The Tutors Association Membership Booklet April 2014

Transcription

1 The Tutors Association Membership Booklet April 2014 THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 1

2 Contents Introduction 3 Main objects 3 Membership structure 4 Admission/membership criteria 4 Admissions criteria for individuals 4 Admissions criteria for corporates 6 Constitution 8 Code of ethics for tutors 12 Code of professional practice for organisational members 14 Child Protection Policy 15 Complaints procedure 16 THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 2

3 Introduction The Tutors Association (TTA) is an industry-led initiative which seeks to achieve professional recognition for private tutors, tutoring companies and those that support the tutoring profession to promote best practice in tutoring. The Association aims to support tutors and tutoring companies in their work, by investing in a range of support services, benefits, continuing professional development and accreditation and by informing the public of what should be expected of a professional tutor. Main objects 1. To promote the value of tutoring to parents, schools, and the general public. 2. To promote best practice in tutoring for the benefit of members, students and the public. 3. To promote tutoring as a career choice. 4. To provide means of assessing knowledge, skill and experience of the principles and practice of tutoring and to organise educational and certification programs, courses and examinations in tutoring and other appropriate topics and, subject to current legislation; to award certificates, degrees, diplomas and prizes as appropriate to successful examinees who pass such assessments and tests in such manner as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. 5. To assist potential and existing tutors in securing professional qualifications, designations and credentials and status, to secure professional recognition, relationships, exchange of knowledge and experience, with other professions, other occupations and the industry generally in the fields of tutoring and allied areas, research, technology and knowledge transfer, consultancy and related activities. 6. To support the members of the profession, and the industry as a whole (i.e. both tutors and tutoring companies) in their work. 7. To establish a separate members council, as a committee of the Board, for the benefit of members and to develop the tutoring profession and contribute to the future strategic thinking of the Association. 8. To develop a membership body of individual and corporate members whose interests are in tutoring. 9. To promote and facilitate the dissemination and exchange of information on matters of professional interest among students and members and others by holding conferences, workshops, seminars, through publications, electronic or other means, of periodicals, books, papers and via the promotion, compilation and publication of research studies. 10. To commission and promote research in tutoring. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 3

4 Membership structure There are two kinds of membership Individual and Corporate. Individuals and companies may apply to join either as Associates or Members. Applicants for Membership are required to meet the criteria as detailed in the following pages. Members and Associates will receive the benefits of the full membership package and have full voting rights. Admission/membership criteria Individuals 1. Associate Member is designed with two purposes in mind: 1) to provide a straightforward means by which individuals and companies may engage with the Association and its agenda while considering full Membership; and 2) for consultants and organisations providing support services to the tutoring industry, who wish to indicate their support (such as publishers, technology companies, and online forum/network providers). The requirements for Associate status are that the applicant must: 1.1 complete a membership application form 1.2 sign the code of professional conduct and ethics 1.3 and pay the appropriate annual subscription The cost Associateship is the same as that for a Member but the two grades have different voting rights. This is detailed in the constitution section below. 2. Member is designed for practicing tutors seeking full accreditation by the Association. Individual tutors seeking admission as Members should meet the following criteria at application. Applicants should return a completed copy of the application form, together with a detailed CV, with client and character references, and include explanation as appropriate in a covering letter concerning: 2.1 what qualifies them to tutor; 2.2 how any qualifications they hold are relevant to their work as a tutor; 2.3 their knowledge and level of experience of examinations relevant to the subject and level at which they tutor; and 2.4 their degree of experience as a tutor. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 11

5 3. Client References Client references will be taken up by the Admissions Officer. 4. Vetting 4.1 Applicants should include evidence of a recent CRB or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with Barred List check. This new service is recommended by the Association and for those that need their CRB or DBS renewed it is suggested that the individual join as an Associate first. This will enable them to access the Associations DBS service which it has arranged through Capita. 4.2 Foreign nationals resident in the UK for less than three years must supply full colour scans of; an overseas police check or Letter of Good Conduct; the photo page of their passport Non-EU resident foreign nationals must also supply a full colour scan showing that permission to work in the UK has been obtained character reference(s) will be taken up by the Admissions Officer. 5. Service commitment Applicants should print, sign and date, and scan for return a copy of the Code of ethics for tutors. Members are encouraged to reference the code as part of their basic service agreement with their pupils and their parents/guardians. 6. Admissions decisions Upon receipt of the above documentation, the Admissions Officer will take a decision as regards to membership. Any applications that are difficult to decide shall be referred to a membership panel appointed by the Board. 7. Individual Members must: 7.1 Support the aims of the TTA (see Main Objects in the membership booklet) 7.2 Fulfil and adhere to the criteria required of membership described in this document; 7.3 Adhere to the TTA Code of ethics for tutors ; 7.4 Meet their financial obligations to the TTA; 7.5 Provide the TTA with information on request in the furtherance of the TTA s aims and requirements. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 12

6 8. Corporate Membership Corporate Membership is recognises six distinct groups those companies: 8.1 acting as an employment agency 8.2 who provide online tutoring services 8.3 who engage private tutors 8.4 who provide residency tutors 8.5 who provide a tutor listing service 8.6 who provide support services to the tutoring profession Where applicable the tutoring companies in 8.3 and 8.4 above should meet and maintain the following criteria in respect of their business and educational practice. A brief description of quality assurance measures including, but not limited to, those listed below, should be outlined in the application. Fuller details may be requested at a later date. It is appreciated that there will be some exceptional circumstances which should be noted. Those companies who fall into the categories 8.5 and 8.6 above can apply for Corporate Associate Membership where the selection criteria will not apply. The TTA Admissions Officer will refer applications that are difficult to decide to a Membership Panel appointed by the Board. The panel will also have responsibility for judging appeals. 9. Selection Applicants should be able to give evidence that they have ensured that; 9.1 their tutors are appropriately qualified 9.2 client and character references are taken up as appropriate 9.3 their tutors are assessed, with questions at interview oriented to establishing; subject knowledge, pedagogical skill with young people, whether in a one-to-one or group tutoring environment, their knowledge and experience of examinations relevant to the subject and level at which they tutor, and their degree of tutoring experience 10. Vetting Where appropriate in 8.3 and 8.4 above Tutors must possess certification of a recent enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with Barred List check (or overseas police checks or Letter of Good Conduct obtained for foreign nationals resident in the UK for less than three years). Tutors must be identity checked with reference to passports. Companies not registered to perform identity checks on tutors may make use of the Association s arrangements. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 13

7 11. Induction and briefing Applicants should be able to confirm, where appropriate, that; 11.1 training is provided, as appropriate, in relation to the tutor s level of experience 11.2 standard terms and conditions and assignment details are clearly communicated to tutors in writing 11.3 the organisation clearly states its expectations in respect of subscription to the TTA s Code of ethics for tutors 12. Placement and on-going quality control Applicants should be able to confirm, where appropriate, that; 12.1 tutors are carefully profiled for matching purposes pupils are carefully profiled, their needs clearly articulated and matched with tutors knowledge, skills and experience, 12.2 there are open channels and clear procedures for regular contact with parents/pupils and tutors for the purposes of progress reporting, appraisal, and feedback, 12.3 information is provided about CPD opportunities, 12.4 there are clear disciplinary and termination procedures, 12.5 there are clear procedures for dealing with misconduct (including reporting and referring to the appropriate authorities, including the ISA and police) 13. Service commitment Applicants should be able to confirm, where appropriate, that; 13.1 terms and conditions are clearly communicated to parents in writing, 13.2 the organisation adheres to the TTA Code of professional practice for organisational members, and promotes the TTA Code of ethics for tutors among tutors (this is signed, dated and displayed at members primary place of business, and is clearly communicated to parents) 14. Corporate members must: 14.1 Support the aims of the TTA; 14.2 Fulfil and adhere to the criteria required of membership described in this document; THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 14

8 14.3 Adhere to the Code of professional practice for tutoring organisations and promote regard for the Code of ethics for tutors ; 14.4 Meet their financial obligations to the TTA; 14.5 Notify the Secretary of any important changes in ownership, management, accommodation or other changes of provision; 14.6 Provide the TTA with information on request in the furtherance of the TTA s aims and requirements. 15. Fellowship To become a Fellow of the Association and individual must satisfy the Board that they meet the following criteria, the applicant must; 15.1 already be a Member; 15.2 have been practicing in the tutoring profession for a minimum of 15 years; 15.3 demonstrate that they have made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the profession to that satisfaction of the Board. These requirements may be satisfied in a number of ways: service given to the Association through membership of its Board, Council, Panel or Committees; written contributions published by the Association or by third parties; running events, workshops and seminars in support of tutors CPD requirements; promoting the Association and the profession; participation in conferences and other Association events in support of the profession 15.4 be proposed and seconded by two existing Fellows one of whom shall write a reference in support of the candidate. 16. Founder status Founding status is reserved for those who gave generously of their time and contributed funds during the initial stages of the Association s formation. It is an honorary title only and does not exempt the members and companies bearing that description from the requirements of membership. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 15

9 17. The Constitution The present Board, comprised of the Founders and the Executive Directors, has been put in place to steward and oversee the early stages of the Association s development. The Board is in the process of creating and populating from the membership a number of differing advisory panels to examine and formulate recommendations to the board to inform its own strategic debate. This Board, together with these Advisory Panels, will remain in place until the transitional arrangements are complete. (Article 7.1 of the constitution refers). The full constitution can be downloaded from the Association s website all will be sent by on request During 2015 if the Board so decide there will be a call for nominations for nine Board members and 15 Advisory Council members In addition to the Advisory Council, a number of committees are to be appointed by the Board to serve the membership: A Membership Panel, for dealing with membership issues undecided applications referred by the TTA administrator, admissions appeals, and membership upgrades. This panel will have subgroups as follows; Online Tutors Residency Tutors Premises Tutors An Audit Committee, for reviewing accounts and financial reporting (see the ICSA guidance on terms of reference); A Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, for consideration of any complaints lodged against Members (see Complaints procedure, below); A Fellowship Panel, to consider Fellowship applications The Board and voting rights The Board shall be comprised as follows: Three Members elected by the membership, Three Corporate Members elected by the Corporate Membership, Up to Three individuals (who need not be members) co-opted by the board Each person elected shall serve for 3 years and, being eligible, may stand for re-election and if elected can serve for a further 3 years The maximum term of service on the Board shall be 6 years consecutively. Former Board members shall be eligible to stand again after taking a 2 year break. This is designed to ensure that there is a throughput of new Board members. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 16

10 17.6 The elected Board may, if it wishes, appoint up to 3 additional Members for whatever reason. This latter provision is to enable the Board to bring in individuals with other skills/experience as required, which may not be typical of tutors Associates may vote for the Associate nominations to the board only All other Members, Fellows and Corporates may vote for any nomination At the first election, 9 Members/Associates shall be elected. Thereafter one third will retire the following year, creating vacancies for 1 Associate and 2 Members/Fellows/Corporate Members. The order of rotation shall be determined by drawing lots At the first meeting of the Board, a President and a Vice President shall be elected. 18. The Advisory Council There shall be an Advisory Council comprising: Members elected by the entire Membership (i.e. including Associates); 18.2 Up to 5 Members appointed by the Board; 18.3 Up to 5 individuals (who need not be Members) co-opted by the Board The role of the Council shall be that of a think tank looking at issues facing the profession, its professional development, and formulating Association policy. Its output shall be periodically reviewed by the Board to inform their strategic debate during the planning round. It is suggested that one of the appointed Members be a current Board Member so as to provide a direct conduit from the Council to the Board. 19. Membership voting at general meetings 19.1 All Members shall be entitled to attend and vote at the Association s Annual General Meeting (AGM) The Association shall keep a register of members with the statutory books for Companies House purposes Only Members of the Board shall be Members of the company as defined by s112 CA THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 17

11 19.4 Members shall be able to vote on the following: The appointment of the auditors; Recommendations for constitutional amendments; Election of the Board; To receive the report and accounts; Other such matters that the constitution provides 19.5 Members of the Company shall be able to vote on the following; All the above in The removal of a member of the Board in accordance with Section 168 CA 2006; Constitutional amendments; Capital investments; All other business requiring the consent or approval of Members. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 18

12 Association codes Code of ethics for tutors It is a requirement of membership for individual tutors that they adhere to the following Code of ethics. Corporate members also have a responsibility to promote regard for the Code of ethics for tutors among those with whom they work. According to the criteria, this code must be displayed at companies primary place of business, and communicated to their clients. Corporate members are responsible for monitoring whether tutors with whom they work honour the code. 1. I understand that my role as a tutor is to encourage and enable pupils to achieve their unique potential as independent learners through acknowledgement, encouragement, understanding, and personalised attention. 2. I will be careful to avoid creating any unhealthy dependencies by suggesting a need for tutoring where no such need exists; reporting in a manner that explicitly or implicitly suggests a need for further on-going tutoring or engaging in any practice that undermines the independent learning of pupils. 3. I will not engage in any form of plagiarism, such as completing pupils homework assignments for them. 4. I will demonstrate faith in my pupils learning ability and provide honest, positive and constructive feedback. 5. I understand the need to be flexible in my approach to tutoring to assist my pupils in discovering effective learning strategies. 6. I undertake to keep up-to-date with advances in subject knowledge and pedagogy. 7. I undertake to comply with the Association s Child Protection Policy. 8. I am committed to identifying any particular challenges or difficulties my pupils might have with their learning and to assisting them in overcoming those barriers. 9. I will share with my client any concerns I have about pupils social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that are beyond my competency to address. 10. I will identify to my client any special educational needs that are beyond my experience or ability to resolve, in order that they may secure for them the right kind of specialist help. 11. Any referrals I make will come with full disclosure of any personal or material interest. 12. I understand that my relationship to my pupils is professional and not personal and that I have a duty of care towards them. 13. I will keep information about the pupil whom I am assigned confidential, unless doing so would be to result in injury or harm being done to them. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 19

13 14. I will show respect for my pupils' cultural background, personal dignity and values. 15. I will maintain accurate records of tutoring sessions as expected and required. 16. In situations where I am working for a tutoring company, I will respect the terms and conditions of my contract, and in particular, will not seek to provide educational services to pupils I have been introduced to in this way independently of the company. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

14 Code of professional practice for organisational members Subscription to the Association s Code of professional practice for tutoring organisations is a requirement of membership. According to the membership criteria, a copy of this code must be displayed at companies primary place of business. Its articles are intended to be binding; breach of any single article will be held as sufficient grounds for lodging of a complaint by any member, and potentially for action by the Disciplinary committee (see Complaints procedure in the membership booklet) Organisational members: 1. Shall conduct their business at all times in such a way as to bring credit to the tutoring profession and to the Association. 2. Shall take no action that deliberately injures the business, reputation, or interest of fellow member organisations, other than activities accepted as normal competitive business practice. 3. Shall, at all times, act honestly in their professional dealings with clients (actual and potential), and employees. 4. Shall not, knowingly or recklessly, disseminate any false or misleading information, either on their behalf or on behalf of anyone else. 5. Shall keep up to date with developments in tutoring pedagogy and practice, curriculum and qualifications in order that they might diligently support the professional practice of tutoring. 6. Shall respect the confidentiality of all business information which comes into their possession, except from those persons entitled to receive it and unless it is illegal to do so. 7. Shall promote and seek business in a professional and ethical manner, being careful to avoid creating any unhealthy dependencies by suggesting a need for tutoring where no such need exists; accurately informing prospective clients as to the level of qualification and experience of tutors assigned them, and their location; and giving them a clear understanding of the workings of any assessment tools used. 8. Shall not claim the Association s endorsement in connection with any activity unless it has its prior written approval to do so. 9. Shall have regard for, and comply with, all the relevant laws of the country in which they are operating. 10. Shall observe this Code as it may be expanded and annotated and published from time to time and brought to their attention in TTA communications by the Ethics Committee. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 21

15 Child Protection Policy 1. Introduction Members of The Tutors Association (TTA) will ensure that their pupils are given tuition in a c o n g e n i a l and safe environment. Each member has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, they are treated with the highest possible standard of care. A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children s Act 1989 and 2004). 2. Policy Statement Members of the TTA are committed to ensuring that: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the welfare of the child is paramount; all children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity are able to receive the benefit of tutoring in a safe environment; all reasonable steps are taken to protect children from harm, discrimination and demeaning treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings; all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately; all members who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will seek guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures; they work in partnership with parents and children which is essential for the protection of children. 3. Monitor and review the policy and procedures This policy shall be reviewed every 3 years or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or in relevant legislation. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 22

16 Complaints procedure If TTA membership is to indicate meaningful commitment to professional practice, procedures must be in place for dealing with complaints brought against members. The following procedure is based on that used by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), widely recognised as a model for other associations. 1. A Disciplinary Committee shall be constituted to consider complaints lodged by any person against a member organisation. 2. The Disciplinary Committee shall be comprised of 7 members appointed by the Board. Two of these shall be lay members, being persons of good repute and standing who are not themselves members of the Association. 3. The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee shall be a barrister or solicitor in practice for not less than 10 years. 4. The quorum shall be three, of whom the Chairman shall be one. 5. The Disciplinary Committee shall act by a majority of the members present, and in the case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting vote. 6. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Board and shall as far as possible be independent of the officers of the Association responsible for presenting of complaints to the Disciplinary Committee. 7. Complaints may be lodged by any person, and must be submitted in writing, under confidential cover, and addressed to the Secretary. The name and address of the person making the compliant shall be given, as shall the name and address of the member organisation which is the subject of the complaint. The complaint shall also set out the nature and circumstances of the complaint, and state the relationship between the complainant and the member organisation. 8. The Secretary shall forward a full copy of the complaint as soon as is reasonably practicable to the Director of the member organisation concerned and invite him/her, if he wishes to do so, to explain or answer the complaint made against his/her organisation by written submissions drafted by himself or a representative. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

17 9. The Secretary shall then forward the complaint, together with any answer given by the member organisation concerned, to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, who may then (a) request further information from the complainant if the case against the member organisation is not sufficiently clear; or (b) stay (or stay on terms) the complaint if in his opinion the primary purpose of the complaint is to gain political advantage over the member organisation rather than genuinely to initiate proceedings because a breach of the code may have occurred. 10. Any statement of fact contained in any complaint must be substantiated by a signed, written statement, from a responsible person, in support of its claim. 11. The Chairman may also direct the member concerned to submit in writing any answer or explanation he may wish to offer. 12. The Chairman shall then deal with the matter as follows He/she may recommend to the Disciplinary Committee that the case be quashed if; the case is not within its jurisdiction; the complaint is of a frivolous or trivial nature; owing to passage of time, or other circumstance, the complaint may be disregarded He/she may decide to dispose of the matter without recourse to a disciplinary inquiry involving the Committee, in which case the Secretary may be directed to: send all the particulars of the case to the member in question, informing him of the Chairman s intention to recommend to the Committee that a written reprimand and caution be issued; and to; invite the member to accept this form of disposal without the need for a disciplinary inquiry. 13. If the member does not accept disposal by way of written reprimand, or if the Disciplinary Committee do not accept the Chairman s recommendation in this regard, then the Committee shall direct the Secretary to make arrangements for an Inquiry. 14. In the event that, in the opinion of the Disciplinary Committee, the complaint (i) is primarily one that if proven would confer substantial financial or reputational advantage on the complainant; (ii) has been brought to avoid incurring legal costs in proceedings against the member organisation; (iii) is not of the type that it is in the interest of the Association alone to incur costs prosecuting, then it may request that the Secretary obtain written confirmation from the complainant that costs of those future proceedings will be met in part or in full as the Committee sees fit. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

18 15. If information is obtained at any time following the decision to conduct an Inquiry that might have justified the Disciplinary Committee not instigating the Inquiry in the first instance, it may direct that it shall not proceed further. 16. In the event of an Inquiry being instigated by the Disciplinary Committee, the Secretary shall give notice to the member affected, and instruct a person, who may be a solicitor, to investigate and to present (or brief counsel to present in appropriate cases) the case to the Disciplinary Committee at the Inquiry. 17. Not less than 28 days before the day appointed for holding the Inquiry, the Secretary shall send to the person affected a notice outlining the matters into which the Inquiry will be held, and stating the day, hour and place appointed. 18. The notice referred to in 17 (above), shall be accompanied by a copy of this Complaints procedure. 19. Any notice sent shall be sent by registered letter or recorded delivery letter addressed to the Director of the member organisation at its primary place of business, as recorded on the TTA database. 20. The Chairman may at any time postpone the opening of the Inquiry and direct the Secretary to give any necessary notices to the member organisation concerned including the complainant. 21. The Inquiry shall normally be held in private unless, upon the application of either of the parties affected, the Disciplinary Committee determine that in the interest of justice or for some other compelling reason the hearing should be held in public. 22. The member organisation affected and the person or complainant presenting the case to the Disciplinary Committee may be represented by a solicitor or counsel. 23. If the person entrusted with the task of presenting the case against the member organisation affected considers that the Disciplinary Committee s deliberations will be assisted by expert evidence, then that evidence shall be submitted to the member organisation affected in written form not less than 28 days from the date upon which the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee is to take place; and to arrange, if so requested by the member organisation affected, for the attendance of those experts at the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee for them to give evidence. 24. If a representative of the member organisation affected does not appear, the Disciplinary Committee may proceed with the Inquiry in his absence or may adjourn it as it sees fit. 25. The order of proceedings shall be as follows: 25.1 Statement of the case against the member organisation affected and the production of evidence in support of it; THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

19 25.2 Statement of the case of the member organisation affected and the production of evidence in support of his case; 25.3 Reply to the case of the member organisation affected (provided that, except by leave of the Disciplinary Committee, a reply shall not be allowed where the member affected has produced no evidence other than his own, and no issue of law arises); 25.4 A closing statement of the case of the member organisation affected Evidence may be received by the Disciplinary Committee by oral statement, written and signed statement, or statutory declaration. A witness shall first be examined by the person producing him, then cross-examined and then re-examined. The Disciplinary Committee shall disregard oral evidence given by any person who refuses to submit to cross-examination. The Disciplinary Committee may, in their discretion, decline to admit the written statement or declaration of a person who is not present, and shall disregard it if, being present, he refuses to submit to cross-examination Members of the Disciplinary Committee may put through the Chairman, on his invitation, such questions as they think desirable The Disciplinary Committee may at any stage of the proceedings adjourn the Inquiry to a subsequent meeting of the Disciplinary Committee. The day, hour and place for such meeting shall be appointed at the time of the adjournment, or by the Secretary not less than 21 days before the day appointed, and in the manner specified above Subject to these Regulations the procedure at the hearing should be determined by the Disciplinary Committee On the conclusion of the hearing the Disciplinary Committee shall deliberate in private and shall decide: Whether the misconduct alleged in the complaint is proved; If so, whether such misconduct is such as to render the member organisation affected with regard to whom it is proved unfit to be on the register of members of the Institute; If so, the Disciplinary Committee may direct that; No further action is to be taken against the member organisation; or The member organisation is to be reprimanded; or THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

20 The member organisation s membership shall be continued but only subject to such conditions as the Disciplinary Committee think fit; or The member organisation shall be suspended upon such conditions as the Disciplinary Committee think fit; The member organisation shall be expelled and his name removed from the register of members of the Institute; provided that the Disciplinary Committee may postpone its decision or any part of it, either generally or on such terms as it may approve. 26. The Disciplinary Committee shall notify the member organisation and the complainant of their determination as soon as is reasonably practicable in writing. 27. Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee may be published. The extent of the publication will be at the discretion of the Chairman of the Institute, in consultation with the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee. 28. Applications for Relief may be lodged by any member organisation who, by direction of the Disciplinary Committee, has been expelled or suspended or had its membership continued only subject to conditions may apply in writing to the Secretary for the restoration of its name to the register or for the revocation of conditions imposed or for a variation of a condition imposed as the case may be. 29. Any such application shall be made in writing to the Secretary stating the grounds on which it is made and signed by the Director of the applicant organisation. 30. No application for restoration of a name to the register shall be entertained by the Disciplinary Committee unless supported by at least two members currently upon the register of the Institute. 31. The Disciplinary Committee shall afford a representative of the applicant organisation if requested an opportunity of appearing before them in person or by a solicitor or counsel and of adducing evidence orally or in writing. The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the application in private unless it considers that in the interest of justice or for some other compelling reason the application should be considered in public. 32. The procedure of the Disciplinary Committee in connection with the application shall be such as they may determine. 33. The Committee may if they think fit adjourn consideration of the application from one meeting to another. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20

21 34. The Secretary shall communicate to the applicant organisation and to the objector, if any, the decision of the Committee and to the Secretary of the Institute. THE TUTORS ASSOCIATION 20