Department profile
Hempsons

Professional Discipline

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Hempsons

Rankings

About

Provided by Hempsons

Hempsons' Professional Discipline team is a leader in the field. The team is very experienced in all aspects of  matters, having assisted many hundreds of doctors with an array of  registration-based problems.

Key services and issues

  • Fitness to practise hearings the GMC receive many types of allegations which suggest that a doctor might not be fit to practise. These are all investigated by the appropriate committees and if necessary a public inquiry is held. There are three essential grounds to make a finding of impaired fitness to practise which are misconduct, deficient professional performance and health problems. The stakes are high with suspension, conditional registration or erasure from the medical register being possible outcomes.
  • First registration This can often cause a difficulty for doctors who qualified overseas and for those who may have encountered “problems” in their student lives.
  • GMC registers The GMC maintains specialist registers and sometimes practitioners experience problems in gaining entry to those lists and we are happy to step in and help. This includes applications, reviews and appeals to PMETB.
  • Revalidation All doctors must keep their knowledge and skills up to date throughout their working life. A failure to do so may lead to the GMC threatening to withdraw their licence to practise. We can help appeal such decisions.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Discipline - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Hempsons has an acclaimed practice with specialist experience in the health and social care sectors in addition to the police and other professional sectors. The firm is well known for its criminal expertise, which supports its strength in the disciplinary field. The team focuses on defending practitioners in proceedings involving the GMC, GDC and GOC. The firm also advises clients from its offices in London and Manchester.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Hempsons has a team who understand the necessity for prompt and efficient responses to client contact. They provide any assistance required and are hugely knowledgeable.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK

  • They have masses of expertise and are great to work for. They're committed to the cause and always look after the client.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK

  • The team are well informed and quick to grasp the issues.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK

  • Hempsons always respond quickly and give comprehensive and sound advice.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Adam Smith
    Adam Smith

    Adam Smith

    Adam Smith possesses a wealth of expertise in defending clients facing GDC, GMC and HCPC investigations into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, dishonesty and sexual assault. He is also noted for his representation of police officers facing claims of misconduct.

    • Adam Smith builds up a good rapport with clients who are often really distressed and anxious, putting them at ease and explaining the process to them.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK

    • He definitely goes above and beyond in terms of client care and communication. He's always checking in on clients and giving them updates.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK

    • Adam is extremely highly regarded and very experienced in his field. He has clear judgement and gives sound advice. He is very good.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK
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  • Surjit Dubb
    Surjit Dubb

    Surjit Dubb

    Surjit Dubb is a skilled professional discipline expert who is called upon by a range of medical professionals for his abilities in disciplinary and regulatory issues. He offers experience in proceedings before the MPTS, the GDC and a variety of wider governing bodies.

    • Surjit Dubb is very experienced and has good tactical instincts.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK

    • Surjit is a team player who is collaborative and supportive. He's alive to any issue that may come up. He's well prepared and one step ahead of the game.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK

    • He has emotional intelligence and is able to empathise and understand people well, which is such an important part of the job.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK
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  • Tania Francis
    Tania Francis

    Tania Francis

    Tania Francis is held in high regard for her defence of medical practitioners in GMC and GDC investigations. She is also adept at assisting with criminal proceedings and regulatory inquiries.

    • Tania is very professional, approachable and quick to grasp the key issues.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK

    • Tania Francis is consistently extremely helpful, responsive and thorough in all her work. Her advice is always comprehensive, clear, and well considered, so it is always a pleasure to work with her.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Hempsons (3)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Hempsons

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