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Fitness to practise case studies
Fitness to practise case studies

The following case studies provide clear, practical insights into the expectations and standards expected of you in both your professional practice and personal life.

Based on real examples, they illustrate common challenges and pitfalls that can lead to a fitness to practise hearing. By highlighting these scenarios, we aim to offer valuable learning points to help you uphold the highest standards in your profession and safeguard your registration.

Failure to declare

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 failure to declare a conviction when applying for registration with the EWC.

Summary of the case

The registrant, who was already registered with the EWC as a FE learning support worker, applied to add FE teacher to their record. In their original application, they ticked a box to confirm they had no non-protected convictions. However, when completing the new declaration for the additional registration, they disclosed a conviction for failing to provide a specimen for analysis (driving or attempting to drive).

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

  • lacked integrity and acted dishonestly in not declaring previous offences when submitting an application with the Education Workforce Council to be registered

The Committee were also asked to consider whether the following conviction was a relevant offence:

  • failing to provide a specimen for analysis (driving or attempting to drive)

The registrant attended the hearing, but did not give evidence to the Committee.

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 and/or a relevant offence.

The Committee found that the conviction was a relevant offence as it was a serious offence, and that in committing the offence, the registrant’s actions had the potential to impact on the safety and security of the public.

The Committee concluded that, on balance, it was more likely than not that the registrant’s actions, in not disclosing the conviction within the application, were deliberate. It was therefore their view that the registrant’s behaviour was dishonest and displayed a lack of integrity.

The Committee 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 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 the following principles from the Code.

Registrants:

  • 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

2.2 behave honestly, and with integrity, particularly with regard to:

  • communications with the EWC, informing it of any recordable criminal conviction or caution, or restriction placed on their practice by any other body

Lessons learnt

Openness and honesty are essential qualities for all registrants. Omitting relevant information, whether intentional or accidental, can raise questions about your integrity and adversely impact public trust in the profession.

Here is some advice to help you when completing your form:

  • read each section of the application form and guidance notes carefully and take your time
  • ask the EWC if you are not clear about any aspect of the form or declarations and what you are being asked to do
  • be honest in every section relevant to you – remember, as a registrant, you are entrusted with public confidence, and honesty in all declarations is fundamental to maintaining this
  • tell us if something changes, no matter how long you’ve been registered, we need to know of any relevant changes

Further reading and guidance

If you are unsure about whether there is something you need to disclose to us, contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..