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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 professional or regulatory body which has validated their programme of study.
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
Complete the Professionalism Support and Fitness to Practise referral - Professionalism Support and Fitness to Practise form.
The Academic Lead for Fitness to Practise will review (“triage”) the concern and decide next steps.
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.