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Role Purpose

The Head of Fitness to Practise (FtP) Legal is a member of the Regulatory Operations leadership team and will be jointly responsible with the Head of Case Progression and Head of Investigations for the high quality and timely progression of investigations into concerns about fitness to practise, in accordance with legislation and fitness to practise rules.


Central to the role is ensuring the highest standards of legal quality and compliance across all FtP processes and the provision of legal advice on concerns about registrants' fitness to practise, particularly in relation to complex and high-risk cases. The role is also responsible for managing and developing in-house lawyers who provide legal advice and advocacy in relation to fitness to practise cases.


The role leads the development of FtP policy and shares responsibility for its consistent application with the Head of Case Progression and Head of Investigations.

Key Accountabilities

Ensure the highest standards of legal quality and compliance across FtP processes from triage through to investigations and hearings. Lead the development and delivery of a cost-effective model of legal support across the directorate to ensure efficient and effective legal advice and advocacy is provided to help timely and proportionate case progression. Lead development of FtP policy and, with the Head of Case Progression and Head of Investigations, ensure its consistent application. Provide high level legal advice on complex and high-risk cases about registrants' fitness to practise. Manage, coach and develop in-house lawyers who provide advice, advocacy and support in relation to fitness to practice cases, nurturing a culture of growth and learning. Assure the quality of case examiner decisions, including by commenting on the content of decisions, and liaising with case examiners as appropriate. Ensure the appropriateness, timeliness and quality of applications to the GOC fitness to practise committee for interim orders, and ensure all steps are taken to obtain an extension if required. Assure the quality of advocacy in cases presented to the GOC fitness to practise committee and ensure cases are presented effectively and efficiently. Lead on managing High Court appeals, judicial review cases and Professional Standards Authority (PSA) learning points in relation to fitness to practise. Review fitness to practise outcomes with senior colleagues to identify learning and development points. Design, prepare and provide training to staff and committee members on legal developments and learning points. Identify and lead implementation of improvements in the quality, cost and timeliness of legal support as part of the directorate's programme of continuous improvement. Support the development of strategies and initiatives that deliver the Council's vision and corporate objectives. Contribute to working groups of the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to progress our commitment to meeting all relevant standards and to progress our legislative reform agenda.

Essential Skills/Experience/Qualifications

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive (minimum 5 years' PQE) Comprehensive knowledge of the legal framework governing healthcare regulation and fitness to practise Substantial experience of advising on professional regulation (or equivalent), including complex and high-risk cases. Experience of leading performance change Experience of building and maintaining collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues Effective leadership and people management skills, including the ability to manage, develop and coach individuals and support them through change

Closing date for this role is 13 August 2025 5pm, please note we reserve the right to close this role early dependent on number of applications.

Please note your application will not be accepted without a covering letter exampling how you meet the essential criteria of this role, no more than 2 A4 pages.