As teachers we strive to create a culture of learning for students that values safety, respect, integrity and accountability. ICMTA takes violations of the ICMTA Code of Ethics very seriously. This section outlines what to do if  you have a grievance / complaint regarding an ICMTA member teacher or organisation who you believe may have contravened the ICMTA Code of Ethics.

Complaints can be challenging for all the people involved. It is our intention to offer a process of inquiry that is responsible, ethical, kind and as inclusive as possible for the Complainant (Person lodging the Complaint), Complainee (person or Organisational Member / School who has been complained about).

Please check the steps to follow at this page.

Complainant = Person making the Complaint

Complainee = Person who has been complained about

2. Who Will Be Involved In The Grievance Procedure?

All Grievances will be confidentially reviewed by a specially convened pop up circle called ICMTA Grievance Handling Circle consisting of:

• ICMTA Ethics Working Group + 1 x ICMTA Board member
• In some circumstances an ICMTA member who is a local representative in the geographic area of the complaint.

In the case of a grievance brought against an ICMTA Ethics Working Group member or ICMTA Board Member then this person would not be involved in this circle.

3. The Grievance Procedure

The Complainant contacts ICMTA Ethics Circle with a complaint. The Circle will speak with them to clarify what they want, e.g. support to have a conversation with complainant, mediation with the complainant, or to trigger a formal ICMTA Grievance Procedure.

• If they wish to pursue a formal ICMTA Grievance Procedure, the Complainant will be sent the ICMTA Grievance Procedure and ICMTA Grievance Submission form.
  
  
• In cases where English language may be an issue e.g. Complainant and Complainee living in non-English speaking country, then we recommend an ‘on the ground’ intermediary / translator be chosen between ICMTA Ethics Working Group and the Complainant.
  
  
• If the Complainee is an ICMTA member teacher, ICMTA Ethics Working Group will check with the ICMTA Office Manager that the Complainee is a current paid up member of ICMTA.
  
  
• Once the ICMTA Grievance Submission form is received back from the Complainant the ICMTA Ethics Circle will notify the Complainant that it has been received and the ICMTA Grievance Submission form will be passed directly to ICMTA Ethics Working Group for confidential handling.
  
  
• ICMTA Ethics Working Group will read all materials from the Complainant and meet within 6 weeks to discuss appropriate guidance to offer the Complainee to assist them in developing their defence.
  
  
• The ICMTA Ethics Working Group will then send the defence response guidance to the Complainee.
  
  
• The Complainee must file their defence response within 6 weeks or a decision will be made without these materials . In the case of a complaint against ICMTA the response will come from the circle in which the complaint is focused.
  
  
• The ICMTA Grievance Handling Circle will meet within 8 weeks of the date of receipt of complaint to:
  
• • Review the complaint and defence materials.
  • Decide what actions be implemented by ICMTA.
  • Decide if it is necessary to send a local mediator/investigator to further review the situation at the cost of the two parties involved.
• Notification of the decision and closure of the case will be written by the ICMTA Ethics Working Group and mailed to all parties involved within 2 weeks after the final meeting.