that dishonesty can result in indefinite removal from the profession, impacting your livelihood and reputation. Acting with integrity is essential for protecting both your career and the learners/young people you serve.

Further reading and guidance

• Code of Professional Conduct and Practise
• Good practice guide: Being open and honest as an education professional

More information on our fitness to practise work.

In this case study, we look at an example of where a registrant was reprimanded following a proven case of unacceptable professional conduct, in relation to their use of social media.

Summary of the case

The EWC received a referral from an employer following the dismissal of a registered member of staff. The registrant was dismissed because they had been sharing personal messages, via Facebook messenger, with a former learner.

During this hearing, the Fitness to Practise Committee was asked to consider whether the following allegations were proven:

• the individual engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional use of social media with a former learner who was still a child
• as a result of their conduct, the individual did not comply with safeguarding training

The registrant did not attend the hearing, nor were they represented.

Having considered the  Fitness to Practise Disciplinary Procedures and Rules  and advice from an independent legal advisor, the Committee were satisfied that the hearing could proceed in their absence.

The Committee’s findings

The Committee (supported by an independent legal advisor throughout) considered the evidence provided to them and whether the public would find that the allegations amounted to misconduct, given the vulnerability of the learner involved.

They found all allegations proven and imposed a Reprimand on the individual’s registration for a period of two years. This meant they would be able to continue working as a registered person for the period of the Reprimand, but that the Reprimand would be publicly visible to anyone searching the Register of Education Practitioners.

Code of Professional Conduct and Practice

In this case, the individual was in breach of several principles from the Code, including:

1.1 recognise their personal responsibility as a role model and public figure, to uphold public trust and confidence in the education professions, both in and out of the workplace

1.2 conduct relationships with learners and young people professionally by:

• communicating with learners and young people respectfully, in a way which is appropriate for them
• using all forms of communication appropriately and responsibly, particularly social media
• maintaining professional boundaries

2.1 are accountable for their conduct and professional competence

2.4 adhere to lawful standards of behaviour, in a manner in keeping with their position as a member of the education profession

4.2 know, understand and comply with current policies, procedures and guidelines which are relevant to their practice

4.3 know, understand, and comply with current safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidelines which are relevant to their practice

Lessons learnt

Social media is a powerful tool with many of us using it daily to build and maintain personal and professional relationships, share news, and support professional development. But for educators, it comes with certain responsibilities and risks.

The Code clearly sets out the expectations on you as an education practitioner and is there to help guide your judgements and decisions.

Here’s are some important points to remember when using social media.

• Check your organisation’s policies and procedures – only use official and agreed channels of communication.
• Respect confidentiality – don’t discuss learners, young people, parents, colleagues, or your place of work. And never share personal or confidential information online, be it yours, or other peoples.
• Maintain boundaries – the informal nature of social media can sometimes blur our professional and personal lives. Make sure you maintain the same boundaries you would when interacting offline.
• Be respectful and kind – what you say online reflects upon you, your employer, and your profession. Treat others with the same courtesy you would if engaging face-to-face.
• Avoid inappropriate content – remember, your behaviour online can have serious consequences, including criminal or civil action.

The standards expected of you do not change online. Always acting professionally can help ensure your registration is not questioned.

Further reading and guidance

• Code of Professional Conduct and Practise
• Good practice guide: Using social media responsibly
• Social media and the Code webinar
• Code in practice: social media and the Code animation

More information on our fitness to practise work.