This course explains, step by step, how fitness to practise concerns are handled by the UK health regulators, from the first referral to a final hearing. It covers what impairment means, how interim orders work, the outcomes available at each stage, and how professionals can engage constructively, with a worked case and a remediation plan.
What you will learn
- Explain what 'fitness to practise' and 'current impairment' mean, and list the main grounds on which impairment can be found.
- Describe the main stages of the GMC, NMC and HCPC processes, and the equivalent stages at the GPhC.
- Explain the purpose and test for interim orders, and the role of the MPTS and HCPTS.
- Describe the outcomes available at case examiner and hearing stages, including the main sanctions.
- Identify the actions that help a professional engage constructively, including seeking advice, responding honestly and building evidence of insight and remediation.
Course content
- What fitness to practise means (2 min)
- How concerns reach a regulator (2 min)
- The stages of a fitness to practise case (4 min)
- Interim orders (2 min)
- Hearings and sanctions (3 min)
- Engaging with the process (3 min)
- Case study and remediation plan (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024) and the Sanctions guidance used by MPTS tribunals
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018) and the NMC's fitness to practise library, including Insight and strengthened practice (FTP-15)
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024) and the HCPTS Sanctions Policy
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017) and guidance on fitness to practise
- Medical Act 1983, Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 and Health Professions Order 2001
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
What Does 'Insight' Mean in a Fitness to Practise Case?
What insight means in a fitness to practise case, how the NMC and GMC assess it, how to show it in a reflective statement, and what weakens it. Plain UK guide.
What Happens at an NMC Fitness to Practise Hearing?
What happens at an NMC fitness to practise hearing: who attends, the three stages, possible sanctions, hearings versus meetings, and how to prepare calmly.
MPTS Tribunals Explained: The Process and Possible Outcomes for Doctors
MPTS tribunal process explained for doctors: who decides, the three stages of a hearing, possible outcomes and sanctions, review hearings and appeals.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.