Dealing With Concerns

The Disciplinary Procedures

The procedures for dealing with concerns raised about the professional practice of members of the Institute are described in the Disciplinary Procedures Rules (PDF opens in a new window). Our procedures are designed to protect the public interest, any learners who may be affected and to be fair to all those involved.

There is no charge for raising concerns about a member of IfL. All costs are borne by the membership, through subscription, as part of our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of practice.

In applying for and retaining membership, members of IfL agree to be bound by the Disciplinary Procedures.

IfL operates a four stage disciplinary process:

Stage one: We will establish whether it has jurisdiction and whether the matters of concern fall within the scope of the disciplinary procedures (referred to as screening).

Stage two: Where jurisdiction and scope is established the concerns are referred to the Investigating Committee for consideration. This Committee determines whether or not there is a case to answer.

Stage three: Where it is determined there is a case to answer, the formal allegations are considered by the Professional Practice Committee, which determines whether they are proved and, if so, what sanction to apply. The consideration of these matters takes place by way of public hearing.

Stage four: A member who disagrees with the decision of the Professional Practice Committee may appeal to an independent Appeal Committee.

Download our guidelines for a more detailed explanation of each stage (PDF opens in new window).

All decisions are taken by disciplinary committees, comprising lay and professional members, who sit with independent legal advisors. The procedures are administered by the Professional Practice Team.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone can raise a concern about one of our members; including organisations, learners, other members and the general public.

To report a concern about a member, please print, fill in and return this form (PDF opens in new window). Alternatively, you can provide the information required in a letter.

We need as much relevant information as possible, in writing. You should include:

  • your name, address and contact details
  • the name of the member you are reporting and details of the institute or organisation they work for
  • a brief outline of the complaint and the date, time and location when the incident happened. Details will be required of any witnesses who may have been present
  • You may also send us this information by email to practice@ifl.ac.uk but we will ask you to send a signed version for our records.
  • You do not have to but it would be helpful if you could indicate what section of the Code you believe the member has breached and why

The Institute can only investigate concerns relating to misconduct by IfL members and any such concerns must relate to the professional behaviour of the member. This may include cases where a member is cautioned for or convicted of a criminal offence, or where action has been taken against them by another regulatory body. Members alleged to be in breach of the Code will be subject to disciplinary investigation as described in the Disciplinary Procedures.

Before you contact us, you should know that there are some things that we cannot do:

  • if you want compensation, we will not be able to help - only the courts can award compensation
  • we cannot help with contractual disputes or concerns over a member's competence to teach
  • we cannot deal with anonymous or verbal only complaints.

There are also a number of matters that by law we cannot deal with but must refer to other bodies. If this is the case, we will tell you and provide you with the relevant details.

Download a copy of our guidelines on how we deal with concerns about members here (PDF opens in new window).

We will confirm in writing receipt of your concern and give you the name and the contact details of the team member who is dealing with your case.

The Professional Practice Team

The Professional Practice Team comprises specialist members of staff whose role is to assist the Committees in investigating and assessing concerns about members.

The team can provide you with advice on how to raise your concerns. If these are taken forward for investigation, we will give you the name and the contact details of the team member who is dealing with your case. You will be contacted and asked for any further information that is required and update you on the progress of your concern.

If you have a problem with a member but are not sure if we can help, please contact our Conduct & Professional Practice Team. Our advisers will talk you through the different options open to you, which may include suggesting other organisations that may be able to help.

Team Contact Details:

Phone: 020 7250 8142

Email: practice@ifl.ac.uk

Post: 
Professional Practice Team
Institute for Learning
First Floor
49-51 East Road
London N1 6AH

The complaints process

The four stage complaints process is outlined above.

Download our guidelines for a more detailed explanation of each stage (PDF opens in new window).

Sanctions

There are four sanctions which can be applied to members who breach the Code of Practice:

  • A reprimand
  • A Conditional Registration Order
  • A Suspension Order
  • An Expulsion Order

The nature of the sanction imposed will depend upon the circumstances of the case. The Institute has issued Indicative Sanctions Guidance to the Professional Practice Committee. Any disciplinary order imposed by the Institute relates only to a members class and status within the Institute and bears no connection to relationships outside of that such as membership of another organisation or employment.

Current Proceedings

The IfL is a body with specific duties under statute and as such is expected to be open and transparent in its proceedings. Certain parts of the Disciplinary Procedure Rules require that proceedings are public. In addition, the IfL has certain obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and other legislation.

As a result, the IfL will publish details of recent, current and forthcoming proceedings in accordance with the provisions outlined in its Disciplinary Proceedings Disclosure Policy.

Download our guidelines for a more detailed explanation of each stage (PDF opens in new window).