What is Fitness to Practise?
Fitness to Practise (FtP) is a process used for students studying courses that lead to a professional role, such as healthcare, teaching, social work, or other regulated professions.
The purpose of the process is to make sure students are able to meet the professional standards required for their future career.
A Fitness to Practise concern is not just about academic ability. It can relate to concerns about your professional behaviour, conduct, health, or suitability for your chosen profession. Being referred to Fitness to Practise does not automatically mean you will be removed from your course. The process is designed to understand concerns, consider evidence, and decide what support or action is appropriate.
Examples of concerns that could lead to a Fitness to Practise process include:
- Behaviour that does not meet professional standards
- Concerns raised during placement
- Professional misconduct
- Concerns about honesty, integrity, or judgement
- Concerns about whether you can safely practise in your chosen profession
Each case is considered individually, and the process followed will depend on the situation and the seriousness of the concern.
How does the Fitness to Practise process start?
A concern is usually raised by a member of university staff, placement provider, or another relevant person.
You will normally be contacted in writing and told what the concerns are and why they are being considered under the Fitness to Practise procedure. You will then be told what stage of the process you are at and what happens next.
The University will review the information available and decide how the concern should be handled.
What happens during the process?
- Initial review
The University will look at the concern and decide what action is needed. This could include:
- No further action being taken
- Support, guidance, or training being recommended
- Moving the case to a more formal stage
- Investigation
If the concern is more serious, an investigation may take place. During an investigation:
- You will be told what concerns have been raised
- Evidence will be collected and reviewed
- You may be asked to attend a meeting to explain your side
- You can provide information or evidence to support your response
It is important to be open and honest throughout the process.
- Hearing or Panel
If the concern continues, your case may be considered at a hearing. The type of hearing depends on the seriousness of the concern and your course. Some cases may be considered by a School Hearing, while more serious cases may go to a University Fitness to Practise Panel.
Who is on a Fitness to Practise Panel?
The people involved can vary depending on the type of hearing. A University Fitness to Practise Panel usually includes:
- A Chair – a senior member of University staff who oversees the hearing
- An external professional representative – someone from your profession who understands the professional standards required
- A Students’ Union representative
- A member of academic staff from a relevant area
There will also usually be a Secretary, who takes notes and supports the process but does not make the decision.
You can also bring a supporter or representative with you, depending on the stage of the process. This could include a Students’ Union adviser. The advice centre do not speak on your behalf.
Possible outcomes can include:
- No further action
- Completing additional training or reflective work
- An action plan or support requirements
- A formal warning
- Restrictions on placement or university activities
- Suspension
- Removal from the course
- Expulsion from the University (in the most serious cases)
The purpose of any outcome is to protect professional standards and ensure students are able to practise safely.
You may be able to request a review of the decision. A review is not based on simply disagreeing with the outcome. You normally need to show one of the following:
- New evidence that was not available earlier
- A significant error in the process that may have affected the outcome
You will normally have 10 working days from the date of the outcome letter to request a review.
Fitness to Practise cases are unique to each student and situation.
The process, people involved, and possible outcomes can change depending on: Your course, the concerns raised, whether the issue relates to placement/university and the seriousness of the situation.
Because every case is different, we recommend booking an appointment with the Students’ Union Advice Centre as early as possible so we can give advice based on your individual circumstances. Students' Union Advisor