Every University in the UK with students who are studying on a professionally recognised qualification, for example, teacher training, social work and midwifery, have Fitness to Practise Policy in place to ensure that their students to meet the standards set out by the professional bodies (e.g. Nursing Midwifery Council, Department for Education, Health Care and Professions Council) of the associated industries. 


The objective of this procedure is to safeguard all parties involved (student, university, practice-users) and to support the student to develop in their studies. 

 

This policy is only applied if the University receives a concern about a student that raises issues about their fitness to practise in line with the professional codes of conduct and behaviour set by their professional body. Examples of this could be:

 

  • lack of professionalism
  • unwillingness to take advice from professional colleagues
  • professional misconduct
  • inappropriate behaviour

 

There are 3 important stages to this procedure:

 

  • Stage 1 involves a student evaluation and a meeting with the you, key university staff members and the partners. An action plan is put in place if it is deemed that there is a development need. 
  • Stage 2 is only considered if insufficient progress has been made on the action plan from Stage 1, or the initial incident is deemed serious enough to skip Stage 1. This involved a full investigation from the Head of School.
  • Stage 3 allows you to appeal the outcome of a Stage 2 decision (if there are grounds).

 

How will I be notified?

 

If the faculty communicate to you that a Stage 1 or Stage 2 concern has been raised against you, they need to make you aware of the following:

 

  • about the nature of the concern, and you have the right to see the document which describes it
  • about the process that the Faculty are following to respond to the concern
  • about the support available from your academic tutor, Student Services and the Students’ Union

 

It is important to read through any documentation and letters that you are sent. If you are required to take any action(s), for example attend a meeting, make sure you complete them. Failure to do so might leave you at a disadvantage.

 

You can also reach out to us to help you talk through your next steps.



What happens if I get a Stage 1 Fitness to Practise concern raised against me?