We are recruiting two Case Progression Lawyers in the Case Preparation and Review Team to play a central role in overseeing cases which have been outsourced to our ELPs.  In this role you will ensure that the ELPs conduct timely, quality, proportionate and fair investigations. You will be supported by, and line manage two paralegals.

As we’re currently building our legal team, you may also see our advert for fitness to practice investigation lawyers. We encourage potential candidates to look at both JDs to see which role may be the best match. We welcome applications from candidates who may be interested in both roles. Applications for each role will be shortlisted separately so individual applications would need to be submitted in those circumstances.

This is an exciting time to join the team, as we are changing the way we deliver Fitness to Practise so that we are ready for regulatory reform. This includes developing a more frontloaded approach to our investigations by obtaining final witness statements, expert opinions and reports before the case is considered by our Investigating Committee.

We rely on External Legal Providers (ELPs) to prepare and present some Fitness to Practise cases before our investigation and practice committees on the HCPC’s behalf.

Your role will be to:

• Build good relationships and work constructively with our ELPs, ensuring investigations are consistent, fair, proportionate, and compliant with the HCPC’s policies, procedures and best practice.
• Provide instructions to our ELPs, including approving case plans and skeleton arguments, signing off consensual disposal agreements/amendments to allegations and agreeing when cases are ready to schedule.
• Provide feedback on the performance of the ELPs to HCPC management.
• Support the delivery of key development projects by proactively contributing ideas and supporting the development of processes, policy and guidance documents.
• Ensure that you adopt a compassionate approach to the regulation of our professions by adapting your communication method and frequency and using a compassionate tone when communicating with parties to a case.

This role will suit professionals who have some experience of working within professional regulation. We welcome applications from lawyers more junior in PQE than set out in the person specification if you have relevant pre-qualification experience. We also welcome applications from lawyers who may have transferrable skills from other areas of practice, who can show a keen interest in professional regulation.

About the Fitness to Practise Department

The Department receives and investigates concerns about registrants’ fitness to practise and protection of title offences and provides an adjudication function through the  HCPC Tribunal Service (HCPTS). We employ around 130 people, who are collectively responsible for the delivery of the HCPC’s Fitness to Practise and adjudication work. We manage an open caseload of approximately 1,900 Fitness to Practise cases.

Fitness to Practise , in this context, describes the process we use to investigate concerns that are raised about our registrants’ conduct, competence, health or character. You can learn more about the process  here.

Closing Date: 1pm 3 June 2024 (All vacancies will close at 1pm)

Interview Date: w/c 17 June 2024

Further information on this role is detailed in the job description and person specification.  As part of the application process, along with a copy of your most updated CV please submit a supporting statement explaining the reasons you should be considered for this role; and what demonstrable experience you will bring based on the person specification. 

If you’d like to speak about the role please contact recruitment@hcpc-uk.org. We will be able to put you in touch with our Senior FtP Lawyer who is happy to speak with potential candidates.