A military training instructor faced a professional standards committee for making inappropriate comments to teenage pupils at a Pembrokeshire pupil referral unit. Samuel Harvey, who worked at Pembrokeshire Learning Centre, was found to have engaged in various unacceptable behaviours, such as offering free nightclub entry to a student, disclosing personal information about his arrest, and commenting on his anticipation to spend the evening with his partner after her lip filler procedure. He was also accused of leaving a vape pen unattended on a school desk.
The Education Workforce Council (EWC) Wales fitness to practise committee determined that Harvey exhibited poor judgment and a lack of understanding of professional boundaries. Despite the panel acknowledging that his actions were misguided rather than malicious, they reprimanded him and required him to disclose the reprimand on his record for two years. Michelle McBreeze, the panel chair, highlighted Harvey’s failure to show remorse or engage with the EWC hearing as concerning.
Harvey did not attend the hearing, nor did he respond to the allegations or provide representation. He disputed all accusations brought against him. While some allegations were not proven, the ones deemed as proved were considered as unacceptable professional conduct. The panel’s decision included a reprimand on Harvey’s registration, enabling him to continue working in educational settings but mandating the disclosure of the reprimand for a specified period.
Additional allegations that were not substantiated included making inappropriate comments about students’ personal attributes and behaviours, as well as vaping and consuming banned energy drinks on school premises. Despite his previous good record, Harvey’s lack of engagement and accountability during the proceedings influenced the panel’s ruling. The reprimand will remain on his record for two years, with the option to appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
The implications of Harvey’s misconduct highlight the importance of upholding professional standards and boundaries within educational environments. The EWC’s decision serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on educators to maintain appropriate conduct and interactions with students. Such incidents underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for all individuals involved in the education sector.