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Health & Care Professions Council Regulation & Disciplinary (HCPC)

Being the subject of an investigation by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or being summoned to a hearing before the Health and Care Professions Tribunals Service (HCPTS) can have profound implications for both your professional reputation and personal life. Seeking early advice and support from specialist regulatory lawyers can help prevent the matter from escalating and increase your chances of securing a favourable outcome.

HCPC investigations and proceedings solicitors

The HCPC is responsible for overseeing the conduct of a wide range of health and care professionals in the UK, including:

Paramedics
Radiographers
Physiotherapists
Speech and language therapists
Podiatrists/chiropodists
Occupational therapists
Psychologists
Arts therapists
Biomedical scientists
Clinical scientists

If the HCPC receives a complaint concerning your competence or conduct, it may open an investigation. If the investigating committee concludes that there is a case to answer, your matter will be heard by a specialist panel. Once they have heard your case, the panel can:

Take no further action.
Refer the case to mediation.
Give you a caution.
Set conditions for practice.
Suspend you from practice.
Strike your name from its register.

If the HCPC notifies you that it is looking into your fitness to practise, taking immediate legal advice is essential. By communicating effectively with the HCPC, you can ensure that it takes your views into account when considering the concerns raised and deciding whether to refer the matter to a panel.

Why choose DJMS Solicitors?

Given the HCPC’s extensive powers, which include striking you from the register in worst-case scenarios, it’s crucial to have a legal team with the expertise and experience to navigate the process effectively.

We will guide and support you through the process, from the outset of an investigation through to the final hearing, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome and minimise the damage to your professional and personal reputation.

Health and Care Professions Council Regulation & Disciplinary (HCPC) FAQs

I am being investigated by the HCPC – what should I do?

If you discover that the HCPC is investigating you, you should obtain urgent specialist legal advice. The sooner you seek assistance, the greater the chances of the HCPC imposing a lenient sanction or even dropping the matter entirely.

Can I continue to work during an HCPC investigation?

Yes, you can continue working during an HCPC investigation unless it makes an Interim Order. An Interim Order can restrict your practice or prevent you from practising entirely pending the outcome of your case.

We can represent you at an Interim Orders hearing to put forward your case. If an Order is made, we will advise you on the possibility of an appeal and the likelihood of success. We can also assist you in requesting an early review of an Interim Order, for example, because your circumstances have changed or new information has come to light.

What does the Panel consider when deciding whether to impose sanctions against a health and care professional?

Following the hearing, the HCPC Panel will decide whether the allegations against you are ‘well-founded’. In doing so, they will consider whether you present a continuing risk of harm, as well as other factors, such as:

Whether you have tried to correct your behaviour.
Whether you appreciate the harm you have caused.
Whether you understand the action required to practice safely.

What sanctions can the HCPC impose?

Following your hearing, the HCPC may decide to:

Take no further action against you.
Order that your case be sent to mediation.
Caution you.
Impose conditions on your practice, lasting no longer than three years.
Suspend you for no longer than one year.
Strike your name from the register, meaning you cannot practice.

Can I appeal an HCPC decision?

Yes, you can appeal to the High Court if you believe the HCPC’s decision is wrong or unfair. We can advise you on the merits of any potential appeal and provide first-class legal representation throughout.

DJMS Solicitors can help

If you require legal assistance and advice with any healthcare-related criminal or regulatory matters or are being investigated by the HCPC, please contact a member of our team.