Professional discipline specialist Jonathan Storey (instructed by the National Education Union) has secured the acquittal of a teacher from the South East of England charged by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) with drinking alcohol at school. His client denied allegations that she brought alcohol onto school premises and was under the influence of alcohol on school premises on several occasions, but admitted attending work after drinking on one single occasion.
Acquitting his client of serious misconduct, the TRA’s professional conduct panel accepted Jonathan’s submissions about the TRA’s evidence. It adopted his reasoning that, due to her exceptional personal circumstances, it would not be proportionate to make a finding of serious misconduct in relation to the single occasion on which she admitted being in school under the influence of alcohol (having consumed it off-site).
Jonathan is a specialist practitioner in the field of professional regulation and works regularly with teachers, doctors, and other professionals facing disciplinary proceedings at all stages from initial referral to appeal. He is ranked in the leading directories – by Chambers and Partners, in Band 2 for Professional Discipline in the Regions; and by the Legal 500 as a “Rising Star” – and sits as a fitness to practise panellist for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and for Social Care Wales.
Jonathan’s approach to defending professionals charged with misconduct combines persuasive advocacy with highly personalised and compassionate advice and expert support throughout the life of a case. Having worked in education, served several schools as a governor, and trained school leaders and lawyers in matters of education law, he is particularly sought after for his expertise in working with teachers and Heads and is regularly instructed by the major teaching unions and privately.
See Jonathan’s profile here