Professional Regulation & Discipline

Our team advise clients about investigations by professional bodies, including:

• Solicitors' Regulatory Authority (SRA)
• Bar Standards Board (BSB)
• Accountancy & Actuarial Discipline Board (AADB)
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accounting (CIPFA)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• London Metal Exchange (LME)
• General Medical Council (GMC)
• General Optical Council (GOC)
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
• General Dental Council (GDC)
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Healthcare Professionals Council (HPC)
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)
• National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL)
• Pensions Regulator

If you’re under investigation or face legal action from one of these bodies or any others, please contact us for more information.

An investigation can happen if there are concerns about your fitness to practice in your field. Each body has its own processes, but most follow these steps:

• The regulator checks if the allegation is about your fitness to practice or a breach of its code of conduct
• The regulator makes initial enquiries. It will tell you in writing and invite you to respond - but you don’t have to
• The regulator takes witness statements, collects evidence and communicates with the relevant parties. They’ll keep you up to date with their progress
• Once the investigation finishes, you can respond in writing within a set timeframe
• The regulator reviews the paperwork from both sides and decides if you need to go to a hearing or tribunal.

We can help you defend your position during the investigation or at a hearing or tribunal. We can even challenge a tribunal decision at judicial review. Get in touch with us for a free initial consultation.

You should get legal advice as soon as possible so we can help limit the damage of a complaint.

An investigation could disrupt your day-to-day business. You will have to deal with the investigation, attend interviews and provide documentation.

The stress and anxiety of an investigation can also affect your work. We can help you resolve issues quickly, so the investigation doesn’t negatively affect you.

An investigation can also damage your reputation in your industry. If you get in touch with us early, our expert solicitors can keep the investigation as short and discreet as possible.

Costs vary from case to case, but our prices are competitive. We always work to settle issues as quickly as possible to keep your costs down.

Many of our clients have Legal Expenses Insurance to help cover the cost of legal advice or defence for regulatory and disciplinary claims. We’ll help you explore all your legal funding options to ensure you get the best defence possible.

If you’re providing funding yourself, you’ll get a full quote up-front and regular costs updates as the case progresses. We can offer different billing options such as fixed fees and monthly instalment plans to suit your situation.

As one of the UK's largest full-service law firms, we have the expertise and resources to give you the very best defence, whatever your circumstances.

As well as legal experts, we also have experienced negotiators and mediators. We may be able to help you avoid lengthy and costly legal battles, minimising the damage a regulatory dispute could do to your career and professional reputation.

Our Public Law & Human Rights Team have an extensive history of success with challenging public body decisions at judicial review. If your regulatory body has treated you unfairly during an investigation, we could appeal a decision they make.

We understand how important your reputation is to your career. Regulatory and disciplinary investigations can have a huge effect even if allegations aren’t proven. Our Defamation, Libel & Slander specialists can help you if untruthful and malicious allegations are made against you.

With Irwin Mitchell offices around the country, you’re never too far away to get the help and advice you need.