If you’ve been contacted about fitness to practise or you’re facing resits or deferrals, it can feel a lot to take in. Understanding the process and your options will help you feel more in control of what happens next. Here’s what you need to know.

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What is fitness to practise?

If you’re studying a professional course (like healthcare, teaching or PGCE), you may be subject to fitness to practise procedures. This applies to students regulated by bodies like:

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• the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• the General Medical Council (GMC)

• the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

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Fitness to practise means being able to meet the standards required for your profession, including:

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• professional competence

• professionalism

• health and wellbeing.
  

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What happens if there are concerns about my practice?

Concerns can be raised by:

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• the University

• placement providers

• professionals overseeing your placement.
  

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These concerns usually fall into two categories unprofessional conduct and health and wellbeing concerns. Full definitions can be found in the Fitness to Practise Procedure Part II guide.

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What happens after practise concerns are raised?

If concerns are reported:

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• an Investigating Officer from the University is assigned

• you’ll receive a letter explaining the concerns and next steps

• you may be temporarily suspended from placements while this is reviewed.

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This can impact your studies, especially if your course includes placements. If you’re unsure what your letter means, get in touch with us, we can help you understand it.

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What happens next?

This depends on the type of concern:

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• for unprofessional conduct, you’ll be invited to an interview with the Investigating Officer

• for health or wellbeing concerns, you may meet with Occupational Health (OH).

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You can ask for a supporter to attend meetings related to conduct concerns.

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What is a preliminary hearing?

After the investigation the Investigating Officer or Occupational Health will submit a report and you’ll be invited to a preliminary hearing.

This is a less formal meeting where findings are reviewed, you can share your perspective and you can provide additional evidence.

The aim is to decide whether concerns about your health, wellbeing or conduct are serious enough to go to a Fitness to Practise Panel.

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What is a Fitness to Practise Panel?

A Fitness to Practise Panel is a formal meeting where the University decides whether you can continue on your course and progress into your chosen profession. This usually happens if concerns are serious enough after the investigation and preliminary hearing.

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What happens in a Fitness to Practise Panel?

The panel will:

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• review all evidence from the investigation

• consider reports from the Investigating Officer or Occupational Health

• ask you questions about your situation

• give you the chance to explain what happened.

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It’s more formal than earlier meetings, but you’ll still have the opportunity to share your side.

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What outcomes can a Fitness to Practise Panel make?

Outcomes depend on your situation, but may include:

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• no further action

• conditions to meet (for example, additional support or requirements)

• temporary suspension from placements or study

• repeating part of your course

• in serious cases, being unable to continue on your course.

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What should I do if I’ve been suspended from placements?

If you’re suspended from placements, this is usually a temporary step while concerns are being reviewed. This may delay your progress or impact your studies. It’s important to stay engaged with the process and seek support early from your department. We can help you understand what this means for you.

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Will this affect my future career?

It depends on the outcome. Not all fitness to practise concerns lead to serious consequences. In many cases, students continue their course with support or conditions in place. Being open, honest and engaging with the process can make a positive difference.

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Can I get support during the process?

Yes, you don’t have to go through this alone. We can come to support you in meetings, help you prepare and talk things through confidentially. Email advice@exeterguild.com or complete our enquiry form.

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What should I do now?

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• read any letters carefully

• make sure you understand what’s being asked of you

• attend any meetings

• get support as early as possible

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For further information about fitness to practise, please visit the University’s website.