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Concerns about a learner’s professional conduct (Fitness to Practise)

A learner on a professional programme (or professional) is said to be fit to practise when they have the skills and knowledge (competence), character, and health to practise safely and effectively.

Anything that can impact on skills, knowledge, character, and health can compromise an individual’s fitness to practise. A professionalism concern may arise when a learner does not act in a way that is compatible with the standards required by the profession.  

If you are concerned about a UEA learner’s ability to practise safely and effectively, or you believe that the learner has acted in a way that is not compatible with the standards required for the professional qualification for which they are studying, you can use this process to report your concern.

These concerns may involve: 

  • Serious unprofessional behaviour 

  • Dishonesty 

  • Repeated or escalating issues despite support and feedback 

  • Significant health or wellbeing issues affecting safe practice and not suitable for management through a ‘fitness to study’ process 

  • Breaches of confidentiality 

  • Incidents posing risk to patients, staff or the public 

How to raise a Fitness to Practise concern 

  1. Complete the Professionalism Support and Fitness to Practise referral form here

  1. The Academic Lead for Fitness to Practise will review (“triage”) the concern and decide next steps. 

  1. Actions may include: 

  • No concern found 

  • Reflective activity 

  • Referral to Learner Services 

  • Formal warning 

  • Appointment of an Investigating Officer 

  • Referral to the Student Senate Disciplinary Committee 

You will not normally receive the outcome of a Fitness to Practise case, due to data protection.

Fitness to Practice