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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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I almost posted this on steam room but decided here instead.
I'm absolutely devastated!
I was called into the head's office this afternoon to be given a letter.
They are instigating capability procedures against me. It is only at management stage at the moment, but nevertheless can imagine how I feel!!!
He gave me all the bull**** about've been having how he knows I have been having a rough time......
AAARRRRGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Oh Maria - how dreadful. Please, please ring NRAS for some advice. Also, you could ask for a volunteer call from Bob Campbell who is a disability rights and employment law specialst.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Thanks for the advice Jean.
The problem is that this is not entirely down to RA as it is fairy well controlled. I have had some flares in recent months, but am now on mtx so will take time to improve. Unfortunately we have a head who has an agenda against more experienced members of staff. He has twice tried to get me to step down as head of dept under the pretext that it would help my health!! Added to this I have the collegue from hell in my dept who has done everything she can to undermine me and cause trouble and I suspect she's behind it as the things I'm accused of can only have come from her. I can do my job- many of the accusations are administrative issues and some of them are laughable!
Nevertheless it has really upset me and just as I was starting to feel better I'm terrified all this will cause a flare.
Maria x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Maria,
Sorry all this is happening to you.
Try not to worry too much, you know how good you are and they are not worth getting upset about.
Love and hugs, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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This is awful for you, Maria, and I truly hope it does not trigger a flare. Have you got a Union rep you can speak to? I had trouble with a Head once over medical issues and my rep informed County Hall and they were not amused. He was called in to see the Administrative Officer and had his hands metaphorically slapped. My GP also made a written complaint, which helped. Sometimes it helps to keep a written log of occasions when you have been undermined, or your colleague-from-hell has acted out of turn.Write everything down, make photo copies, and leave one set with a rep or a trusted colleague. You have done nothing wrong, and as you say, the Head is working to a nasty agenda - to save money by getting rid of experienced teachers is SO short-sighted, and damaging to kids and school. Take care, and try to stay positive. Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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Maria
It doesnt sound a good work environment. I think they do not appreciate you (more fools them) perhaps you should look elsewhere for work undercover as well as look in to what support and advice you can get for the situation. Its important that you have a good environment particularly with RA effects the stamina lifes too short to put up with these type of politics and attitudes.
Wishing you the best
Mari
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Thanks for your support and sympathy, ladies. He has a track record of this- 4 heads of dept have already been pressured into stepping down/ leaving and one had a breakdown. None of us were originally appointed by him! He has been treading carefully with me up to now but I think that because I wouldn't step down voluntarily he's putting pressure on me. The bugger seems quite well informed about RA as he was talking about the effects of stress. If he's trying to contribute to it then he won't get far- my gp is great. Kathleen- I hadn't thought of the financial implications. He recently announced that we have a budget shortfall for next year......the timing may be coincidence of course, but he has raised issues that seem to have come out of the blue this last week. The daft thing is that I have been taken to task over things I'm not even responsible for  ! I'm already in touch with my union - just waiting to hear from the local rep. Meanwhile I've been reading the county policy document and union advice (that's why I'm writing this at 3.am) on capability procedures. Fortunately I have a lot of support from colleagues- I have been at the school a long time , I'm well respected and I have always enjoyed good working relationships. Funny how it's changed recently  . Mari- you're absolutely right- life is too short. To be honest I probably would be better off stepping down, but I don't see why I should be forced to. I know I've got a lot of pride but the fact is, I'm doing a good job, I'm not incapable and this is basically a stitch up. I suppose I'd better get to bed. Sorry to rabbit on. maria x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Just want to send you a bug ((((((HUG))))))
I don't know if this is any help, but have you thought of ringing the ACAS helpline 0845 7474747?
They should beable to tell you what your employment rights are.
Take Care
Paula x x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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oh maria.
I went through this when I was first teaching with a she witch of a head teacher, put me through capability because I had sick days.
Under the DDA, they cannot penalise you for days off due to disabling condition.
she then backed off and said I wasnt a "team player" honestly- a load of tosh.
there is new legislation now about bullying of staff by head teachers. Your union will advise and support you.
Mine were fantastic
NASUWT.
I got another job in the end, got away from the cow! I should have left the moment she started really and just done supply or something. But I was young and wanted to build up my CV....
I did write about it all on the old forum I will try and find the post and copy it onto here.
Jenni xxhow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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Here is the post
This happened to me back in 1999.
I worked in a school full time teaching. When I applied for the post I declared I had RA.
My boss (the head teacher) was really a bully to a lot of the staff but I was singled out because of my disability. Whenever the school was visited by an advisor she would prime the advisor that I was incapable and so the advisor looked out for the things in my lesson this head could use as ammuntion.
It got to a point where she was being so awful I got the union in and they insisted I be watched by someone who hadnt spoken to the head, and compared results of observations. Well, I basically got a good rating on the ofsted scale. In a nut shell it made her back down.
Unfortunately, the bullying continued in other ways- snide remarks about me "slacking off" on playground duty because i asked my class room assistant to help me out by walking the other end of the field, refusing to allow me to bring tablets into school (even if kept in staff room) etc.
I had to have time in hospital (drugs not working) and the head would ring the ward and insist on speaking to me. When i answered she would demand that I send her some lesson plans to complete with my class while I was away!! When i said "no way i cant, im in hospital on a drip" she said that was the kind of unprofessional response she had come to expect.
When my contract came up for renewal she told me the "governors" had insisted i have a full medical as they were "concerned" for my well being. I found out that she had told the governors I was always having time off for little ailments (including chicken pox) and that i was a liability on their insurance! I did go for the medical and they said that with the right support I was fine to teach. My union informed me that normal practice would be to refer for medical assessment only if I had had 100 days absence- i had had 37 in a year.
I returned to my post in the sept having passed the medical. The school was over staffed (the head had appointed 3 new staff 3 months before) and so she engineered an interviewing system when she decided what skill the school most needed and who was best placed to offer them. Surprise surprise Me and 2 other flavours of the month got made redundant. Cited that I wasn't a team player of all things- which really hurt as I am such a people person, work closely with colleagues, parents etc. Totally untrue.
I went onto another post which was 1 yr fixed term and then onto another school part time.
I was much better supported in these posts. I found the application process very, very subjective. It was impossible to complain about Disability discrimination because they would just site "we couldnt see you fitting in with the existing team" etc.
What a load of balls! I have sat through 2 days of interviews where I am more experienced and qualified then all of the others and been offered the job verbally then to get a call when they have read the back page of the application form which says I have RA which is controlled by drugs. to hear that someone had mis read some information and they have changed their minds.
When asking the union about this they say there is nothing they can do there is no law about discriminating against the SICK only the disabled.
This is a constant battle for many teachers with chronic health conditions.
I might add, my last teaching post was great. They couldnt have been a more supportive bunch and I worked hard for them and won an excellence award. Not bad from a teacher who was "incapable!!!"
Jennihow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Gosh how awful for you, I hope you get satisfaction from NRAS , the Union etc.
Easier said than done but try to keep strong and get your sleep - Up at 3 am
will not be good for you.
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Oh Jenni- bless you!!!
Thanks for the post- it gives me comfort that I'm not the only one.
What really upsets me is that I've been a head of dept for 30 yrs and like you, I've always been a people person. I have always- and still do- enjoy excellent working relationships with
colleagues and have never had any problems until this new woman joined my dept. Funny how it's suddenly happened over the last year. The Head's so called 'concerns' are based solely on her opinions- when I looked at the list it was obvious where they had come from as none of them relate to my other colleague. It will be interesting to see what evidence he produces.
Some of the concerns are actually quite funny and blatantly untrue- he obviously has his facts wrong as he mentions my organisation of practical exams- I don't do practical exams! Another accusation was lack of consultation over timetabling- I didn't do it this year!!!!
I'm actually looking forward to seeing his reaction when I point this out to him.
It would appear that he's carefully avoiding the fact that I have RA and doesn't seem to be using this aganst me at the moment. No doubt he will say something about the fact that he has given me support already- which he has, to a point, but ony to protect himself. However, if I have a flare in the next couple of days , caused by the stress, I'm gong to see my gp. I didn't sleep last night and athough I'm trying to be positive I am worried sick because it seems from yours, and others' experiences that these people can really make your life a misery and you can't do anything about it. Having seen other 'elderly' colleagues go through the same thing I knw it could be a long road.
Our school used to be a fantastic place- and in many ways still is- but this guy has turned it into a cutthroat environment. I keep wondering if I should step down as HOD -in some ways it would make my life easier but he would only appoint her and working under her would be even worse. Besides- why should I? I've done nothing wrong. I don't really want the hassle of applying for other jobs as I'm getting on a bit. As a drama teacher I would be expected to do productions which I can't do because of the RA. I could consider other things but I resent the fact that my hand is being forced. Friends tell me that my health is more important, which it is, but it's so difficult to keep everything in perspective.
Anyway- enough about me. I'm so pleased that things are improving for you- you are such a warm, supportive person that you deserve it!
Love
Maria x
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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Hi Maria, I`m glad your GP is so supportive - mine was a fantastic help in my struggle with the evil Head, who was eventually warned that he risked alienating the county`s GP`s when he actually questioned my treatment plan! One of the first things my GP told me to do was to get an answering machine - long before the days of built-in ones! - as the Head was prone to ring up sick staff and demand a progress report. I couldn`t help but chuckle at Jenni`s comment about lesson plans while on the ward - I was once taken to hospital by ambulance from school - not to do with RA, it was a torn Achilles tendon - and he wanted lesson plans before the ambulance came! Unbelievable!! I`m glad you`ve spoken to your union rep. In our LEA I had to go outside of school to get a rep, as ours was a woman, and he simply refused to deal with her.I can remember two occasions when someone had to come from the National Executive, over certain issues, not to do with me, but with another member of staff. You seem to have plenty of "ammunition" against your nasty colleague, which is good - he will be left with lots of egg on his face when this comes to the fore. Don`t step down unless it suits YOU, and if you do begin to flare, make sure your GP knows what`s caused it. Take care, Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Maria - I can't offer any advice at all on this one, but want you top know how much I feel for you in this truly awful situation.
Sending love and prayers
Jeanxxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Kathleen
Thanks for your posts. I suppose I'm naive and too trusting when it comes to assuming that long service and experience count these days. I've always been very fortunate in my colleagues- I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.
It's a horrible situation to be in, but comforting to know I'm not the only one. It's amazing how foul people can be. Unfortunately this colleague is a trained actress (seriously) who later became a teacher. She is very good at covering up and has even lied about me to my face in a meeting with the deputy head!!
My biggest mistake is I didn't take action over her earlier. But then, I'm the sort of person who would rather sort things out in a pleasant way and with most people it works. Not this one.
I've learned my lesson and from now on will deal with her as appropriate. I have been reading up about bullying in the workplace, this a blatant example, but will need to addressed later- the meeting this week is to discuss his 'concerns about my capabilties' so I've got to be careful not to go off at a tangent. One point he raised was my lack of dept meetings or those I did have were poorly organised. Truth is, I don't have them at the moment because of madam's unpleasantness. The deputy head said we should not have meetings without a third party- he was supposed to be organising them, but hasn't. So I will be asking that from Sept I will hold meetings but that a member of senior/ middle management must be there- otherwise no meeting.
Sorry to rabbit so much ut it odes help to discuss this ith othres who have been in the same boat AND understand the implications for RA.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Maria
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 872
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Hi Maria,
So sorry you are having such a horrible time. I just wanted to say I am thinking of you and can empathise considerably as going thru' very similar experiences in my work too xx
I think these situations will only become more commonplace as the country tightens its proverbial belt but hope it does help to know you are not alone.
I don't want to say too much on here but if you want to get my email from NRAS we could have a virtual cuppa coffee and slice of cake together whilst we remind ourselves of the important things in life and stay strong together, NRAS have been very supportive with advice and pointing me in the right direction for help and support,
Keep your chin up, stay smiling xx
Take care love Lizzie xxxxx
Your success and happiness lie in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invisible host against difficulties.
- Helen Keller |
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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thanks lizzie
I know I'm in the right, but I hate things like this. Never have been one for confrontation. It's just preying on my mind and I keep going through it in my head.
My husband tells me it's rife in the workplace these days.
Will be in touch
Maria x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Hi Maria, so sorry you are going through this. It is more common in the workplace now - but it doesn't mean that it's ok. When is the meeting booked for?
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 690
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Gosh Maria this sounds terrible. Have you considered taking out a grievance against this person? Glad to hear you've got your Union involved as what this person is doing sounds like harassment or a form of covert bullying, and should not be tolerated.
Good luck and I know that it is easier said than done, but do try not to let this person get to you.
love,
Barbara
XXXXX
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010
Posts: 576
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Wow Maria - sorry to be late in picking this up. You could almost be describing the situation at my school! I know it is no help to you but you are not at all alone. New heads who arrive and them want to appoint a new team who will do as they are told.
I know Jenni has been through similar too (my blood was boiling Jenni at the idea of being rung for cover while you are on a drip!) but if you want to talk, let me know and I will leave my number with NRAS.
This dreadful bullying has to stop. My classroom was used for new Y7 intake on Monday. I saw a questionnaire that had been given to Y6 and parents, rating things they thought were important in High school. One criteria was "young and enthusiastic staff"!!! Given that half of the English Dept are over 50, you can imagine how that made us feel!
Maria, I'm sure your union rep will tell you to document everything. A daily log of comments, actions etc will be good evidence if you do have to take this to a tribunal over bullying. Stay strong and positive and keep posting. You have all of us rooting for you! Thinking of you lots XX Ailsa
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