Understanding the Fitness to Practise policy
Understand the professional standards and expectations of your course.
What is fitness to practise?
The Fitness to Practise Policy applies to students in professional or regulated programmes where specific standards of conduct, character, and competence are essential.
Read the Fitness to Practise Policy
Programmes typically covered:
- Healthcare (Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry)
- Education
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Other Professional Disciplines
Purpose of the policy
The policy ensures that students:
- Meet professional standards
- Demonstrate the personal and professional qualities required for their future profession
- Maintain the reputation and integrity of their chosen professional field
- Ensure public safety and trust in their professional sector
Potential concerns that may trigger review
It is not possible to provide a complete list of scenarios which may call into question a student’s fitness to practise, but concerns might include:
- Serious misconduct
- Criminal behaviour
- Persistent unprofessional attitudes
- Behaviors that could compromise public safety
- Significant health issues that might impact professional practice
- Academic performance indicating inability to meet professional standards
The Fitness to Practise Procedure
The formal Fitness to Practise Procedure isn't about punishing students. Instead, its main goals are to:
- Protect the safety of the student and others, including the general public
- Maintain public trust in the professional field
The University understands that these situations can be challenging. We will continue to provide support through Student Wellbeing and personal tutors, even if a student ultimately cannot continue their studies.
We aim to handle each situation fairly and proportionally. This means our response will:
- Be appropriate to the specific concerns raised
- Consider the student's individual circumstances
- Recognise the complexity of the issues involved
If there's uncertainty about which University policy should apply – Student Conduct, Fitness to Study, or Fitness to Practise – the Academic Registrar will decide the most suitable approach.
Concerns are raised by staff, placement providers, or peers - you will be informed about the concern as soon as possible.
Staff will undertake a preliminary assessment of the issue and where it is appropriate, there will be an informal discussion and potential support mechanisms.
If the issue cannot be resolved informally, an investigation is likely to be needed. The investigator will be appropriately qualified and have no previous involvement in your case.
You will have the chance to provide your own perspective, context and evidence.
Once the investigation is complete, the University will convene a Panel to consider the evidence and make a decision.
You will be invited to attend the Panel and to answer or ask questions about the evidence being considered. You can bring a supporter to this meeting.
The panel consists of independent University staff who will carefully review all the information from the investigation stage and then make a decision on the appropriate outcome, which may include:
- A finding that your fitness to practise is not impaired and no further action is required
- A finding that your fitness to practise is not impaired but it is recommended that you take some further actions / a Fitness to Study Panel is required
- A finding that your fitness to practise is impaired, in which case the Panel may impose conditions, suspend or exclude you from the programme
You have the right to appeal against the decision of the Panel.
Your rights and responsibilities
Your rights
- Fair and transparent process
- Opportunity to present your case
- Confidentiality
- Support and guidance
- Right to appeal decisions
Your responsibilities
- Maintain professional standards at all times
- Engage honestly with the process
- Seek support when facing challenges
- Demonstrate commitment to professional development
Supporting you
We are committed to supporting you throughout the process. We understand that these situations can be challenging for everyone involved, and we are here to ensure that you are treated with care and respect and receive fair treatment, guidance and support.
If you have any concerns about your fitness to practise, or that of one of your classmates, you could speak to the following staff:
- Personal Tutor or Course Leader
- Student Support Services
- Student Wellbeing Service
Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t wait to ask for help if you are struggling.
Practical advice
- Understand your professional code of conduct
- Seek help early if you're struggling
- Be honest and transparent
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Reflect on and learn from feedback