This course explains what probity means for UK healthcare professionals, how dishonesty arises in records, CVs, timesheets, sickness absence, research and financial matters, and how regulators decide whether conduct was dishonest. It focuses on what genuine insight into dishonesty looks like, and guides you through a structured reflection and a remediation plan that you can discuss with your supervisor and adviser.
What you will learn
- Define probity and explain why honesty is treated as fundamental to registration across the UK healthcare regulators.
- Identify common forms of dishonesty in clinical records, applications and CVs, timesheets, sickness absence, research and financial dealings.
- Apply the Ivey v Genting test that tribunals use to decide whether conduct was dishonest.
- Explain why dishonesty is treated as harder to remedy than clinical error and what regulators look for as evidence of insight.
- Take appropriate immediate actions, including seeking advice and correcting a dishonest statement, when a probity concern arises.
- Write a reflection and remediation plan that addresses the underlying causes of the dishonesty, not just the event.
Course content
- What probity means and why it matters (3 min)
- Where dishonesty happens in healthcare (3 min)
- How regulators decide what is dishonest (3 min)
- Why honest people act dishonestly (2 min)
- What to do when a probity concern arises (2 min)
- What regulators expect: insight and remediation (2 min)
- Case study: a weak and a strong reflection (3 min)
- Building your remediation plan (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including the duties on honesty and integrity, honesty in financial dealings, in documents and in research
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), section 20 on upholding the reputation of your profession, including acting with honesty and integrity
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024), including the standard on being honest and trustworthy
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017), including the standard to act with honesty and integrity
- GMC and NMC joint guidance: Openness and honesty when things go wrong (the professional duty of candour)
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
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.
Probity and Dishonesty: Why Regulators Treat It So Seriously
Why the GMC, NMC and HCPC treat dishonesty so seriously, what makes a probity case worse or less serious, and how to respond to a dishonesty concern.
Record Keeping Mistakes That Lead to Complaints and Referrals
The record keeping mistakes that most often lead to complaints and regulator referrals for nurses and doctors, and how to write safer clinical notes.
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.