What happens when someone raises a concern about your practice

You can appeal the outcome made at the final fitness to practise meeting or hearing at the following courts.

  • The High Court in England and Wales
  • The High Court Justice in Northern Ireland
  • Court of Session in Scotland.

If you want to appeal you have 28 days from the date on the letter informing you of the outcome.

If the last of the 28 days falls when the court office is closed, such as a weekend or bank holiday, then we consider that the next working day will be the last day of the appeal period.

After the appeal hearing, the court will decide whether the decision the panel made was correct. At an appeal hearing, the public can attend and observe although no generally no witnesses are needed.

Interim orders

If you appeal the outcome of a final hearing, there’s the possibility you might be on an interim order until the appeal comes to an end.

Find out more about interim orders.

Professional Standards Authority

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has the power to appeal against a decision made by us on the grounds that it is 'not sufficient for the protection of the public', which is to be decided by considering whether the decision is sufficient to:

  • protect the health, safety and well-being of the public
  • maintain public confidence in the nursing, midwifery and nursing associate professions
  • maintain proper professional standards and conduct for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

This is in line with Section 29 of the National Health Service Reforms and Healthcare Professions Act 2002.

The PSA routinely reviews all our fitness to practise decisions along with those of other healthcare regulators.