Head teachers' union accuses DESC of 'misusing' disciplinary procedures

NAHT will ask members if they support moving to a ballot for industrial action

School leaders on the Isle of Man are being asked whether they support moving to a ballot for industrial action.

The National Association for Head Teachers (NAHT) says it's taking steps to protect its members from what it calls 'further misuse' of disciplinary proceedings by the Department of Education.

It also believes agreed policies and procedures are being disregarded and its officials are being 'victimised'.

Calling the ballot a 'last resort', the union says some of its concerns may constitute unlawful conduct, and represent 'multiple breaches of employment policies and professional standards'.

Rob Kelsall, assistant general secretary, said: "This decision was not taken lightly. But after months of inaction, repeated policy breaches, and a failure to uphold basic employment rights, it is now unavoidable.

"The integrity of our profession - and the dignity of our members - is on the line. We will not stand-by and see school leaders being treated with contempt and their union representatives subjected to a witch-hunt and victimised."

The union's highlighted four areas of what it calls 'critical' concern:

• Victimisation of NAHT members and officials, potentially amounting to trade union detriment and breaches of protected employment rights.
• Repeated and serious breaches of the Fairness at Work Policy, particularly the failure to uphold its core values of fairness, tolerance, understanding, and respect.
• Misuse of the Disciplinary Procedure for Teachers, in direct contradiction to the stated principle that such procedures should support professional development, not impose punitive sanctions.
• Breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Servants, including a failure to model appropriate leadership behaviours and uphold expected standards of professional and ethical conduct.

In a statement, the NAHT says: "The concerns brought to us go far beyond the experiences of any one or two individuals. 

"We believe they reflect a persistent and systemic pattern of behaviour, which may constitute unlawful conduct, and certainly represent multiple breaches of employment policies and professional standards."

Describing the move to an indicative ballot as a 'last resort', it says: "Despite repeated calls for intervention by the Isle of Man Government — including requests for engagement from the Manx Industrial Relations Service — our concerns have been met with inaction. 

While assurances were previously given that an independent review would be conducted, no such progress has been made."

"We remain committed to finding a constructive resolution and believe these steps are necessary to rebuild trust and ensure fairness for all. But we must be clear: the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of our members is non-negotiable."

Manx Radio has approached the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for a response.

In a statement, it says: "The Department is aware of the communications that have been issued to the media by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) advising that they will ask members if they support moving to a ballot for industrial action.

"In relation to the allegations the Department completely refutes these claims. They do not reflect the standards or values we uphold within DESC.

"The department remains committed to working constructively with all recognised teaching unions and professional associations.

"We continue to engage on key matters including pay, working conditions, and professional support for educators.

"A respectful and collaborative relationship with all education partners – including school leaders and their representatives – is essential to delivering the best outcomes for learners across the Isle of Man.

"We remain open to meaningful dialogue to support that goal."