For those students undertaking a programme which leads to a professional qualification there is a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise. For Initial Teacher Education this code is cross-referenced to the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, September 2012).
Please note that students, who are in the UK or wish to remain in the UK as a Student under Student Route of the Points-Based System, will also be subject to University requirements regarding attendance under the points based system, above and beyond the professional requirements in this code.
1.Introduction
1.1. I understand that successful completion of the academic qualification I am seeking leads to admission to the teaching profession and that I am required, during my studies, to adhere to the requirements of that professional body and any related statutory body (currently the Department for Education (DfE) and associated organisations). I recognise that this Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise identifies the behaviour required of me, and that it is supplemented by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, September 2012). I understand that this Code applies to me whilst I am registered on an intercalated programme of study I understand that breaches of this Code may lead to disciplinary action including my withdrawal from the University or the inability of the University to provide me with a supportive professional or character reference. In the event of any breach of this Code, I understand that I may be treated differently from other students of the University of Birminghma who are not subject to this Code.
2. Personal Behaviour
2.1. I will at all times behave in a manner appropriate to my position as a student of the University studying for a qualification, the successful completion of which leads to entry to the teaching profession .
2.2. I understand that behaviour including, but not limited to, dishonesty, indecency, harassment, bullying, violence, abuse of drugs or alcohol will lead to disciplinary action under this Code and may also lead to my withdrawal from the programme of study. I recognise that such disciplinary action may include consideration of any criminal convictions, which could include those for offences that are not connected with my studies and for offences committed prior to my registration as a student of the University. I understand that, where relevant, if matters come to light regarding any disciplinary action taken by a previous employer, the University will consider whether I made a false statement during the admission or registration process that means my registration to the University may be declared void.
2.3. I undertake to notify the appropriate person in the College should I be subject to a criminal conviction, caution and/or Community Resolution Order subsequent to my application to the University. I understand that I must notify the University of this is because the University requires information to ensure the safety of members of the public, and to safeguard public confidence in the profession. I understand that a criminal conviction or caution may lead to my suspension from certain aspects of my study until the relevant provider’s duty of care can be assured. I understand that this may lead to the need for me to extend my studies where it has not been possible to arrange replacement activities. I understand that I may have to disclose “spent” convictions (as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1975)) to the professional body to which I am seeking membership and that, should I be subject to a criminal conviction or caution, this may never be treated as “spent” by theUniversity, or the professional body to which I am seeking membership or any placement provider.
2.4. I understand that the College will share with relevant partnership placements (i.e. the placement provider where it is intended that I undertake the placement):
2.4.1: relevant information contained in the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) disclosure made against me, when it is requested by the placement provider, as a pre-condition of that placement, and
2.4.2: relevant information in connection with or arising from fitness to practise proceedings taken by the College against me.
2.4.3: I consent to the College and any relevant partnership School sharing information in relation to any allegation or concern relating to my fitness to practise.
2.4.4: I understand that if there is reasonable suspicion that I may have committed a disciplinary offence or have otherwise behaved in such a way that a placement provider is not willing to continue to provide the placement I may be suspended from attending my placement.
2.5 I understand that if information contained in the Disclosure andBarring Service disclosure made against me and/or information in connection or arising from fitness to practise proceedings taken by the College against me is not shared with the placement provider, I may be unable to complete the necessary placements which may impact my ability to complete my studies.
2.6 I understand that the College will share with the professional body to which I am seeking membership, relevant information in connection with or arising from fitness to practise proceedings taken by the College against me.
2.7 I understand that if information in connection or arising from fitness to practise proceedings taken by the College against me is shared with the professional body to which I am seeking membership, it may impact my ability to register successfully with that professional body
2.8 I understand that the outcome of any fitness to practise proceedings may remain on my student record and relevant information arising from these proceedings may be disclosed in response to a reference request made by a prospective employer or educational establishment. I understand that this may result in the inability of the College to supply a positive character reference.
3. Behaviour towards others
3.1. I will at all times treat my students, colleagues, staff and other members of the University or partner institutions with due respect and conduct myself in a professional, honest, decent and courteous manner. During the course of my studies, I will use language appropriate to the situation and people involved.
3.2. I will acquire an understanding of working with diversity, including but not limited to gender, race and culture, in order to work appropriately with pupils, staff and peers.
4. Appearance
4.1 I will follow the College guidelines on standard of dress (Student Handbook and or Placement Handbook) and will ensure that I maintain a standard of appearance that will be perceived as professional by such person as I may encounter in the pursuit of my studies.
I will follow any guidelines or requirements of any partnership school in which I undertake a placement and I will familiarise myself with any such guidelines or requirements before commencing the placement.
5. Learning
5.1. The content of my programme of study is designed to meet the requirements of a professional and/or statutory body (currently Teachers’ Standards, DfE September 2012). I will pursue my studies with reasonable diligence (in accordance with University Regulation Section 5) ensuring that I avail myself of the educational opportunities made available and I will seek to acquire the range of skills and knowledge identified in the relevant professional and/or statutory body guidance (Teachers’ Standards, DfE September 2012).
5.2. On each placement, and at intervals throughout the year, judgements will be made about my progress on a report form. This document charts my progress towards achieving the QTS Standards and I understand that I cannot pass the course without achieving all these Standards.
5.3. I understand that if there are significant concerns about my progress while on school placement, the school or my tutor(s) may request that I be withdrawn from teaching.
5.4. I understand that all professional judgements are made on the basis of tutors’ and mentors’ experience and that I should listen to and act on advice given throughout my course.
5.5. I understand that I must take responsibility for my own learning through attendance at lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals and through being suitably prepared for them. I will notify the appropriate person or department, in accordance with University and/or College guidelines, if I am to be absent from any part of the course, due to sickness or other reasons, and I will make up the lost learning opportunity, making appropriate use of College support structures (ITE Hub). I understand that if I persistently fail to follow my programme of study with reasonable diligence that I will be subject to disciplinary action under this Code.
5.6. I will not disrupt the delivery of teaching or the learning experience of fellow students, and will not jeopardise the health and safety of those involved, during attendance at lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals.
5.7. I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Avoiding Plagiarism: A Learning Agreement. I understand that all assignments will be scrutinised through approved plagiarism software and that if plagiarism is suspected I will be subject to investigation in accordance with the University Code of Practice on Academic Integrity which may lead to disciplinary action. I understand that if I behave dishonestly during the assessment process (including plagiarism or other forms of cheating) I will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University Regulation 8.2.1 j and may be excluded from my programme of study.
5.8. I understand that if I behave dishonestly during the assessment process (including academic misconduct) I will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University Regulation 8 – Student Conduct and may be excluded from my programme of study.
5.9. I understand that if I behave dishonestly in relation to my attendance or the attendance of others by falsifying signatures.
6. Insight
6.1 I understand that I should recognise my own personal and professional abilities and limits, be self-aware and reflective. When appropriate I should seek support and follow advice and guidance.
6.2 I understand that I should demonstrate consistently appropriate standards of personal and professional conduct, act with honesty and integrity, and maintain acceptable standards of ethics and behaviour in keeping with my profession.
6.3 I understand that a lack of insight into health or professional concerns may bring my fitness to practise into question, and may lead to referral to a College Fitness to Practise Committee.
7. Barriers to learning or professional practice including health and physical capacity to teach
7.1 I have read the School-specific appendix to this Code which outlines the conditions which may affect my ability to follow my programme of study or take up the profession to which the qualification I am seeking leads and which should be reported.
7.2 I understand that I must meet the Secretary of State for Education’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach.
7.3 Health issues developing during the course can be identified via multiple sources, for example teaching staff, tutorial staff, or school partners, and should be brought to the attention of the Personal Tutor and Head of Primary or Secondary ITE.
7.4 In the event of health issues occurring I will follow advice and instructions from my medical advisor regarding my programme of study. I understand that any serious concerns identified would be referred to the University Medical Officer for advice.
7.5 I have reported to the appropriate authority within the College any specific requirements I may have to enable me to follow my programme of study (including any physical, health or learning requirements) and I undertake to work with the College or support services provided to address these requirements.
7.6 I undertake to report to the appropriate authority within the College any pre-existing or new condition, which may affect my ability to follow my programme of study or take up the profession to which the qualification I am seeking leads, as soon as I become aware of it. In the event of any pre-existing or new condition arising I undertake to work with the College or support services provided. I understand that failure to work with the College or support services provided may lead to referral to a College Fitness to Practise Committee.
7.7 I understand that failure to report any condition, which may affect my ability to follow my programme of study or take up the profession to which the qualification I am seeking leads, may lead to my withdrawal or transfer from my programme of study.
8 Duty of care
8.1 I will at all times act in the best interests of my students and conduct myself in a professional manner in all aspects related to student care.
8.2 I will undertake to familiarise myself with all College and partner institution guidelines, including health and safety guidelines, codes of conduct and, where relevant employment contracts, in advance of and during student contact (including Teachers’ Standards, DfE September 2012) and will apply these guidelines in all dealings with them. I understand that breaching these guidelines and codes of practice, will lead to disciplinary action under this Code, which may result in withdrawal from my programme of study.
8.3 I understand that dishonesty, involving the falsification of student records will lead to disciplinary action which may lead to withdrawal from my programme of study.
8.4 I recognise that in the course of my studies I may be placed in a position of trust and as such, sections of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (as amended) apply in relation to that position of trust.
9 Duty to report
9.1 I undertake to report to the appropriate authority and to the College any action by others which may put pupils at risk. I understand that failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action being taken against me.
9.2 I acknowledge the duty on me in the course of my placements to report to the relevant authorities (including as appropriate the host school and Social Services) any reasonable suspicion I may have about the possible abuse of a child or children with whom I may come into contact.
10 Confidentiality
10.1 I understand that I may have access to confidential personal information and that I am required to comply with the data protection legislation. I understand that I may not disclose this information to any third party, other than in accordance with the relevant professional code or in accordance with the law. I understand that failure to comply with this requirement will lead to disciplinary action under this Code.
10.2 I understand that at all times I should ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information that I may handle and that if I am concerned there has been a breach of security or confidentiality (either by myself or a third party), I should inform the Learning and Teaching Manager in the School of Education (contact details to be found in the ITE Hub).
11 Ethics
11.1 I understand that the University has a code of conduct for research. I have received a copy of the BERA guidelines on educational research and agree to consider ethics