Professional Regulation
The Government is committed to an ever-stricter regulatory regime for all UK professionals. Teachers, social workers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and dentists are just some of the people answerable to professional conduct committees dealing with allegations of misconduct. Proceedings before a regulatory body such as the NMC or GTC can result in someone’s career coming to a sudden end.
These cases typically are technically complex, involving expert witnesses and large amounts of documentary evidence. Advocates need a good working knowledge of all the relevant procedural rules to guide clients through what can be a very daunting process from the initial investigative stage to a final hearing and an appeal to the High Court.
Our Members have significant hands-on experience in dealing with regulatory proceedings. One senior Member of Chambers has been appointed as a legal assessor to both the General Medical Council and the General Dental Council, and another sits as a part-time Chair of a professional conduct committee and a panel member for the NMC.
Chambers Members regularly appear before the GMC, NMC, the First-Tier Tribunal (Care Standards) and other regulatory bodies. We can advise on the registration of social workers by the General Social Care Council. We are able to represent people at hearings regarding fitness to practice and at interim orders hearings, reviews and applications for Judicial Review in the High Court. Members also prosecute cases on behalf of regulators.
Chambers Members are instructed to advise and appear on regulatory matters, and challenge decisions of the CQC and the Healthcare Commission at the Tribunal when assessing against the National Minimum Standards.
