Notifiable Occupations Scheme

IfL membership and the Notifiable Occupations Scheme

The Notifiable Occupations Scheme states that the disclosure of a conviction, caution or other information by the police for those holding positions of responsibility in a professional environment is in the public interest. The Scheme helps to protect the collective reputation of IfL members and raise the status of the profession by reassuring learners and the general public of the high standards expected.

Guidelines and Procedure

Home Office guidelines for the Police Service specifically list “persons who provide education at any school or further education institution”as requiring notification regarding any misdemeanours to the appropriate governing body (in this case IfL), and, in certain circumstances, the employer. Imparting such information outweighs the normal rules of confidentiality usually given to the individual in such a position.

If you are arrested, you must inform the police that you hold a notifiable occupation as soon as possible.

The police will then notify IfL of any arrests, cautions or convictions which they feel may be relevant to IfL membership. Each disclosure does take into account the nature of the offence and the circumstances around it.

Following any disclosure we may initiate Disciplinary Procedures to protect the interests of the learners and wider public. Any action taken would be dependent upon the nature of the offence.

In accordance with the IfL Data Code and the provisions of the Home Office guidance, any information received by IfL is sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 1997 and will be treated as such.

Your Responsibility

In order to maintain public confidence in the profession, IfL expects its members to maintain standards of behaviour as set out in the Code of Professional Practice.

Please note that IfL’s acceptance onto the scheme does not relieve members of their obligation under Behaviour 5 of The Code of Professional Practice to inform IfL if they are cautioned for or convicted of an offence whilst in membership.

For further information about the scheme and how it may affect you, please contact us at practice@ifl.ac.uk