Who attends a hearing and what are their roles?

Many people attend the hearing, including:

• The panel: Three members of the Discipline Committee or Fitness to Practise Committee who will hear and decide the matter.
• The parties: The member and the Ontario College of Teachers. The College is always represented by legal counsel (College Counsel). The member can be represented by counsel or can represent themselves.
• Independent Legal Counsel: The lawyer appointed to provide legal advice and guidance to the Discipline Committee or Fitness to Practise Committee. Independent Legal Counsel cannot provide legal advice to the College, to members or to witnesses in a proceeding. They are neutral and have no interest in the outcome of the hearing.
• Tribunals Staff: Staff from the Tribunals Office who provide administrative and technological support to the panel and the parties involved in the hearing.
• Court Reporter: An independent third-party who prepares the official transcript or written record of everything that is said during the hearing.
• Witnesses: Individuals who provide evidence under oath, either orally or in writing, to help prove or disprove allegations against a member.
• Public observers: Members of the public or media who are present to observe the hearing. All public observers must complete and submit an Attendance Request Form at least two business days in advance of the hearing.