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Pembrokeshire College staff member struck off for unacceptable professional conduct

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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.

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Closure of Tata Steel’s coke ovens sparks political and union backlash

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THE recent announcement by Tata Steel to close the coke ovens at its Port Talbot plant in South Wales has ignited a firestorm of political and industrial action, highlighting the deepening crisis within the British steel industry and the challenges facing the transition to green steel.

Jo Stevens MP, the Shadow Welsh Secretary, expressed her concerns over the impact of the closure on the Welsh steel industry and the workers affected. Stevens emphasized the need for assurances about the workers’ immediate future and pledged that a UK Labour government would invest in the steel industry to support the transition to green steel, harnessing the skills, talent, and ambition of Welsh steelworkers.

The closure, slated for Wednesday due to concerns over the ovens’ “operational stability,” has been criticized by regional Senedd Members for South Wales West, Tom Giffard MS, and Dr. Altaf Hussain MS. They accused the Labour Welsh Government of neglecting its support for the Tata Steelworks in Port Talbot, highlighting a lack of financial assistance since 2019 and calling for a change in response to the current developments.

Unite, the UK’s leading union, has been vocal in its opposition to Tata’s decision, describing it as a shock and a “result of years of betrayal.” The union criticized Tata for not disclosing the imminent risk of closure during recent consultations and announced a ballot for industrial action among 1,500 Tata workers. Unite insists there should be no job losses at Port Talbot or Llanwern and that a blast furnace should remain operational.

Peter Hughes, Unite’s regional secretary for Wales, called for Tata to halt its closure plans in anticipation of Labour’s promised £3 billion investment to rejuvenate the UK steel industry. He accused Tata of managing the decline of UK steel while accepting government subsidies, describing the company’s actions as “deliberate industrial vandalism.”

The closure has not only raised concerns about the future of steel production in the UK but also spotlighted the political and economic strategies required to ensure the industry’s survival and transition towards more sustainable practices. The unfolding situation underscores the need for a collaborative approach between the government, industry stakeholders, and the workforce to navigate the complex challenges ahead.

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Firefighters tackle blaze at block of garages in Monkton

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ONE person was injured as a result of a sunday afternoon garage fire in a block of garages in Monkton.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service told The Pembrokeshire Herald said: “At 1.31pm on March 17, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven crews were called to extinguish a fire in an alight central garage and were forced to use two breathing apparatus and two hose reels.

“The firefighters reportedly left the scene at 3.02pm after continuing to dampen the fire and check for fire spread.

“The casualty was treated by ambulance service personnel also in attendance.”

The police confirmed that a garage fire had been dealt with by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Welsh Ambulance Service attended.

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Air ambulance called following incident at Aldi Pembroke Dock

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THE WALES AIR AMBULANCE, along with the Welsh Ambulance Service and police were called on Monday morning to an incident at the Aldi supermarket car park in Pembroke Dock.

The Herald understands that the alarm was raised after a car hit a person in the car park after 9am.

We have been told that the incident involved a local taxi.

The emergency services have been asked for a comment.

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