NMC hearing representation

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a two day advocacy course as part of my continuing professional development.

I’ve been representing registrants in fitness to practise matters for the past 11 years, and appeared in countless final and interim order hearings in that time. I have a wealth of advocacy experience elsewhere besides.

But there is always more to learn.

This week I was asked to represent a nurse in an interim order hearing at the NMC. My client was subject to an interim conditions of practice order and we were attempting to have the order revoked.

One of the things I learned on my course was that, although my years of experience had given me plenty to say on behalf of my clients in any given case, it would be helpful for me to break it down into the smallest chunks possible. To aid the panel’s digestion of what I was saying, as it were.

I applied this during the hearing. Despite the NMC’s submissions that the order ought to remain, the panel agreed with me and revoked it.

Proof positive that as professionals, our development never stops.