No allegations to be delivered on a Friday

Bad news should not be delivered after 3.30pm on a Friday, writes CAROL HOWARD.

In May 2005 Federation approached the Director of the Employee Performance and Conduct (EPAC) Unit in regard to Federation's concerns over members who had been given letters on a Friday afternoon, particularly when it was after 3.30pm, about matters pertaining to efficiency or allegations of a serious nature which may be misconduct. As you can imagine, receiving allegations that you have engaged in misconduct is extremely distressing. The distress of such a situation has even led to the situation where a few of our members have attempted self harm.

When yet another member informed us that a Department of Education and Training (DET) employee had hand delivered allegations after 3.30pm on a Friday, Federation again approached EPAC to be assured that the Director had advised school education directors and principals of the inappropriateness of delivering bad news on a Friday afternoon.

On May 23, 2006 the EPAC Director provided a Memorandum to all school education directors and regional directors requesting that this material not be provided whenever possible on a Friday. The memorandum has also clearly stated that this applies to matters in regard to efficiency programs when the teacher is to be directed to alternate duties. Regretfully, the memorandum was not addressed to the principals. It merely requested Directors to bring the recommendation to the attention of principals.

The fact DET acted upon Federation's concerns about this issue is a significant victory. Many members have expressed great concerns over being placed in the distressing situation of receiving disturbing news on a Friday afternoon and being unable to contact the appropriate professionals to seek necessary advice.

Carol Howard is a Welfare Officer.

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June 2006 contents