The Education Appeals Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Tuesday 30 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included consideration of an appeal against the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, alongside procedural matters and guidance for the committee.

Appeal Against Disciplinary Hearing Outcome

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an appeal against the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, identified as Case 01. This item, along with the Authority Submission and Appellant Submission, was designated as exempt information, meaning the public and media representatives were to be excluded from this part of the meeting. The specific details of the disciplinary hearing and the grounds for appeal were not publicly available due to their confidential nature, relating to information about employees or former employees. The procedure for the sub-committee outlined that the Authority's case would be presented, followed by questions from the appellant, then the appellant's case, and further questions from the Authority's representative and committee members. Closing statements would then be made before the committee deliberated and announced its decision.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members of the sub-committee were reminded of their legal obligations under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010¹. This duty requires them to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity between those with and without protected characteristics; and foster good relations between different groups. The protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Members were directed to consider any Integrated Impact Assessments (IIAs) provided within reports, which would indicate potential differential impacts of proposed actions on individuals with protected characteristics. The sub-committee was to consider these assessments when reaching decisions.

Education Appeals Sub-Committee Procedure and Guidance

The meeting also included a review of the Education Appeals Sub-Committee Procedure. The guidance for members emphasised the importance of objectivity, fairness, and allowing all parties a chance to be heard. Members were instructed not to pre-judge cases, to listen to evidence, and to consider whether an authorised officer had acted reasonably in exercising delegated powers. The guidance stressed that appeals are a review, not a re-hearing, and that the committee should assess the reasonableness of the officer's decision rather than simply substituting their own preferred outcome. Members were also reminded to be aware of and understand relevant policies and procedures, and not to seek to revise them during an appeal hearing. The standard of proof for these civil matters was noted as the balance of probabilities.