Responding to allegations of professional misconduct, in circumstances where you could lose your registration to work is daunting. This post details just one case where I successfully assisted a client who had been referred to her regulator.
Miss X had over ten years of service with her employer. She had always been praised for her work, received glowing reports and had never been referred to her regulatory body before.
Unfortunately, following some changes at work, Miss X became unwell and suffered with stress and depression. Miss X legitimately felt her employer was responsible for her illness. Accordingly, she raised a grievance which set out the nature of her concerns, and the impact these concerns were having on her health.
Within just a week of submitting her formal grievance, Miss X was suspended from work, accused of Gross Misconduct. A month later, she was dismissed with immediate effect and referred by her employer to her regulatory body. A referral of the nature in question placed Miss X at significant risk of never working in her chosen sector again. This would be a life changing loss of career.
Miss X felt unable to represent herself and so instructed me to assist her. I represented her throughout her disciplinary process, her Employment Tribunal proceedings, and in relation to the investigation conducted by her regulatory body.
Within a relatively short period of time of submitting a detailed statement and bundle of evidence to my client’s regulatory body, they confirmed they were taking no further action in relation to my client. As such, they closed the case and my client was tremendously relieved she could continue to work in her chosen profession.
The Employment Tribunal process lasted longer and did not reach a final hearing until over 12 months later. However, on the first day of the hearing, and for the first time since proceedings were issued, the employer made a significant settlement proposal which fully compensated my client for her losses. The settlement also included a letter from the employer to the relevant regulatory body confirming that Miss X’s dismissal for gross misconduct was rescinded.
Miss X finally got the justice she deserved, and I received the following feedback “I don’t know how to begin to thank you for your help, guidance and support through this process. It is truly appreciated”.
Need Help?
If you have been unfairly dismissed or face investigation by your regulatory body such as the Teaching Regulation Authority, Health & Care Professionals Council, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Nursing & Midwifery Council, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or others, I can help. Please call me on 01522 440512, by email at ContactUs@lincslaw.com or visit our website for further information – www.lincslaw.co.uk
Sophie Goodwill, Director & Specialist Employment Law Solicitor
TEL: 01522 440513 / EMAIL: sophie.goodwill@lincslaw.com
Tags: Employment Law Advice Lincoln employment tribunal HCPC Professional Misconduct SRA Struck Off unfair dismissal