If there is a case to answer, the matter will be passed to one of the fitness to practice committees. At this point the Council will instruct solicitors to prepare the case against you on their behalf. It is important you remember that the Council are the prosecution in this scenario and are continually looking for evidence to strengthen their case against you.
The hearing process is split into three parts; fact finding, impairment and sanction. The Committee will hear evidence and make findings on the allegations made against you by the Council. They will then determine whether or not the allegations found “proven” amount to impairment. The term “impairment” really means on the basis of the facts proven, should the Committee take action on your registration.
If you are found to be impaired, then the final stage will determine what sanction should be imposed on your registration. The HPC provide guidance to their Committees in these circumstances by way of a document called the Indicative Sanctions Guidance.
We can assist you in the preparation of your case according to your instructions. If your case is referred to a Committee your registration is at risk. Our regulatory team can advise you on the merits of the Council’s case and act as your advocate at the hearing. We have experience of factually disputing and mitigating a variety of different types of allegations, therefore even if you intend to make admissions, there is much we can do to assist you.
