The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Former director falsified teacher figures
A former education chief has admitted falsifying data on teacher numbers in order to meet targets set by the Scottish Government.
Andrew Sutherland resigned from his role as executive director of education at North Lanarkshire Council in 2016 amid an investigation into allegations that he submitted inaccurate information on the pupil-to-teacher ratio at schools in the area.
The data was submitted to the Scottish Government between September and November in 2014 for the annual census.
“Mr Sutherland had instructed colleagues to make changes”
A General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) panel found Mr Sutherland had instructed colleagues to make changes to the data in the statistical return in order to present the ratio as lower than it had been – knowing that the lower figure would be inaccurate.
The panel stated Mr Sutherland’s intention had been to save the council from embarrassment and to avoid a penalty.
It heard he accepts the seriousness of the allegation and noted he has shown remorse for his actions.
Mr Sutherland is now employed as director of education and early years at Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council in Greater Manchester.