The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has published a new report calling for improvements in the way sexual misconduct allegations are investigated, managed and determined within fitness to practise processes across the health and care sector.
The report, Improving the handling of sexual misconduct cases in fitness to practise, brings together learning from the PSA’s oversight work and aims to support regulators and Accredited Registers in strengthening their approach to some of the most serious cases considered through professional regulation.
According to the PSA, fitness to practise cases involving sexual misconduct have become an increasingly significant feature of its appeals work. The proportion of appeals involving charges identified as sexual misconduct rose from 11% in 2021/22 to 33% in both 2023/24 and 2024/25. In 2025/26, nine of the 35 appeals brought by the PSA involved sexual misconduct-related allegations.
The report examines how fitness to practise systems can respond more effectively to allegations of sexual misconduct while ensuring fair processes for all parties involved. It identifies challenges that may arise throughout investigations, hearings and decision-making and sets out practical measures to support better outcomes for regulators, witnesses and the public.
Drawing on reviews of final fitness to practise panel decisions, expert insight, research and learning from the PSA’s work on tackling and preventing sexual misconduct, the publication highlights opportunities to strengthen public protection and improve confidence in regulatory processes.
Graham Mockler, the PSA’s Head of Regulation and Accreditation, said sexual misconduct cases are among the most serious and sensitive matters considered through fitness to practise procedures, adding that fair, sensitive and effective handling is essential for maintaining public confidence and protecting patients, service users and the wider public.
The PSA said the report is intended to help regulators and Accredited Registers assess whether improvements can be made to the way fitness to practise cases involving sexual misconduct are handled. The publication also complements the organisation’s wider programme of work on preventing and responding to sexual misconduct in health and social care settings.
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