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Job purpose:

The purpose of this role is to progress fitness to practise (FtP) complaints from initial receipt through the investigation process to Case Examiner/Investigation Committee (IC) consideration and on to final FTP Committee hearing (if applicable) in a customer-centric, timely, and effective manner, with a strong commitment to public protection.

This role involves demonstrable consideration of risk, which may lead to applications for interim orders. The role holder will work collaboratively with colleagues for the management of IO reviews, including monitoring conditions of practice, preparation for case examiner/IC consideration, and preparation for FtPC hearings. Each step is undertaken with the dedication to ensuring public safety and maintaining trust in the profession.

The role holder will be expected to provide clear instructions to the Council’s in-house or external lawyers and to contribute to the ongoing development and efficiencies in fitness to practise, always prioritising the protection of the public.

In this role, it is essential to approach all communications and decision-making processes with both compassion and professionalism. This means actively listening to all parties involved, demonstrating empathy and understanding, and ensuring that every action taken is fair, respectful, and demonstrates integrity.

Key Accountabilities:

Initial and ongoing assessment (including risk assessment) of cases, placing the protection of the public at the core of all casework activity including preparation of interim order applications, management of IO reviews/High Court extensions and monitoring conditions of practice.
Setting an initial case plan (or agree a plan drafted by in-house or external lawyers), and liaising with the Legal department to identify potential sources of information, potential witnesses, potential barriers to the investigation and ensuring that all appropriate lines of enquiry are pursued;
Producing high quality written work - including summary reports for managers and/or case examiners/IC - to deadlines and provision of clear verbal information and advice to colleagues concerning own caseload and the work of the team;
Co-ordinating and quality assuring the production of relevant material and bundles of information for experts, case examiners, committees and hearings so that decision making is facilitated in line with the legal framework and best practice; liaising with all relevant parties for each case as necessary to ensure deadlines are met and all are appropriately informed about case progression, delays, hearings and outcomes.
Progressing those cases referred for consideration by the FTP Committee to a final hearing, including liaising with the Council’s in-house lawyers, external solicitors and/or Counsel, defence representatives, complainants, registrants, witnesses (including experts) and other parties, ensuring that service standards are met.
Maintaining all paper and electronic case files in line with quality standards/retention policies and ensuring that team members, colleagues and other stakeholders have access to relevant information as required; maintaining clear and accurate case data via a caseload monitoring system to provide assurance to the Head of Case Progression (and others) that cases are progressing in line with performance expectations.
Acquiring an effective working knowledge of the GOC’s governing legislation, relevant policies and procedures and the remit and impact on the GOC of external statutory bodies.
Managing a mixed caseload of interim order/ substantive review cases and managing cases through to final FTPC hearing. Proactive investigation and/or management of all cases to ensure they are progressed in line with current risk assessment and performance indicators, alerting managers immediately if an event or information occurs which jeopardises that objective;
There may be opportunities to deputise for the operations manager where applicable

Essential Skills/Experience/Qualifications:

Experience of investigations or complaint handling, ideally within a legal, regulatory or healthcare environment.
Ability to multi-task, manage competing demands, work flexibly and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Well developed oral and written communication skills, to deal effectively, with internal and external stakeholders.
A commitment to high standards of service delivery and excellent customer care
Sound judgement and decision making with ability to summarise and report on information in a systematic and coherent way; and to make recommendations which are supported by clear arguments and evidence.
Ability to identify new ideas or initiatives and develop innovative and creative solutions to the management of operational issues and problems
Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office and CRM

Closing date for this role is 18 November 2024, please note we reserve the right to close this role early dependant 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.

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