Reports of Harmful Supervisory Conduct by School Leaders

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Education (a) how many reports of harmful supervisory conduct by school leaders were received in the past three years; and (b) whether the Ministry has assessed if teachers feel safe using these channels without fear of impact on their appraisal or career progression.

My response covers both questions raised by Dr Wan Rizal on channels available for teachers to report harmful conduct by school leaders. [Please refer to "Adequacy and Safety of Whistleblowing Channels for Teachers on School Leader Misconduct, Safeguards Against Repercussions and Reporting Data in Past Three Years", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Written Answers to Questions section.]

Staff have multiple channels to provide feedback, raise workplace concerns and report any harmful or wrongful practices, including those involving supervisors or school leaders. These channels include "Let Us Listen" on the Ministry of Education's (MOE's) Intranet; "Contact human resource (HR)" via MOE's HR Online portal; or direct reporting to MOE Headquarters, including to the Permanent Secretary or HR Director. Staff may also approach their supervisors, school leaders or unions.

MOE takes such reports seriously and information shared will remain strictly confidential. Officers who report in good faith will not be penalised, if the allegation is not substantiated after investigation. It will also not affect their appraisal, posting and career progression.

Over the past three years, the number of reports concerning school leaders has remained low. MOE regularly gathers staff feedback through engagement platforms, such as dialogue sessions and employee engagement surveys. These surveys are voluntary and anonymous, and we continue to see strong participation from staff. MOE closely monitors feedback from such channels and takes prompt action to address the concerns if needed.