Why have I been called to a hearing?
You may be called to a fitness to practise hearing if you are on a professional course such as law, midwifery, nursing or social work and haven't told the university about a criminal conviction, or if you have received a criminal conviction during your time at university.
There are a number of stages to fitness to practise hearings.
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.