Whatever next ... the joys of being an employer
Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2009-04-01 12:27:57 - Graham EllisA teacher in Cambridge has been disciplined for misconduct after her pictures in a 'Racy' pose appeared on a website. 'A school insider reports "the maximum penalty Ms X faces is a final warning - the step before summary dismissal"' according to the Daily Mail today.
The report states that the action was classed as misconduct rather that gross misconduct, but goes on to add that this could change (implying it would be gross misconduct) if it's found that she had used the school's computers. I expect that it would also have been "gross" had the pictures been taken at the school, or had they been "adult" rather than just "racy".
The head stated that teachers could have second jobs provided that they did not affect their work, but stated that this behaviour had brought the school into disrepute.
We're employers too ... and this example is an "object lesson" that shows how you never know what's going to happen next! We very much share the view of the head that our staff can have second jobs provided they do not interfere - indeed, it helps widen out people's experiences, develop our staff, and it's a good thing provided there's no conflict of interest. But - my goodness me - we know what an interesting policy that can be to police at times!