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What happens if my concern goes to a hearing

If the Investigating Committee decides there is a case to answer, the case will go forward for a final hearing

At the final hearing the case will be heard by a panel acting on behalf of one of these committees.

  • A Conduct and Competence Panel will hear cases concerning misconduct, lack of competence, a conviction or caution, or a determination by another regulatory body.
  • Cases that concern the health of the registrant are heard before a Health Panel.
  • For cases concerning an incorrect or fraudulent Register entry, an Investigating Panel will hear the case.

Visit the Health and Care Professional Tribunal Service website to learn more.

Your role in the process

You may need to provide a witness statement. You may also have to come to the hearing and give evidence.

We will usually ask solicitors to prepare the case and to act for us at the hearing. We will give you our solicitors’ details when we write to tell you the Investigating Committee panel’s decision. We will also pass your contact details to our solicitors. They may contact you if they need to speak to you or to arrange to meet you to take a formal witness statement.

Information for witnesses

We have a brochure called information for witnesses which provides details of what you can expect if you have to be a witness. 

Depending on complexity of the case, it can take some time for a case to reach a hearing. It is difficult for us to provide specific guidance on timings because every case is different. Your case manager will write to you regularly to keep you informed of the progress of the case.

Reasonable adjustments

We appreciate that attending hearings can be stressful. We aim to hold hearings in a fair and inclusive manner and appreciate that everyone has different needs.

If you are asked to attend the hearing and you require any adjustments to the format of documents (such as braille, enlarged print or electronic formats) please inform the Tribunal Service team at least four weeks before the hearing so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

If you require assistance when you are at the hearing to help you read documents or understand the hearing (such as an interpreter, specific learning difficulties adjustments) or have mobility issues, please contact us when you are first asked to attend and we can discuss your needs and ensure that appropriate adjustments are put in place.

Page updated on: 27/06/2018
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