(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order confers additional functions on the General Teaching Council for Wales. The Council’s functions include establishing and maintaining a register of teachers, issuing a Code of Practice laying down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of registered teachers, exercising disciplinary powers in relation to registered teachers and persons applying for registration and giving advice about teaching issues to the National Assembly for Wales.
The Council is specified as a designated authority in the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (First General System) Regulations 2005, which are made under the European Communities Act 1972. Those Regulations give effect to Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration. This Order confers on the Council the function of acting as a designated authority. As a designated authority the Council is to deal with applications from persons who qualified in a relevant state (member states of the European Community, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) for recognition of their professional qualifications
The Council is also given the additional function of providing information and advice to the public about the requirements for recognition in Wales of teaching qualifications obtained in a relevant state.