Consideration of cases5
1
This paragraph applies where the Secretary of State considers that a teacher—
a
may be guilty of unacceptable professional conduct or conduct that may bring the teaching profession into disrepute; or
b
has been convicted (at any time) of a relevant offence11.
2
Where paragraph (1) applies the Secretary of State must—
a
inform the teacher of the allegation that has been made against the teacher; and
b
give the teacher an opportunity to—
i
submit evidence and make representations in writing; and
ii
comment on any other relevant evidence.
3
The Secretary of State may require any person to produce documents or other material evidence for the purposes of making the decision referred to in paragraph (4).
4
The Secretary of State must consider all relevant evidence, representations and comments and decide whether the case should be—
a
discontinued; or
b
considered by a professional conduct panel,
and must inform the teacher of such decision.
5
Where the Secretary of State decides that the case should be discontinued, the Secretary of State must at the request of the teacher publish a statement to that effect.