Fitness to practice

This policy applies to students studying: 

• BSc/BSc (Hons) Nursing 
• BSc Paramedic Science 
• MSc Early Years Practice Health Visiting 
• Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals
• What does "Fit to Practise" mean? 

You must demonstrate: 

Good Health 

• You can practise safely and effectively. 
• Having a disability or health condition does not automatically mean you are unfit to practise. 
• Support and reasonable adjustments can often be provided.

Good Character 

• You are honest, trustworthy, and professional. 
• Your behaviour, conduct, and any criminal history may be considered. 

You must inform the University immediately if: 

• You develop a health condition that may affect safe practice. 
• You are charged or cautioned by the police. 
• You are referred to another professional regulator. 
• Your employer starts disciplinary proceedings against you. 
• Failing to disclose important information can itself lead to an FtP referral. 

Professional Conduct 

• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination 
• Breaches of confidentiality 
• Dishonesty or falsifying records 
• Cheating or plagiarism 
• Inappropriate use of social media 
• Substance misuse 
• Failure to follow professional guidance

Criminal Behaviour 

• Violence 
• Theft or fraud 
• Drug offences 
• Sexual offences 
• Hate crimes

Health Concerns 

• Health issues that may affect your ability to practise safely and effectively. 
   

A concern can be raised by: 

• Placement staff 
• University staff 
• Other students 
• Patients or members of the public 
• Family members 
• The student themselves 

Concerns must normally be supported by evidence. 

1. Screening 
   • The Head of Health Sciences reviews the information. Possible outcomes: 
     • No further action. 
     • Advice or support. 
     • Occupational Health referral. 
     • Full FtP investigation. 
2. Temporary Measures (if needed)
   • While a case is investigated, the University may: 
     • Allow normal study to continue. 
     • Place conditions on practice or study. 
     • Temporarily remove a student from placement. 
     • Temporarily suspend a student. 
     • These measures are not disciplinary punishments. They are used to protect patients and the public while facts are being established. 
3. Investigation 
   • An Investigating Officer gathers evidence, which may include: 
     • Statements from witnesses 
     • Student responses 
     • Placement documentation 
     • Occupational Health reports 
     • Students will have an opportunity to provide their account. 
        

You can get support from: 

• Your Personal Tutor 
• The Student Hub 
• Stirling Students' Union 
• A professional or trade union (if you are a member) 

You are encouraged to seek support throughout the process. 

1. Consensus Meeting 
   1. Used when facts are largely accepted and an agreement can be reached. 
2. Fitness to Practise Meeting 
   • The panel reviews the written evidence only. 
3. Fitness to Practise Hearing 
   • Used when facts are disputed or more evidence is needed. You can attend and be represented. 

The Panel may decide to: 

• Take no further action 
• Issue a formal warning 
• Impose conditions on your practice 
• Impose a warning and conditions 
• Suspend you for up to one year 
• Suspend you and impose conditions 
• Recommend withdrawal with an alternative award 
• Recommend withdrawal from the programme 

The panel will consider: 

• Public safety 
• Professional standards 
• Your insight and reflection 
• Evidence of improvement 
• Any mitigating circumstances 

Yes. You can appeal a Fitness to Practise Meeting or Hearing outcome if: 

• New evidence becomes available. 
• There was a procedural error. 
• The decision was unreasonable. 

You must normally notify the University of your intention to appeal within 14 days of the decision.