regulatory proceedings for the health and social care sector

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Alongside internal disciplinary, performance or capability proceedings, people working in the health and social care sector sometimes find that their employer has referred them to their regulator, for matters relating to their fitness to practise.

This can be a very scary time, where you are not only worried about losing your job with this employer, but also about losing your entire vocation and career. 

Being referred to the regulator is one of the most stressful events that a professional can face. Early engagement with the regulator and the right response is essential in order to get the best outcome. 

The regulators can take a very long time to arrange a hearing, and you can be left in limbo, often not being able to work for months or sometimes years at a time. You might be worried about the reference that will be given by your current or former employer, how a dismissal might be viewed on your employment record, or whether your professional reputation can survive the damage.

You might: 

• Feel that the referral was unfair, unwarranted, vindictive or discriminatory. 
• Be daunted by the prospect of preparing your defence by yourself.
• Not know where to start to challenge the accusations against you.
• Be unfamiliar with the law that applies to your situation.
• Be concerned that you won't get a fair hearing because the Regulator has a legal team and you don't.
• Not be a Union Member, or have had your Union refuse to help you.

This is where we come in.

We offer expert legal advice and representation to health and social care professionals who are the subject of fitness to practise investigations and hearings. Our services cover every stage of the regulatory process, from initial referral through to representation at hearings.

We advise, support, guide, prepare, challenge, advocate and help you fight your case so you can either be allowed to continue in your profession without restrictions if the allegations are not made out, or if that is not possible, then with mitigated or short term sanctions as appropriate for your case.

• Social Workers
• Nurses
• Healthcare Workers
• Chiropractors
• Dentists
• Optometrists
• Osteopaths
• Midwives
• Pharmacists
• Care Home Workers

• Social Work England
• Social Care Wales
• Northern Ireland Social Care Council 
• Scottish Social Services Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• General Chiropractic Council
• General Dental Council
• General Optical Council
• General Osteopathic Council
• Nursing and Midwifery Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council

We know that healthcare professionals don’t tend to have unlimited funds to spend on legal fees, which is why we offer a range of affordable services designed to provide the support you need, when you need it. From initial consultations to give you essential advice, to full representation at hearings – we've got you covered! 

Our fees start from £500 plus VAT for an initial advice session. Find out more below.