New GMC guidance to ensure greater fitness to practise clarity and consistency

• Seriousness of the concern – Factors like repeated behaviour, abuse of position, or involvement of vulnerable individuals can increase the severity.
• Impact of relevant context – Considerations such as the doctor’s working environment or personal circumstances.
• Doctor’s response – Whether they have shown insight and remediation.

Anthony Omo, General Counsel and Director of Fitness to Practise at the General Medical Council, said:

‘Protecting the public is at the heart of what we do. This new and updated guidance will make it easier for our case examiners and decision makers to apply our principles fairly and consistently, while at the same time maintaining patient safety.

‘And by being transparent about our approach we are making it easier for doctors, complainants and the public to understand how we assess concerns and reach decisions about a doctor’s fitness to practise.

‘This work reinforces our ongoing commitment to deliver a fitness to practise process that is fair, flexible and compassionate, as well as effective.’

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