The Authority has been invited to produce some guidance for regulators on the issues surrounding virtual hearings of fitness to practise cases. A number of regulators are planning to hold hearings this way, including in relatively complex cases involving witnesses.
We are aware that there are particular concerns around privacy and vulnerable participants in such hearings, though we are also aware that they can be a valuable additional resource to address backlogs arising out the recent lockdown.
The Authority has been discussing these matters with regulators and representative organisations and has produced some draft guidance, which we aim to publish towards the end of September, subject to the approval of our Board.
You can find the draft guidance here (the draft is also available in Welsh. We are seeking views on it by 11 September 2020. If you would like to send comments, please email them to Mark.Stobbs@professionalstandards.org.uk