Where to go for advice for FE teacher not in a union

[BouncyFlouncy]

Just as the title says really, DH is a FE teacher and has a situation at work over alleged plagiarism that he missed. He is currently suspended on full pay while the investigate and is not in a union. All unions (to my knowledge) won't help on issues that arose prior to membership and googling has not brought up any suggestions on where he could go for help. So lovely knowledgeable Vipers, please help!

That's really hard for him. I think it is worth joining a union even now (I'm amazed any teacher hasn't, though too late now). Even if they wouldn't help in terms of taking on a case for him, they could surely give advice.

Have you got legal cover with your home insurance? That would cover employment issues.

Home insurance might have some legal cover.

For anyone who stumbles across this thread: this is why ALL people in education should get union membership.

I work for the NUT and we would offer advice, but not representation.

Acas has pretty comprehensive guidance eon disciplinary procedures and he should look at the employer's own policy.

Essentially they do an investigation, once done they decide if they want to take action. If the do it would move to a disciplinary hearing. At that point he would be able to see all evidence in order to argue his case. At this point he would be emphasising why he missed- stress, error etc. If they consider it misconduct then will then be something like written warning with a time limit (6 months). If gross misconduct they could dismiss without notice.