Fitness to Practise Report
What is a Fitness to Practise Report?
Fitness to Practise reports are used in cases where there are concerns about a healthcare professional’s ability to practise safely, effectively, and in accordance with the standards set by their regulatory body.
It provides an impartial, evidence-based opinion on whether the professional’s health, conduct, or performance meets the required standard for safe practise. If it does not, they detail if restrictions, retraining, or other measures are appropriate.
Fitness to Practise reports are prepared in line with the evidential requirements of regulatory hearings.
Fitness to Practise reports are required in cases involving regulatory investigations by bodies such as the GMC, NMC, or HCPC, allegations of clinical incompetence, unsafe practise, or repeated errors, health concerns (physical or mental) that may impair safe practise, substance misuse allegations and professional misconduct cases.
A well-prepared Fitness to Practise report can:
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Provide regulatory bodies with clear, objective evidence to guide decision-making
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Ensure fair assessment of a professional’s abilities and limitations
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Support proportionate actions that protect patient safety while recognising opportunities for rehabilitation
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Offer clarity in complex or contentious cases where professional competence is in dispute
What's Included in the Report?
Our Fitness to Practise reports are charged on an hourly basis and include:
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Review of all relevant evidence, including patient records, incident reports, appraisal documents, performance assessments, and regulatory correspondence
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Assessment of the healthcare professional’s clinical competence against accepted standards in their field
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Consideration of any mitigating or contributing factors, such as workload, supervision, or health conditions
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An independent opinion on:
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Whether the professional currently meets the required standard for safe practise
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The likely risks to patients if they continue without restrictions
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Steps that could be taken to restore or maintain safe practise
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Preparation of a clear, structured report that addresses the regulatory body’s requirements
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Making reasonable amendments following review by instructing solicitors or regulatory representatives
We also provide a fee estimate, so there are no surprises. This will be dependent on the volume of records, the number of allegations that need to be addressed, and the general complexity of the case.
The fee is set by the individual expert and reflects their specific area of expertise, the length of their clinical career, and their level of experience in preparing expert witness reports.
"Nothing is ever too much trouble. The office is extremely efficient and always contactable. The experts are second to none"
Claimant Solicitor