A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Linsey McPherson, has been permitted to continue her career in teaching despite having been convicted of embezzlement on two separate occasions. The decision follows an investigation by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), the independent regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland.
The GTCS initiated an investigation last year into Ms McPherson’s fitness to teach after her convictions came to light. She qualified as a teacher in 2024 following her studies. The GTCS’s role is to ensure public protection and maintain proper teaching standards.
Details from the GTCS report indicate Ms McPherson’s first convictions date back to 2006, when she was found guilty of seven charges of fraudulent scheme and three of embezzlement at Inverness Sheriff Court. Embezzlement is considered a serious crime of dishonesty in Scotland, characterised by the dishonest appropriation of entrusted property, often involving a breach of trust.
A second conviction occurred in 2018 at Tain Sheriff Court, where Ms McPherson was found guilty of embezzling approximately £4,000 while serving as a treasurer for a nursery.
Following its review, the GTCS panel concluded that Ms McPherson’s actions constituted misconduct and that her fitness to teach was impaired. However, the panel opted against removing her from the teaching profession. Instead, a formal warning has been placed on her registration. Such warnings are one of the disciplinary actions available to the GTCS when addressing issues of teacher conduct.
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In its reasoning, the GTCS report noted “a pattern of similar behaviour, albeit with a ten-year gap between the offences.” The panel expressed concern that “the same type of offence had occurred over a ten-year period which was indicative of it not being an isolated event. However, it was unable to conclude that recurrence was more likely.”
Despite these concerns, the panel took into account several mitigating factors. The report stated: “However, it considered that the Teacher had admitted the conduct. She had demonstrated insight into the conduct in her reflective statements and had fully engaged with the requirements of her community payback order and had [Redacted], reflecting on the conduct, accepting that it was linked to her character.”
Furthermore, witness statements were deemed relevant by the panel, showcasing “the Teacher’s insight and the remediation undertaken, noting that the Teacher currently holds a position of trust as [Redacted].” The GTCS operates with the principle of applying the minimum regulatory force necessary to achieve its objectives, focusing on managing future risk rather than solely punishing past actions.
