News

Pembrokeshire College staff member struck off for unacceptable professional conduct

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2023

IN A CASE involving allegations of “unacceptable professional conduct,” a staff member at Pembrokeshire College has been removed from their position.

David Loosmore, who worked as a work-based practitioner and learning support worker, will be unable to seek reinstatement on the register for a period of two years.

The Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council conducted an investigation into Mr. Loosmore’s actions. It was revealed that between December 2018 and April 2021, he had reportedly written or altered job reports and portfolio work belonging to a student referred to as Pupil A. These materials were then uploaded to the college system under the pretence that they were the student’s original work.

Furthermore, in March 2020, Mr. Loosmore was accused of soliciting a student’s password to the college system. Subsequently, he was found to have accessed the student’s account multiple times between May 2020 and January 2021.

The Fitness to Practise Committee reviewed the evidence and concluded that the allegations against Mr. Loosmore were valid. In their statement, the committee declared, “Having made these findings, the committee determined that Mr. Loosmore’s conduct was dishonest and demonstrated a lack of integrity.”

Mr. Loosmore has the option to appeal the decision within 28 days to the High Court. However, if he chooses not to appeal or apply for reinstatement on the register, he will remain permanently removed from his position.

The case highlights the importance of upholding professional standards within the education sector. Instances of dishonesty and breaches of integrity undermine the trust placed in educators and have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the wider educational community.

Pembrokeshire College remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among its staff members. The institution will continue to prioritise the well-being and educational development of its students, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.

It is crucial for all educational professionals to adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain the trust and confidence of students, colleagues, and the community as a whole. The Education Workforce Council’s decision in this case reinforces the principle that professional misconduct will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken to safeguard the integrity of the education system.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.