Catherine recently achieved great outcomes for her clients facing fitness to practise proceedings before Social Work England.

In the first recent case, a client, WM, was subject to an early review of a substantive order listed at the request of Social Work England, who wanted the order to continue with amendments to some of the conditions.

Kings View Chambers, on behalf of the WM, successfully argued that the order should be revoked.

“This was an unusual and complex case, and many lawyers would not have challenged the view of the regulator however, as we always do, we spent time understanding what the client wanted to achieve and put a plan in place to achieve that.” – Catherine Stock

Catherine, commented:

“The case involved experts, and one of the main learning points for our clients is to secure the right expert for your case.”

WM said:

“Catherine is truly gifted at her job. I instructed her from the beginning of SWE’s investigation against me, and she has had my back right from the start. Her honesty, integrity and determination has ensured I felt supported along the way. She represented me in a review hearing for a Conditions of Practice order, and presented such compelling legal arguments SWE revoked the conditions of practice order with immediate effect. This has been a difficult and complex case, but her expertise and experience has shone through and has ultimately given me my life back.”

Similarly in a second case, another client FG, was also subject to a review of a substantive order put in place by way of agreed disposal.

Kings View Chambers represented the client from the outset and worked hard with them to secure a Conditions of Practise order at case examiner stage.

The client did not have legal representation at the first review hearing and despite having complied fully with the order, the Panel determined to extend the order by a further 6 months.

The client re-engaged our services for the second review, and we were successful in persuading the Panel to revoke the order with immediate effect.

Commenting on this case, Catherine said:

“The lesson from this case is to make sure you have expert legal representation at each and every stage in any regulatory proceedings. The regulator will be legally represented, and so should you be. Even when it appears to be straightforward, make sure you consult lawyers expert in this area of law.”

FG said:

“I wanted continuity for my fitness to practice case, so I have used Catherine. The advice she gave for my preparation of evidence, I’m glad to say that I do not regret taking it and from the outcome it was the right choice.”

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Doctors should seek expert legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity when considering a restoration application because setting the correct strategy from the outset is crucial to good outcomes.  This is particularly the case for insight and remediation because remediation is often a long process. 

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Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. Kings View Chambers accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken, in relation to this article. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.