Fitness to Practise Solicitors

Facing a fitness to practise panel can be hugely intimidating for even the most prepared individual. As a failure to pass can see your licence revoked or being permanently barred from your profession, it is essential that you give yourself the best possible chance to put your case forward and demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism.

Please note: we are only able to take on cases on a privately paying basis. If you are unable to privately fund your case or you looking for general guidance on what actions you can take to protect you or your child’s education rights, you can refer to the Education section of the Citizens Advice website.

As part of an investigation, your long-term and immediate conduct will be reviewed in full. This will potentially include questions around:

• Ethical violations
• Fraud and financial misconduct
• Practising beyond your professional scope
• Previous convictions and cautions
• Responding to allegations of dishonesty
• Sexual misconduct
• Substance abuse
• Other relevant, equally serious avenues

Given the gravity of some of these avenues, it is critical that you secure quality legal representation to guarantee the highest levels of support possible.

At IBB Law, we have extensive experience advising a range of professionals in relation to fitness to practise proceedings. We can provide clear advice on your situation and options, as well as professional representation for fitness to practise panel hearings.

We have assisted many student and professional practitioners who find themselves in this situation, allowing them to put the best possible case forward and ensure that they are given the best protection and advice.

Our team will work with you to review the facts surrounding your case and help formulate the best possible argument in support of your practise. We will work closely with you to help provide an effective defence. And, if required, help in challenging any findings or work to reduce any sanctions placed upon you.

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help.  This will allow us to understand more about your unique situation, help provide initial guidance, and begin formulating a plan to provide the best professional protection possible. We then charge for our services on a fixed fee basis, providing certainty over the costs involved.

If you want to learn more about our capacity to help in a fitness to practise situation, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

What is Fitness to Practise?

Undertaking a ‘fitness to practise’ review is a highly demanding process that sees professionals formally reviewed to ensure that they are meeting their industry’s agreed standards.

Fitness to practise proceedings involve the assessment of an individual’s range of relevant skills, sectoral knowledge, and that they possess the judgement and character required to hold a license and continue operating in their chosen field. This can also extend to an individual’s conduct outside of their role and often results in a significant ‘grey area’ that can be difficult for those under assessment to negotiate.

Reviews of this kind are most commonly applied to highly regulated public-facing fields such as medicine – with doctors, dentists, nurses, and midwives often coming into review. There are other equivalents in fields where professional licences are required such as throughout the educational sector or in certain industrial fields.

What do others say about IBB’s Education Law Solicitors?

Here are a few comments of what others have said about our Education Law legal team.

“…………. was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’

“I wish give my heartfelt thanks to education team at IBB Law for assisting me through a very peculiar education matter, with specific regards to and commendation for Victoria Denis, the solicitor who had represented my matter.”

“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”

“From the outset they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online and so I really feel understood and cared for.”

“Victoria successfully assisted me through an issue.”

“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”

“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, also they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”

“Throughout the months Victoria represented my matter, Victoria always gave me clear and detailed counsel and helped me explore all the options in terms of what action Victoria and I myself was able to take.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

“Victoria was attentive with keeping me updated in her correspondence.”

IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the schools sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.’

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

“Ultimately, the expeditious success of the matter speaks volumes to Victoria’s ability to navigate a rare and perplexing matter, especially as the matter took place in a transnational context.”

“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual clients needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease”

“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.’

“Victoria empowered me to both move forward with my home life in the United States and to amicably resolve my affairs.”

“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the clients outcome at the heard (sic) of what she does, and has a track record for achieving good results.’

“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”

‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’

‘Focused and determined education team.’

‘Celia Whittuck has growing reputation in the area.’

“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”

“She is amazing.”

“Celia has taken a particular interest in ensuring that the appropriate educational outcomes are achieved. Her commitment has been unwavering.”

“Celia Whittuck has been helpful, understanding, respectful and responsive.”

“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves, “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.

“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”

Get clear legal advice and support for fitness to practise proceedings

If you would like to know more about how we can help you with your fitness to practise questions, please contact either Kinjal or Rachael, on 01895 207 961, or email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.

Kinjal and Rachael can send you a link to an online booking suite so you can select a day and time that is convenient for your fixed-fee consultation. At that online consultation the solicitor will listen to your story about your fitness to practise issues, consider any documents you have, and then advise what action can be taken to assist you with fitness to practise proceedings.