Regulatory Law
Doctors

We handle cases where doctors are being investigated by their regulatory body, the General Medical Council (GMC).

The Regulatory Process

In the United Kingdom, doctors are regulated by the General Medical Council, which is responsible for maintaining the medical register and investigating concerns about a doctor’s fitness to practise. Where a concern is raised, the GMC will first assess whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient evidence to justify investigation. During the investigation, the doctor is given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the GMC may obtain evidence from employers, witnesses, medical experts, and performance assessments. Where necessary to protect the public or in the public interest, the GMC may apply to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) for an interim order imposing suspension or conditions on practice while the investigation is ongoing.

At the conclusion of the investigation, GMC Case Examiners may decide to take no further action, issue a warning, agree undertakings with the doctor, or refer the matter to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service for a fitness to practise hearing. Hearings are conducted before an MPTS Fitness to Practise Tribunal, consisting of both medical and lay members. The doctor is entitled to attend, make representations, call witnesses, and submit evidence in their defence.

If the Tribunal finds that the doctor’s fitness to practise is impaired, sanctions may include a warning, conditions on registration, suspension from the medical register, or erasure from the medical register. Erasure prevents the doctor from practising as a doctor in the UK unless and until restoration is granted. A doctor may appeal against a sanction to the High Court in England and Wales, or to the Court of Session in Scotland, generally within 28 days of the decision.

Internal Disciplinary Proceedings

We also assist and represent doctors where they are the subject of internal disciplinary proceedings by their employer​

What To Do If Regulatory Proceedings Are Commenced Against You

Should internal disciplinary proceedings or GMC regulatory proceedings be commenced against you, then please either telephone us on 0333 301 0700, or complete our questionnaire.