Importance of engagement and legal representation in fitness to practise highlighted in new research on seriousness

Whilst the results highlight a complex picture with some fundamental differences between the regulators and no standard definition of seriousness in fitness to practise, the research found some similarities and consistency in how the concept of seriousness is generally understood and used. Cases involving sexual misconduct, dishonesty and criminal convictions are all types of behaviour that are likely to be treated as serious misconduct and where there is broadly consistent guidance across all regulators.

Notably for professionals, the work underlines the importance of engaging with their regulator where fitness to practise concerns have been raised, and the importance of having legal representation. The results highlight the potential for more adverse outcomes in cases where professionals either do not engage or where they represent themselves, with professions such as dentists, doctors and pharmacists reported as having higher levels of representation, compared to dental care professionals, nurses and pharmacy technicians.