Have your say: New guidance for fitness to practise decision-makers

The GDC are consulting on new guidance for decision-makers at the early assessment stages of the fitness to practise process.

Detailing considerations for the assessment of seriousness in determining whether a concern amounts to an allegation of impaired fitness to practise, the new guidance aims to support fair, consistent and proportionate decision-making.

Start date

10 August 2026

End date

23:59hrs on 2 November 2026

Summary

We are consulting on proposed new guidance for decision makers at the Initial Assessment and Assessment stages of the fitness to practise process, providing dedicated guidance for these stages for the first time.

At Initial Assessment, we consider whether the information received raises a fitness to practise concern. Where it does, the case moves to the Assessment stage, where further information is gathered to determine whether there is an allegation of impaired fitness to practise. Where there is, the case is referred to the case examiners.

Given the close relationship between these two stages, we are consulting on both guidance documents together. For the first time, they bring the factors supporting decision-making at these stages together in dedicated published guidance.

The new guidance aims to:

• ensure the guidance used by decision makers is up to date and effective
• support fair, consistent and proportionate decision-making
• provide greater clarity and transparency about how decisions are made
• make the process easier to understand by limiting technical terminology wherever possible.

Areas of particular focus include guidance on:

• health concerns
• sexual misconduct
• discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• offensive behaviour and freedom of expression.

The proposed guidance forms part of our work to deliver our 2026-2028 strategy, including our aim to improve fitness to practise, maximise patient safety and reduce unintended impacts.

Access the consultation documents, find out how to respond, and view further information here.