Voice backs Commissioner's anonymity call

18 April 2008

Voice: the union for education professionals has backed calls by Scotland's Children's Commissioner for anonymity for teachers accused of abuse.

Voice General Secretary Philip Parkin said: "Children need protection, but those who work with them - both teachers and support staff - are entitled to protection too.

"The lives and careers of innocent people have been ruined by false allegations of abuse, even after they have been acquitted of any offence. Being falsely accused and suspended can cause severe personal distress and long-term damage to the accused's career.

"Splashing someone's name across the front page of a newspaper because they have been accused of something but not charged is trial by media. A small paragraph on an inside page weeks later reporting that the charges have been dropped is not acceptable - mud sticks.

"An accusation of abuse should never be ignored, for fear that a child, pupil or student may be at risk, but neither should the accused be obliged to wear the mantle of guilt.

"It is time for teachers and support staff to be given some basic rights and safeguards. Among these should be the right to anonymity unless and until charged with a criminal offence.

"The necessary legislation to effect this should be introduced as soon as possible."