Jack Goodwin sacking: Beverley Grammar School defends decision
A BEVERLEY academy has defended its disciplinary process after a teacher was dismissed ahead of a court hearing clearing him of assault.
Chemistry teacher Jack Goodwin lost his job at Beverley Grammar School after being charged with grievous bodily harm in a town pub.
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Appeal: Jack Goodwin, a former chemistry teacher at Beverley Grammar School, was cleared of assault charges last week.
The 36-year-old endured a seven-month ordeal waiting for his court case, only to be told on the day of his trial the Crown Prosecution Service was offering no evidence.
He now wants his job back after CCTV evidence cleared him over a fight in the Cross Keys pub, Lairgate.
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The decision to dismiss Mr Goodwin was taken by governors at the academy.
Chris Bodsworth, chairman of governors at Beverley Grammar School, has now defended the disciplinary process operated by the academy in cases of alleged misconduct.
Mr Bodsworth said: "We use East Riding Council's human resources department and the advice was to not necessarily delay for a court case.
"We have to follow the process. It's a standard thing."
Mr Bodsworth said the appeal against dismissal is expected to be heard by governors at the boys' secondary school within a fortnight.
Mr Goodwin is unable to comment for legal reasons, as his appeal is pending.
But his father Chris Goodwin, who retired as head teacher of Beverley Grammar School last summer, is hoping his son will be back at school before the end of term.
Mr Goodwin Sr, who enjoyed a 36-year career at the school, said: "We are hoping for a quick resolution to this and to get Jack back in the classroom where he belongs, hopefully before the end of the summer term.
"We hope the appeal will be heard within the next two weeks.
"It will be important for him to be back in the classroom before the end of term so he can reorientate himself.
"We would like to see him welcomed back at school as soon as possible."
Mr Goodwin said his son, who received 40 character references from colleagues to present to the court, has had huge support.
He said: "The support from students and from staff has been absolutely tremendous.
"It's very heartening that people recognise his qualities and his teaching skills."
Jack Goodwin was appointed as a teacher at the school by a previous head teacher six years ago.
He was promoted at the start of the academic year by the new head teacher, Grahame Hodson, to learning co-ordinator, which is a head-of-year role.
Mr Hodson has said he is unable to comment about the disciplinary process as it is not yet concluded, with an appeal pending.
Comments
by horbaczewski
Saturday, July 14 2012, 6:39PM
“Loving the amount of red arrows! Hilarious.”
by hookbeak
Saturday, July 14 2012, 2:10PM
“Well, i hope that in future no one reports every one of BSandra's posts that they come across.
That would be awful.”
by cleartome
Thursday, July 12 2012, 7:45PM
“On the issue of "Employment Law" an employer has the responsibility to show "Just and Fair" treatment to its employees, and to justify terminating employment they would need to be able to say with certainty that any other "Fair and Reasonable" employer would have taken the same action. (I doubt that this employer would find many to back them)
With the benefit of hindsight (and the Judges decision that there is no case to answer) it would seem that the decision taken was somewhat premature, as the allegation was completely unfounded, and it might have been wiser to suspend Jack and await the outcome of his trial!
This will almost certainly be the conclusion of an Industrial Tribunal if this is taken to an "Unfair Dismissal" which I sincerely hope will not be necessary.
I hope that common sense will prevail and that Jack Goodwin will be swiftly re-instated ASAP, so that the distress to him and his family can end, and the clear injustice resolved for the good of all.”
by BSandra
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 11:00PM
“I have received a few not very nice comments today, which the newspaper insisted had to be deleted. Please, polite replies only.”
by hookbeak
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 5:01PM
“Aggression ? seriously ?”
by BSandra
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:48PM
“by hookbeak
"Not sure what BSandra's incisive post there achieved. Was there a point to it ?"
Where is this agression coming from? No, there was no point. I just pressed the button by mistake.”
by Rockchick_36
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:47PM
“No me neither Hookbeak.”
by hookbeak
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:40PM
“Not sure what BSandra's incisive post there achieved. Was there a point to it ?”
by BSandra
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:31PM
“hookbeak
"How well he did his job is irrelevant. He got involved in a fight. As a result, he was asked to leave his job. What's the problem? "
I guess the fact that he's innocent is the problem.
You are not allowed to fire someone for being innocent of a crime, that would be insane."”
by hookbeak
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:28PM
“How well he did his job is irrelevant. He got involved in a fight. As a result, he was asked to leave his job. What's the problem? "
I guess the fact that he's innocent is the problem.
You are not allowed to fire someone for being innocent of a crime, that would be insane.”