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Appeals - fitness to practise

Stephensons has an excellent reputation for dealing with appeal cases and has handled a number of appeals to the High Court, Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, some of which have attracted widespread media attention.

Our professional discipline team has applied this expertise when advising professional clients in relation to appeals against decisions of fitness to practise panels and against registration decisions.

If you wish to challenge a decision made by your professional regulator contact our specialist lawyers without delay on 01616 966 229.

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Appeal against decision

Our professional discipline lawyers offer specialist advice and representation to clients seeking to appeal against decisions of professional disciplinary bodies and regulatory tribunals, including the General Medical Council (GMC), the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). We have experience of analysing cases, advising on prospects of success, preparing documents and dealing with appeal hearings. Our recent experience in this area includes:

  • Representing a midwife in relation to an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the NMC’s Conduct and Competence Committee
  • Advising a doctor in relation to an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the MPTS
  • Representing a veterinary surgeon in respect of an appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council against a decision of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Representing a client in respect of an appeal to the HCPC’s Appeals Panel

Appeal time limits

We recognise that if you have been struck off or suspended by your regulator following fitness to practise proceedings, this can have a devastating effect, both professionally and financially. In some cases there are viable grounds which can be pursued on appeal and it is vital that these are identified as soon as possible in order to protect your interests. It is important to note that appeals against fitness to practise decisions are governed by strict time limits - if you wish to seek advice as to your rights of appeal and prospects of success, it is vital that you  do so without delay.

If you wish to appeal against a decision of your regulator, contact our specialist lawyers as soon as possible on 01616 966 229.

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staff reorder - professional discipline

  • Carl Johnson
  • Laura Hannah
  • Paul Loughlin​
  • Chloe Parish
  • Martin Haisley
  • Cameron Stubbs
  • Katie Wilson
  • Skye MacPhee
  • Molly McMurtry
  • Caitlin Taylor
  • Martyn Jackson