- What is Fitness to Practise?
- When can Fitness to Practise concerns be raised?
- How are concerns reported?
- Fitness to Practise policy and procedures
- Need help or advice?
What is Fitness to Practise?
Students on professional programmes must meet the standards of conduct, behaviour and professionalism required by both the University and their professional regulator.
When you enrol on a professional programme, your conduct and actions must be consistent with:
- University regulations
- the principles of professional behaviour for your profession
- any relevant professional, statutory or regulatory body requirements
These expectations apply during your studies:
- on and off campus
- during placements
- during employment linked to your programme
- in your personal life where this may affect professional standards
When can Fitness to Practise concerns be raised?
A student's Fitness to Practise may be called into question when their behaviour, conduct or health raises serious or ongoing concerns about their ability to continue on their programme and meet professional standards.
This may include situations where there is a risk to:
- patients
- service users
- members of the public
- other students
- staff
- the student themselves
Fitness to Practise procedures also help maintain public trust and confidence in professional careers.
How are concerns reported?
University staff, students, practice representatives and members of the public have a responsibility to report concerns about professional behaviour where appropriate.
Concerns may relate to:
- unprofessional behaviour
- conduct issues
- professional competence
- health concerns
- other matters that could affect a student's Fitness to Practise
Reported concerns may be investigated under the University's Fitness to Practise procedures.
Fitness to Practise policy and procedures
For full details of the process, read:
- Student Code of Conduct
- Student Fitness to Practise Policy (UPR SA15)
- SA15 Appendices and University Regulations
Need help or advice?
If you have questions about Fitness to Practise, speak to your Programme Leader in the first instance.
For general Fitness to Practise advice, contact the University's Fitness to Practise Support Team.
You can also access independent advice and wellbeing support.
Herts SU Advice and Support Centre
The Students' Union Advice and Support Centre provides free, practical and impartial advice to students.
Find out more on the Herts SU Advice and Support page and the Herts SU support website.
Student Wellbeing
The Student Wellbeing team offers counselling, mental health and wellbeing support services.
Visit Student Wellbeing to find out more and self-refer for support.