Serious Allegations – Interim Conditions Secured Instead of Suspension

We acted for a registrant in HCPC interim order proceedings arising from allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a much younger mentee from a prior training placement, raising concerns about professional boundaries, power imbalance and alleged grooming. The HCPC sought an interim suspension, relying on the seriousness and duration of the alleged conduct and arguing that public protection and public confidence required immediate exclusion from practice while the full investigation proceeded.

On instructions, we accepted that the regulator had a basis to bring an interim application but opposed suspension, emphasising our client’s long, otherwise unblemished practice history, the fact that the concerns related to a single former mentee rather than patients, and the highly structured, supervised nature of the client’s current role in primary care. We put forward detailed, workable conditions designed to manage any realistic risk, including limiting practice to an established team environment, excluding any training or supervisory responsibilities, and mandating a professional boundaries course.

The Panel concluded there was a case to answer and that an interim order was necessary on public protection and public‑interest grounds; however, it agreed that the risks could be appropriately managed without removing our client from practice. It declined to impose interim suspension and instead made an interim conditions of practice order for 18 months.

What this means if you’re facing similar allegations

Serious boundary allegations do not always require exclusion from practice while they are investigated. Proposing detailed, workable conditions tailored to the real risk can persuade a panel to impose conditions rather than suspension. If you face an interim application, a constructive, risk-focused alternative can keep you working.

Facing a HCPC case? Learn more about our Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) defence services, or contact us for a free case evaluation.