Standard Of Proof: Changes To Fitness To Practise Rules Agreed - General Optical Council, UK

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 07 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Council members agreed the process and draft timetable for amending the GOC Fitness to Practise Rules to apply the civil standard of proof. As a consequence of the Health and Social Care Bill (expected to become law this month), all nine UK healthcare regulatory bodies will be required to apply the civil standard of proof in their fitness to practise (disciplinary) proceedings.

The approved public consultation document on the Rules and their accompanying guidance is due to be issued on the Council's website from 4 July 2008. Members agreed to a 'virtual meeting' in September 2008, when the new Rules would be formally made.

From the date the rules subsequently come into force (no earlier than November 2008), all FTP cases will be based on the civil standard of proof, or 'the balance of probabilities'. The GOC currently apply the criminal standard of proof, based on 'beyond all reasonable doubt'.

The standard of proof applies only when making decisions on disputed facts. Decisions as to whether actions found proved amount to impaired fitness to practise and what sanction, if any, to apply, will remain matters for the professional judgement of the Panel.

About the General Optical Council

The GOC is the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Its purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education and conduct amongst opticians. The Council currently registers around 22,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.