Is the GMC Sanctions Framework 2025 a Positive Step? Main Changes, Risks, and Lessons for Other Regulators

The 2025 General Medical Council (GMC) sanctions framework marks a significant regulatory shift for doctors in the UK. The changes aim to make the fitness to practise process more predictable, transparent, and risk-based. Professionals and policy analysts alike are grappling with the question: Does this framework represent genuine progress for fairer, safer healthcare regulation? Main …

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Are fitness to practise proceedings litigation?

The recent Mazur judgment has reignited debate about the scope of the “conduct of litigation” as defined under the Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA 2007). Specifically, it has called into question who may properly undertake litigation and in what contexts. For anyone working in fitness to practise proceedings, this may prompt you to ask the question, …

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Is the tide turning for Interim Orders in fitness to practise proceedings?

Analysis of Richmond v NMC [2025] EWHC 1828 (Admin) and NMC v Persand [2023] EWHC 3356 (Admin) Introduction: Interim Orders under Judicial Scrutiny Interim orders in professional regulation are intended to protect the public while safeguarding a practitioner’s right to fair process. However, lengthy delays in regulatory proceedings can mean that these temporary measures inflict …

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Freedom of Religious Expression vs. Professional Misconduct: Leger v Secretary of State for Education Analysis

Welcome back to Legal Jukebox Friday! This week, we’re tuning into a crucial High Court judgment concerning freedom of religious expression within the realms of professional misconduct proceedings. Whether you’re a solicitor specialising in regulatory law, a member of a professional conduct panel, or an educator navigating tricky ethical waters, this case is one you’ll …

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Legal Jukebox Friday: How Interim Orders Impact Regulatory Decisions

Welcome to Legal Jukebox Friday Legal Jukebox Friday is your weekly dose of lively discussions where we randomly select a legal case to explore and why it may assist those practising in regulatory law, including solicitors, adjudicators, and healthcare professionals. While some of these cases may be considered classics, they remain relevant and are worth …

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How to Survive an NMC, GDC, SWE, or GPhC Investigation

So, you’ve received that dreaded letter from your regulator—the NMC, GDC, SWE, or GPhC—informing you that you’re under investigation. Maybe a patient has complained, a colleague has raised concerns, or a minor paperwork error has snowballed into a full-blown crisis. Either way, you’re now in the world of fitness to practise (FtP) investigations, where regulators …

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The Loudest Voice in the Room Doesn’t Always Win

Why an Aggressive Legal Strategy Can Backfire We’ve all seen it—the lawyer who storms into a hearing, voice booming, determined to bulldoze their way to victory. Many believe that the most aggressive advocate is the most effective. But what if I told you that sometimes, the most forceful approach actually leads to the worst outcome? …

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The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Regulatory Cases: A Guide for UK Professionals

Regulatory cases can be complex and daunting, often carrying severe consequences for professionals across various industries. Whether you’re facing scrutiny from the General Medical Council (GMC), the General Dental Council (GDC), or another regulatory body, it’s crucial to understand and avoid common mistakes that can jeopardise your case. 1. Delaying Action: The Risks of Procrastination …

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