Fitness to practice

Fitness to Practise is about making sure that students on professional courses are suitable to enter the profession. This includes your conduct, health, and ability to behave in a way that meets the expectations of your future career (e.g. as a nurse, teacher, or social worker).

It’s not just about academic ability—it’s about whether you can uphold professional standards and public trust in line with the relevant professional code of practice.

Concerns can come from various sources: a tutor, placement provider, member of staff, or even another student. These concerns might be about your:

• Behaviour on placement or in class
• Communication or conduct with others
• Health and how it may affect your ability to practise safely
• Criminal conviction or police involvement
• Breach of professional codes of practice

Remember: concerns don't automatically mean you’ve done something wrong— it's about whether your actions (or health) may impact your ability to safely join the profession.

The University will carry out a preliminary review to decide if the concern falls under the FtP policy.
You may be asked to respond to the concern and provide any relevant information (medical evidence, reflection statement, character references, etc.). Informal Local Resolution or Formal Panel:

• Minor issues may be resolved informally at a Local Resolution meeting.
• More serious or unresolved concerns go to a Fitness to Practise Panel.

You will always be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond.

Yes, absolutely. You will be invited to submit a written response and attend any panel hearing. This is your opportunity to:

• Explain your circumstances
• Show insight and reflection
• Offer evidence (medical letters, placement feedback, etc.)
• Suggest support or actions you are already taking

You can also bring a representative to the hearing (such as someone from the Student Union Advice Service).

You are not expected to go through this alone. The following support is available:

• – We offer independent, confidential advice and can help you draft responses and prepare for any meetings you are invited to.
• Student Wellbeing Services – If the issue is health-related, you can speak to a member of the university wellbeing team (link to their page).
• Disability Advice – For help with reasonable adjustments or if your condition impacts your ability to engage with the process. (inc link to their page)
• Your Academic Adviser or Course Administrator – For course-specific support. (link to course handbook pages)

The Fitness to Practice Panel can decide on a range of outcomes depending on the severity of the issue and your response including but not limited to the following:

• No action
• Support or monitoring (e.g. health plan, academic support)
• Warning or formal advice
• An action plan
• Referral to Occupational Health
• Repeat placement with support conditions
• Suspension or exclusion from the course (in serious or unresolved cases)

The outcome will be communicated to you in writing.

Not necessarily. If you complete the process and demonstrate you are fit to practise—either with support or following recommendations—you may still be able to register.

However, if a serious concern results in course termination, this could prevent professional registration.

You may be required to disclose any Fitness to Practise outcomes to the relevant professional body when registering.

You have the right to appeal a formal Fitness to Practice Hearing outcome, especially if:

• You believe the process wasn’t followed properly
• New evidence has come to light
• You feel the outcome is unfair or disproportionate

The Student Union Advice Service can help you understand the appeals process and give feedback on any appeal drafts before you formally submit it.

That’s completely understandable. These processes can feel daunting, especially when your future career is involved.

Here are a few first steps:

• Contact the Student Union Advice Service – We’ll help you make sense of the policy and walk through the steps with you.
• Speak to someone you trust – Your academic adviser or a wellbeing officer may be able to support you emotionally.
• Stay engaged – Try to respond to communications and meet deadlines, even if you feel anxious.

You are not being judged as a person. This process is here to protect you and the public, not to punish—but your participation and reflection are key.