'Good' working relationships

Sexual relationships with colleagues do occur often; it is to be expected, as those are the people with whom we spend a vast amount of our time.  Many employers have a specific policy dealing with such relationships, to ensure that there is no impropriety or abuse of position.

One of my recent cases concerned an occupational therapist who had started such a relationship with a colleague.  Regrettably, they went wrong in two particular aspects.  They didn't inform their bosses in accordance with policy, and the relationship was with a student whom they were mentoring.  The combination of these errors meant that there was a HCPC investigation and hearing into the registrant's fitness to practice.

When the registrant first sought my advice, they were fearful that the referral would lead to them being struck off the register.

With careful preparation before the hearing and negotiation with the HCPC lawyer at the hearing itself, a 4 day hearing became a 3 day hearing; and following admissions to all of the charges, the panel agreed with my submissions that a caution order was appropriate.  My client had supportive employers but even so, this was a wonderful result, meaning they could continue practising without any restriction.

They left me a testimonial (KR), from which it appears I am much cheaper than my competitors - I think I need to put my prices up*!

*Alright, I won't.