General information

Where are hearings held?

Hearings are held at our Tribunal Centre in London as well as other venues in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

When do I attend a hearing?

Once the HCPC has concluded its investigation and decided to proceed with an allegation, it will refer the matter to the Tribunal. At that point the HCPTS scheduling team will arrange a hearing and, in doing so, will take account of the availability of the registrant, witnesses and other participants.

Witnesses for HCPC

The HCPC will pass your details to the scheduling team who will contact you for dates to avoid. The scheduling team will send you a notice of the hearing venue and the date and time at which you are required to attend.

Witnesses for the registrant

The HCPTS will ask the registrant concerned to provide dates to avoid for the registrant their representative and any witnesses the registrant intends to call to give evidence. Once the hearing date has been scheduled the registrant or their representative will notify you of the hearing venue, the date of the hearing and the day on which you are likely to give evidence.

What will I be asked to do at a hearing?

Giving an oath

When you are called to give evidence you will be shown into the hearing room by the hearings officer and shown to the witness table. Before you give evidence you will be making a religious oath on a holy book of your choice or making a secular affirmation. They have the same effect and are a promise that you will tell the truth when giving your evidence. You should inform the hearings officer of your preference before entering the hearing room and if you have any particular needs in respect of taking an oath please discuss these with the Tribunal Service team before the hearing.

There will be a copy of your witness statement and any exhibits on the table in front of you. You are not allowed to bring any extra documents into the hearing room.

Giving evidence

If you are giving evidence on behalf of the HCPC it may ask you to provide a witness statement, and usually go to a hearing. If you have been asked to give evidence on behalf of a registrant they may ask you to write a statement and go to the hearing.

Whether you are giving evidence on behalf of the registrant or the HCPC you may be cross-examined about what you have said. Panel members may also ask questions about your evidence. Some of these questions may feel uncomfortable, but the panel have a duty to test the evidence.

Support available

We understand that the process of attending a hearing and giving evidence may be intimidating and unfamiliar to many witnesses Talking to someone about being a witness If you have any concerns about giving evidence, you should discuss them with the relevant legal representative or registrant as soon as possible. They should pass on any relevant information to the HCPTS and we can contact you to discuss any concerns that you may have about giving evidence.

We've also partnered with POhWER to provide a responsive and person-centred lay advocacy service for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities or those who due to life events require support to be involved with a regulatory case in relation to a complaint about a health or social care professional. You can find more details about the service here.

Facilities for vulnerable witnesses

The facilities and layout of the Tribunal Centre are set up to help prevent you feeling anxious or intimidated. We have a private waiting room for vulnerable witnesses and depending on the circumstances of the case special measure may be put in place by the Panel to help you give evidence.

If the hearing is taking place at another venue please contact the Tribunal Service team to discuss any concerns you may have.