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Fitness to Practise

Being fit to practise requires a person to have the skills, knowledge, health and character to do their job safely and effectively.

A nurse focusing on a patient

Why have I been called to a hearing?

You may have been called to a hearing if you are on a professional course and allegations have been raised regarding your ability to continue your practise on placement. This could be held in circumstances when:

· You've not disclosed criminal convictions

· Allegation of unprofessional behaviour occurring on placements

· Allegations about a breach of UWL student code of conduct, or other regulatory body governing your field of study.

There are a number of stages that make up the process to a hearing, including...

Informal stage

You’ve been notified in writing of the concerns about your fitness to practise and a learning contract has been agreed. If these concerns still exist, a formal case will be referred to the panel. If the concerns are serious this stage is skipped and you will go straight to the formal stage.

Formal stage

You will be invited to a hearing to discuss your appropriateness for the course. A number of outcomes are possible. Your outcome will be stated in your letter, for example:

  • You may be required to stop attending your placement, although you may be allowed to attend theory lectures
  • You may be suspended from the university

Contact UWLSU Advice

Let UWLSU Advisors know if you’ve been given a fitness to practise hearing by calling, emailing or attending a drop-in and we can accompany you to your meetings. We can also help you provide your evidence for your hearing.

Hearing

Your hearing date and time will be sent to you by the University. You will meet your advisor outside the hearing and then be invited in when your hearing starts.

Decision

Both you and the UWLSU caseworker will be asked to vacate the room so the board can decide on an outcome. Once they’ve decided you will all be invited back into the room. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your fitness to practise, you can appeal this decision.