Voice The Union - Voice backs anonymity but cautious over search powers
Wednesday, 7 July 2010 12:00 AM
Voice: the union for education professionals has welcomed news that teachers are to be granted anonymity while complaints against them by pupils are investigated, and given a cautious welcome to new disciplinary and search powers.
General Secretary Philip Parkin said: "We are delighted by the news on anonymity. Voice has been campaigning for the right to anonymity unless and until charged with a criminal offence.
"Children need protection, but those who work with them - both teachers and support staff - are entitled to protection too. Careers can be blighted by false allegations.
"The lives and careers of innocent people have been ruined by false allegations of abuse, even after they have been acquitted of any offence. Being falsely accused and suspended can cause severe personal distress and long-term damage to the accused person's career. Members have left the profession and suffered damage to their health.
"Publishing someone's name in a newspaper because they have been accused of something but not charged is trial by media. A small paragraph on an inside page weeks later reporting that the charges have been dropped is not acceptable. Mud sticks.
"Police forces must be included in the loop on guidance as interpretation of existing guidelines, procedures for investigation and interview, and the general conduct of officers have varied considerably between forces.
"However, the time taken to reach the targets for each stage of investigation has generally been improving so we hope that trend continues.
"Greater disciplinary powers and clear guidance on their enforcement would also be welcome, both to improve pupil behaviour and to protect staff.
"However, it is essential that funded training is provided on physical restraint and that the training is consistent in terms of who provides it and what it involves. Talking about using 'force' and 'good order' might make ministers sound macho in the media and go down well with the public, but it is crucial that staff, pupils and parents know what the powers, and that they are interpreted and used in the same away across the country, to avoid accusations being made against staff or litigation threatened by parents.
"Searches of pupils should be undertaken by trained and willing staff - ideally security staff. The guidance needs to be absolutely clear that staff cannot be required to undertake searches. Widening the scope of searches could potentially lead to staff being put at risk of confrontation or even assault or injury."
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Contacts: Communications Officer Richard Fraser in the Voice Press Office (pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk) on 01332 372337 or 0794 871 0413 or General Secretary Philip Parkin philipparkin@voicetheunion.org.uk on 01332 372 337 or 077 259 601 32.
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Voice: the union for education professionals
2 St James' Court
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1BT
Tel : 01332 372337 web : www.voicetheunion.org.uk
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