About this departmental advice

This advice sets out the factors to be considered by professional conduct hearing panels convened for the purpose of the regulation of teacher conduct. Its primary purpose is to inform considerations leading to the decision as to whether to recommend the imposition of a prohibition order on a teacher following a finding of 'unacceptable professional conduct', 'conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute' or a 'conviction, at any time, of a relevant criminal offence'.

Expiry/review date

This advice will be reviewed annually.

Who is this advice for?

This advice is for:

  • panel members;
  • teaching agency staff;
  • employers of teachers (including agencies);
  • teachers; 
  • panel witnesses; and
  • members of the public.

The regulatory arrangements discussed in this advice apply to anyone undertaking teaching work in all schools, including independent schools and sixth-form colleges, youth custody settings and children’s homes, in England.

Key points

This advice includes details regarding:

  • the regulatory system;
  • what is a prohibition order?;
  • professional conduct panel decision-making criteria;
  • the Secretary of State’s decision on prohibition;
  • review of prohibition orders;
  • appeals; and
  • interim prohibition orders.