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Regulatory Law
Legal advice and representation for teachers facing Teaching Regulation Agency proceedings
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Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) investigations and professional conduct proceedings
Protecting your career during TRA investigations
If you have been referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency or are concerned that proceedings may follow, specialist legal advice at an early stage can be crucial.
Our education law team advises teachers facing Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) investigations and professional conduct proceedings. We understand the professional and personal impact these matters can have, and provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
"Very competent and professional. Explained things clearly and was able to give sound advice and recommendations. Strong communication - responsive and timely." Legal 500 2027
Support through every stage of TRA proceedings
We can help you respond to allegations, prepare written representations and navigate interim prohibition order proceedings and professional conduct panel hearings. We also advise on appeals and applications to set aside prohibition orders, helping you understand your options and the steps available to protect your career.
We combine detailed knowledge of the regulatory process with a supportive, straightforward approach. We will explain what to expect, guide you through each stage and develop a strategy focused on protecting your professional reputation and future.
How we can help
Our expertise
- We combine detailed knowledge of the regulatory process with a supportive, straightforward approach.
- We will explain what to expect,
- guide you through each stage
- and develop a strategy focused on protecting your professional reputation and future.
Legal and financial advice under one roof
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services. We have our own independent financial advisers (IFAs), who work closely with our lawyers.
Our advisers provide holistic financial planning and as we are not connected to any one provider, we can offer a whole-of-market approach for the range of products we can advise on. We can also give independent advice for a whole range of insurance products to protect you and your family. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we’re accountable for the advice we give.
Get in touch today, we’re here to help
If you’re facing a TRA investigation or professional conduct proceedings, our specialist solicitors can provide clear, practical legal advice and representation to protect your interests. We’ll guide you through the process, explain your options and help you navigate each stage with confidence.
We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
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Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
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What our clients say
★★★★★
“Very efficient organsation, excellent and timely communication at each stage of the work. Clear information about processes and costing. Legal language explained clearly in layman’s terms.”
Legal 500 2027
Firm wide quote
★★★★★
“The team at Tees is fantastic: knowledgeable, technically skilled, commercially astute, and always goes the extra mile for their clients. They know how to prepare a case and provide commercial and legal advice that is exceptional.”
Legal 500 2027
Firm wide quote
★★★★★
“Very competent and professional. Explained things clearly and gave sound advice and recommendations. Strong communication – responsive and timely.”
Legal 500 2027
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Teaching Regulation Agency and what does it do?
The Teaching Regulation Agency regulates the teaching profession in England. It investigates allegations of serious misconduct and, where appropriate, refers cases to a professional conduct panel that can recommend whether a teacher should be prohibited from teaching.
What types of allegations can lead to Teaching Regulation Agency proceedings?
Proceedings usually concern allegations of serious misconduct, such as safeguarding failures, inappropriate conduct, dishonesty, discrimination, violence, substance misuse or criminal offending that may call a teacher’s fitness to teach into question.
Can the Teaching Regulation Agency investigate me if I no longer work as a teacher?
Yes, in some cases. The key issue is whether you were carrying out teaching work in a setting covered by the regulations at the time of the alleged conduct.
Can the Teaching Regulation Agency investigate teachers in independent schools, colleges or alternative settings?
Yes. The regulatory regime can apply across a range of settings in England, including independent schools, sixth-form colleges, children’s homes, youth accommodation and certain alternative provision settings.
What happens after a referral is made to the Teaching Regulation Agency?
The Teaching Regulation Agency first decides whether to investigate or take no further action. If it investigates, it will gather material, notify the teacher of the allegations and give them an opportunity to respond before deciding whether there is a case to answer.
How long do I have to respond to the allegations?
The deadline will be set out in the correspondence you receive, so it is important to act quickly. Early legal advice can help you protect your position and ensure your response is properly prepared and submitted on time.
What is an Interim Prohibition Order and can it stop me teaching straight away?
An Interim Prohibition Order is a temporary restriction that prevents a teacher from carrying out teaching work while the case is ongoing. It can take effect before the final outcome if the Teaching Regulation Agency considers it necessary in the public interest.
Do I need a solicitor if I have been contacted by the Teaching Regulation Agency?
You are not required to instruct a solicitor, but specialist advice can be very important. Early representation can help with strategy, written submissions, evidence, procedural issues and preparation for any hearing.
Can you help me prepare my written response and evidence?
Yes. We can help you analyse the allegations, prepare a clear written response, gather relevant evidence and present mitigation in the strongest possible way.
What happens at a professional conduct panel hearing?
A panel considers the evidence, hears from witnesses where necessary and decides whether the facts are proved and whether the conduct amounts to serious misconduct. If so, it may recommend a prohibition order and, if appropriate, a review period.
Are Teaching Regulation Agency hearings public or private?
Professional conduct panel hearings are generally held in public, although some parts may be dealt with privately where appropriate. Published outcomes may also affect a teacher’s professional reputation and future employment.
Can I be legally represented at a Teaching Regulation Agency hearing?
Yes. A teacher can be represented at a hearing, and legal representation can assist with advocacy, witness handling, legal argument and overall case presentation.
What outcomes can a professional conduct panel recommend?
The panel may recommend that no prohibition order should be made, or that a prohibition order should be imposed. It may also recommend whether a review period should apply before the teacher can ask for the order to be set aside.
What is a prohibition order and does it mean I can never teach again?
A prohibition order prevents a person from carrying out teaching work in settings covered by the regulations. It does not always mean a permanent bar, because some orders are made with a review period after which an application can be made to set the order aside.
Can I appeal a prohibition order or ask for it to be set aside later?
Yes. There is a right of appeal, and where a review period applies it may also be possible to apply later for the prohibition order to be reviewed and set aside.
Will the outcome of my case be published?
In many cases, yes. Hearings and outcomes are often published, which makes careful case preparation especially important where reputation and future employment are at stake.
Can Teaching Regulation Agency proceedings affect my DBS position or future employment?
They can. Depending on the circumstances, there may be wider regulatory, safeguarding and employment consequences, which is why a joined-up legal strategy is important from the outset.
How can a solicitor help protect my career and reputation during a Teaching Regulation Agency investigation?
A solicitor can advise on the merits of the case, prepare representations, identify weaknesses in the evidence, present mitigation and help you respond in a way that protects both your professional position and your reputation.
How quickly should I get legal advice after receiving a Teaching Regulation Agency letter?
As soon as possible. Early advice gives you more time to understand the allegations, preserve relevant evidence and prepare an effective response before any deadline expires.
Do you offer urgent advice for teachers facing immediate deadlines?
Yes. If you have received a letter from the Teaching Regulation Agency or a hearing date with limited time to respond, we can provide prompt advice and urgent assistance.
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