Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order confers additional functions on the General Teaching Council for England, a body corporate established by section 1(1) of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998. The Council’s functions include establishing and maintaining a register of teachers, issuing a Code of Practice laying down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of registered teachers, exercising disciplinary powers in relation to registered teachers and persons applying for registration and giving advice about teaching issues to the Secretary of State and others.
The additional functions conferred by this Order are—
First, to assist the Secretary of State with his function of designated authority for the purposes of the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 1991, which are made under the European Communities Act 1972. These Regulations give effect to Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration. The Council’s additional function in this respect comprises the following:
when the Secretary of State so requests, giving him advice about, or assistance with and making recommendations about, the exercise of his functions as designated authority to recognise the qualifications of teachers who have qualified in a relevant state (namely, member states of the European Community, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland);
giving information and advice to the public about the requirements for recognition in England and Wales of teaching qualifications obtained a relevant state; and
where the Secretary of State so requests, carrying out administrative tasks connected with his function of designated authority under the Regulations.
Second, if designated as such under the Regulations, to be the designated authority for the profession of school teacher for the purpose of dealing with applications from persons qualified in other relevant states for recognition of their professional qualifications, in accordance with the Directive.