Help CentreWhat is Fitness to Practice?
As we are sure you will know from your programme of study, the University has a duty to ensure that all students on professional programmes are acting in accordance with the professional body standards for their chosen profession and that where there is anything that might compromise the safety of the student, those with whom they may come into contact with, or their good standing as a training practitioner, they have a duty to investigate and make sure that any appropriate action is taken in everyone's interests. For further information on this process prior to any attendance to a Stage 1 meeting please see Section 9 Fitness to Practice Procedures in the Handbook of Student Regulations
I have been told not to return to my placement, pending a Fitness to Practice investigation, what should I expect?
We are sorry to hear you have been told not to return to your placement. We understand you may have concerns with this process and have some questions. Usually you will be invited to attend a Stage 1 (Informal) meeting. Then if needed, you will be invited to attend a Stage 2 (Formal) hearing. All Fitness to Practice processes should be completed from the initial investigation and formal stages within 60 calendar days.
I have been told the University are considering Fitness to Practice due to my health.
We are sorry to hear the University are considering Fitness to Practice proceeding due to your health. For any student on a professional programme whose health and/or their failure to recognise their health compromises their fitness to practice, the University may consider these proceeding.
What is a Stage 1 (Informal) meeting?
The purpose of a Stage 1 is to discuss issues of concern which may be dealt with locally, for example by the Programme Leader without the need for further action. During the meeting, you should be given the opportunity to explain yourself and answer questions. The purpose of a Fitness to Practice investigation is to determine whether a student has committed misconduct and/or a student's fitness to practice has been compromised by the alleged behaviour and if so, the seriousness of that behaviour. Depending on the seriousness of the case, the matter may be referred to the Fitness to Practice Lead to consider whether a Stage 2 (Formal) Fitness to Practice Panel should take place to investigate the case. At times a case may be taken straight to Stage 2
Can I take someone with me to my Stage 1 (Informal) Meeting?
Yes, you can be accompanied by a 'Friend' to your meeting. A 'Friend' is defined as a member of the University community such as a fellow student, University staff or the Students' Union. Appendix A of the Handbook of Student Regulations. Please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk if you would like someone from the Students' Union to attend with you.
What could happen after a Stage 1 (Informal) meeting?
Following your Stage 1 meeting it could be decided that no further action is required. Alternatively, it could be decided to take your case to a Stage 2 Formal Fitness to Practice panel.
What is a Stage Two (Formal) meeting?
A Stage Two (Formal) meeting will be referred as 'panel' or 'hearing'. This is a formal hearing to discuss the issues of concern. You should receive a letter inviting you to attend this panel with a specified date, time and location.
What happens at a Fitness to Practice hearing?
The composition of the panel will be the Faculty Disciplinary Officer, at least two other members of academic staff who have had no previous dealings with the case and one external representative of the relevant profession. There will be a further member of Northumbria staff present and they will (usually from your programme) be presenting the case to the panel. Please note this staff member is not part of the panel and will not be part of the decision making.
A date has been set for my Fitness to Practice hearing, are there any timescales and deadlines from this point?
You should be given at least 10 working-day notice of your hearing. This will include a date, time and location with a 'Statement of Case' and supporting evidence. A 'Statement of Case' will contain details of the issues of concern raised at your Stage 1 meeting. The supporting evidence will be evidence on the concerns raised and may also include witness statements from your mentor and/or staff from your placement and/or the University. You will also be told of the panel membership
2 working days – If there is a conflict of interest with any of the panel members you will need to declare this. If you are intending to bring any witnesses to your panel, you will need to supply names before this deadline too.
2 working days – any written submission including evidence will need to be supplied 2 workings days before the hearing. You can bring your statement on the day, but we always advise students to submit this before as this enables the panel to read this before the hearing.
What to expect on the day of your Fitness to Practice hearing.
The Chair will explain how the meeting will proceed.
- Introductions will take place
- University will present their case
- Questions from panel to staff member presenting the case
- Question from you to staff member presenting the case
- You will then present your case
- Questions from the panel to you
- Questions from the staff member (presenting the case) to you
- Final words from the staff member presenting the case
- Final words from you
- Close of meeting
You will then be asked to leave the room, including the staff member presenting the case whilst the panel makes their decision. Decision can be decided on the day or sent to you in writing within 10 working days
Can I take someone with me to my Stage 2 (Formal) hearing?
Yes, you can be accompanied by a 'friend' to your meeting. A 'Friend' is defined as a member of the University community such as a fellow student, University staff or the Students' Union. Please see a definition of 'Friend' in Appendix A of the Handbook of Student Regulations. If you would like someone from the Advice Team to come with you, please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk and we can check against our availability.
Preparing for a Fitness to Practice hearing.
We strongly advise that the best preparation is to write a statement that politely and professionally explains your point of view on the concerns, which the University has raised, and explains your involvement in this incident being discussed. If you choose to have a representative from the Students' Union, you can send us your statement and we will be happy to provide some advice to help you present your case in the best way possible. Naturally, most students find themselves a little bit nervous on the day. Having prepared a statement can be useful in act as a guide to make sure you cover everything you want if this happens. If you do decide to write a statement, we advise that you;
- Clearly and honestly explain your role in the events being considered
- make the University aware of any extenuating personal circumstances you were going through
- Highlight any strategies you are taking to make sure that similar incidents do not happen in future
- Stick to facts as far as possible and be honest – panels tend to appreciate honesty and value students showing that they have reflected on their actions
When will I get the decision after I have attended my Fitness to Practice hearing?
A decision is often made on the day and you will be told verbally after the panel have made their decision. This decision will be confirmed in writing and you should normally receive this within 10 working days. If a decision can't be made on the day, this will be sent to you in writing within 10 working days
What are the possible outcomes following my Fitness to Practice hearing?
It may be decided following your panel that no further action is to be taken. Alternatively, on the balance of probabilities, if it is decided that a student's behaviour has been judged to raise fitness to practice concerns, a range of sanctions can be used. For further details of these sanctions can be found under Section 9 Fitness to Practice Procedures subsection 9.7.8 in the Handbook of Student Regulations
Can I appeal the outcome of my Fitness to Practise hearing?
Yes, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome following your hearing you may want to consider submitting a Stage Three Request for Review.
Further information on Request for Reviews can be found here:
What is the OIA?
Further information can be found on our OIA page
The Advice Team are here to help you with your case. For personalised advice or to ask further questions please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk