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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.

Being under the influence of alcohol in the workplace

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 being under the influence of alcohol, whilst at work.

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 came to light they had bought and consumed alcohol during their lunch break, and then returned to school to continue teaching.

During this hearing, the Fitness to Practise Committee was asked to consider whether the following allegations were proven, that the registrant attended school and began teaching a class whilst:

  • under the influence of alcohol; and/or
  • having consumed alcohol

The registrant did not attend the hearing, nor were they represented. The registrant admitted the allegations in full.

Having considered the Fitness to Practise Disciplinary Procedures and Rules and advice from an independent legal adviser, the Committee was 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 the public would find that the allegations amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. It noted that the registrant’s actions in consuming enough alcohol to have an effect on their capacity, and then driving to the school before returning to the classroom, amounted to a significant falling short of the expected standards of a teacher.

The Committee decided that a prohibition order was necessary to protect learners and young people to declare and uphold proper standards of professional conduct and to maintain public confidence in the education professions.

A prohibition order means registration is removed indefinitely and the individual is no longer eligible to practice in Wales. 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 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

1.4 have a duty of care for learners’ safety, physical, social, moral and educational well-being

1.5 are mindful of their professional responsibility for the health, safety and well-being of colleagues, and themselves

2.1 are accountable for their conduct and professional competence

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

Lessons learnt

Registrants hold a position of trust and responsibility, and it is clearly unacceptable to be under the influence of alcohol whilst in the workplace. Such conduct risks damaging public confidence in the profession, and presents a potential risk to learners and young people.

All registrants are responsible for ensuring that they are fit to practise, which includes not being impaired by alcohol, or any other substance.

We recognise that working in education can be challenging, and for some, this may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

With this is mind, we developed a good practice guide, in partnership with Education Support, as a way to help support registrants’ mental health and wellbeing. It offers tools, resources, and sources of information, as well as contact details for organisations that can provide you with specialised help and advice.

Further reading and guidance

Good practice guide: Mental health and wellbeing