Professional disciplinary investigations and proceedings can occur in the workplace, whether or not the workplace is governed by a professional body.  Defending such proceedings is similar in many ways to defending a criminal prosecution. While the tribunal concerned does not convict of a criminal offence and cannot pass sentence in the same way as the criminal courts, such proceedings can devastate reputations, can result in punitive financial outcomes and result in restrictions on the work that an individual can conduct or even end the professional’s career.

Our firm represents clients accused of committing a criminal or quasi criminal offence whilst at work, such as fare evasion, assault, fraud, sexual harassment, misuse of drugs or racial harassment.

Complaints can arise from a colleague, client/customer, the employer or a third party, which can lead to a professional disciplinary matter developing. For those in regulated professions, (accountants, lawyers, doctors, nurses, actuaries and others) complaints can also arise from the regulating body.   

Often a “fact finding” procedure will take place, and will involve obtaining information, be it from employees, cctv, or from documentation, to ascertain if there is sufficient material to support or undermine an allegation. In certain circumstances, requests for information can be challenged.

If, following the “fact finding”, the matter progresses to a disciplinary hearing, a case file will usually be served containing all the evidence relied upon.

How we can help

Leveraging our expertise as criminal defence solicitors, and utilising specialist barristers with experience of the specific professional disciplinary body concerned, we can help and support you at each stage of the investigation and the disciplinary proceedings.

We offer advice on any parallel criminal law matter, your employer’s policies and procedures, throughout the “fact finding” investigation and with preparation for any disciplinary hearing, ensuring you present a defence that safeguards you both in the professional proceedings and should police become involved at a later stage.

We can further provide written representations, on your behalf, before and after, any hearing to address the allegations made to either put forward a defence or reach a compromise to avoid onerous penalties.

If you have been notified about a professional disciplinary investigation, been requested to attend a hearing, or have been informed about a potential police investigation, please contact us today.