Understanding Fitness to Practise 36 Guides

Aims and principles for fitness to practise

Allegations we consider

Misconduct

Freedom of expression and Fitness to Practise

Lack of competence

Criminal convictions and cautions

Directly referring specified offences to the Fitness to Practise Committee

Criminal offences we don't investigate

Health

Not having the necessary knowledge of English

Determinations by other health or social care organisations

When we use interim orders

Our investigations

Examining cases

How we manage cases

Meetings and hearings

Resolving cases by agreement

What sanctions are and when we might use them

Taking account of context

1: We’ll approach cases on the basis that most people referred to us are normally safe

2: We’ll seek to build an accurate picture about the nurse, midwife or nursing associate’s practising history

3: We’ll always carefully consider evidence of discrimination, victimisation, bullying or harassment

4: Where risks are caused by system and process failures, we’ll concentrate on the action we can take to help resolve the underlying issues

5: In cases where a nurse, midwife or nursing associate was required to use their professional judgement we’ll respond proportionately

6: Evidence of steps the nurse, midwife or nursing associate has taken to address serious concerns caused by a gap in knowledge or training or personal context factors

7: We’ll always look into whether group norms or culture influenced an individual’s behaviour before taking action

8: Where an incident has occurred because of cultural problems, we’ll concentrate on taking action to minimise the risk of the same thing happening again

What context factors we think are important to know about when considering a case

Our culture of curiosity

Clinical advice

Decisions of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Disclosure Scotland

Insight and strengthened practice

Can the concern be addressed?

Has the concern been addressed?

Is it highly unlikely that the conduct will be repeated?

Early engagement

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