Professional Disciplinary Investigations & Proceedings

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, 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 time frame.
• 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 an initial consultation.

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.

If you have any questions about costs or funding, please contact us to find out more.

Fitness to Practice involves having the skills and knowledge to effectively carry out your profession. You must be Fit to Practice to get a licence or registration from your governing body.

Usually, you’ll need certain qualifications and show evidence of continued learning during your career to meet Fitness to Practice standards.

Your character is also assessed to make sure you can conduct your profession responsibly and effectively - for example, being honest with clients and the governing body. It can also include behaviour in your private life that might affect the reputation of your profession or industry.

Some regulatory bodies, such those governing medical professions, also require good health for Fitness to Practice.

Each governing body publishes codes of conduct that its members must follow for Fitness to Practice. If they don’t, they could face regulatory investigations or disciplinary proceedings.

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 can appeal any 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. Contact us for more information.