Restoration

If a person has been struck off the register and wishes to return to the nursing or midwifery professions, they must apply for restoration to the register.¹

Applications for restoration can only be made after five years have passed since the striking-off order came into force.² Only one application will be considered in any 12 month period.³

A panel of the Fitness to Practise Committee will consider the application for restoration, which will determine whether the applicant should be able to apply for readmission to the register. The Committee has a range of powers once it has considered the application.

The purpose of a restoration hearing is to consider whether, looking at the circumstances that led to the striking-off order, the applicant is a fit and proper person to practise as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate, and whether they meet the other requirements for restoration.⁴ When considering restoration applications the panel’s role is to make sure that the health, safety and wellbeing of members of the public is protected, and that public confidence in the professions, and proper standards and conduct are maintained.

A restoration hearing is not an opportunity for the applicant to appeal the original striking-off order. The purpose of a restoration hearing is not to reassess the finding of fact or the decision of the panel at the initial hearing.