Schooling the investigators
01 September 2009
Ethical Standards Unit senior investigator Kelly-Jane Doyle takes part in a hospitality lesson at Aspley State High School.
Ethical Standards Unit investigators have been visiting Brisbane schools to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the issues and challenges teachers face.
Senior investigators Kelly-Jane Doyle and Mark Beckett recently spent time at Aspley State High School observing a number of classes.
'The aim of the visits was two-fold,' Ms Doyle said.
'Firstly, to familiarise ourselves with the current school and classroom environment and day-to-day challenges faced by teachers and other employees of the department.
'Secondly, it was an opportunity to liaise with staff at the school and answer any questions or provide advice about the Code of Conduct and Student Protection Policy.
Ms Doyle said the Ethical Standards Unit was mindful of maintaining perspective.
'Although much of our work relates to complaints of alleged inappropriate behaviour, we share the view that the overwhelming majority of our teachers are dedicated professionals who do a great job in sometimes difficult circumstances,' she said.
The former police investigator mentors regional and TAFE investigators, and works on some of the more serious or complex allegations of misconduct such as sexual misconduct, fraud, misuse of resources and conflicts of interests.
'Our role is to find out exactly what the circumstances are regarding an allegation,' Ms Doyle said.
'Only after all the available evidence is gathered will any conclusions be made.
'Our investigations often identify that no misconduct has occurred, and in this way our processes should also be seen as a safety net for those who have done nothing wrong.'
Mr Beckett, also a former police investigator, said the Aspley State High visit was a valuable learning experience.
Senior investigator Mark Beckett observes a woodwork class at Aspley State High.
'My role was to observe the class and how the teachers deal with issues that arise,' Mr Beckett said.
'The main lesson I learned was the need for patience and effective communication skills when dealing with students.'
Based at Education House in Brisbane, the Ethical Standards Unit has 26 staff, 14 of whom are investigators.
Ethical Standards Unit director Andre Legosz said managing complaints of staff misconduct included conducting investigations, report writing, identification of systemic issues and making recommendations on remedial actions.
'We deal with a large number of complaints each year and refer the most serious allegations to the Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Queensland Police Service,' Mr Legosz said.
The unit is responsible for managing the department's Ethics Awareness Strategy which focuses on ethical leadership and includes prevention, education and training.
The unit also facilitates code of conduct and investigations training on request, publishes fact sheets and newsletters, develops policy and provides policy advice, manages the Ethics Network and has an intranet site with advice and guidance on ethical issues.
For more information, email ethicalstandards@deta.qld.gov.au or phone 3237 0255.
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