The investigation is the first stage in the process. You will receive a letter that invites you to a meeting and includes the reasons for the referral. You’ll be invited to a meeting with a member of academic staff appointed to investigate the allegations and you’ll have the opportunity to give your recollection of events and any rebuttal of the allegations.

At this stage, the BSU Advice team can help you prepare your response, provide support and make sure that you are clear about the process and its implications. Subject to our availability, we can attend the Investigation Meeting with you.

The following are typical examples of outcomes of an investigation:

• It is decided there is no case to answer and the allegations are dismissed.
• You are referred to a Fitness to Practice Panel meeting.
• You are referred to another processes (e.g., disciplinary). If you are referred to a Panel meeting, you’ll receive a written notification.

If the University think it is appropriate it will inform the professional body (PSRB) that a case has been brought against you.

A Panel will formally consider whether you can remain on the course and whether you are 'fit to practice' within your chosen profession.

You are strongly advised to attend the Panel meeting; an adviser from our service can attend this meeting with you (subject to availability). You must tell the Chair of the Panel the name and contact details of your representative as soon as possible, before the hearing.

You may call witnesses, but you must inform the Chair of the Panel at least 5 days in advance of the date of the hearing if you wish to do this. You can also provide written evidence and submit this in advance of the hearing. You should also receive from the University copies of any documents to be considered by the Panel.

If you fail to attend without good reason, a decision will be made in your absence.

The Panel will consider the relevant professional code of conduct and/or professional requirements and, any witness statements when making its decision.

At the end of the Fitness to Practise hearing, you’ll be asked to leave the room while the Panel considers the outcome. The decision will be based on the evidence and on the balance of probabilities. The following are typical examples of outcomes of a Panel hearing:

• Your fitness to practise is impaired (reduced) and you should receive a penalty.
• There are no grounds for concern regarding your fitness to practise, in which case the matter will be dismissed.

You can find the full list of possible penalties in the Fitness to Practice Procedure.

Yes, but only in certain circumstances.

You can appeal against the decision of the Panel if:

• New evidence has come to light that was not available at the time;
• The decision was disproportionate;
• There was an error or irregularity in the process.

The appeal must be submitted to the university Registrar within 10 working days of the decision being made available to you.

BSU Advice team can discuss your grounds for appeal with you and assist you through the process.

We can:

• Advise you on the Fitness to Practice procedure.
• Assist in putting your statement together.
• Accompany you to any University meetings caused by the allegation.
• Advise you on gathering evidence support you.

If you are facing allegations that might lead to Fitness to Practice proceedings, we strongly recommend that you are accompanied at meetings by one of the BSU Advice team.

We understand that if you are facing allegations that might lead to Fitness to Practice proceedings you may be feeling anxious about what will happen or why you are being investigated, so we’ve put together some words of advice.

• Firstly, don't panic! Many students who are affected by fitness to practice issues go on to successfully complete their course and qualify for their chosen profession.
• Secondly, do not delay getting help.
• Have a look in detail at the relevant professional Codes associated with your course (for example, the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics) and appreciate how they may relate to your situation.
• Make a note of anything you do not understand, or do not agree with, in the information you are given. If you feel that this gives an incomplete picture of the circumstances surrounding the fitness issue, or if it somehow misrepresents things from your perspective, then think about what additional information you would like to be considered.
• Be honest - remember that the University doesn't expect you to be perfect, particularly if you are a first or second-year student, but they do expect you to demonstrate honesty and integrity regarding your practice and learning.
• Don't be tempted to try to 'hide' aspects of your situation. If you are anxious about disclosing something, remember you can discuss this with us in confidence first.
• Above all, you need to be showing in your response to the fitness proceedings that you understand what your profession expects from you, that you have insight, and that you can meaningfully and appropriately reflect on the situation and what you might learn from it.