Tom Kark KC

Tom Kark KC is a leading barrister in professional regulation, public law and inquiries. His practice spans healthcare, regulatory and public sector cases, and he has acted in some of the most significant inquiries of recent years. A defining moment in his career was his central role as counsel to the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, where he spent two years examining systemic failings in patient care. He was later appointed by the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland to chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, investigating the abuse of vulnerable patients, demonstrating the trust placed in him for high-profile matters.

Tom’s regulatory expertise is complemented by extensive experience in criminal and financial crime, including eight years as Standing Counsel to HMRC. He has acted across the spectrum of financial and corporate offences for both prosecution and defence and continues to be instructed in serious and complex criminal matters. His 2018 independent review of the NHS Fit and Proper Person Test, commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health, has shaped ongoing reform in healthcare leadership accountability.

Regularly appearing for regulators and professionals, Tom advises at all stages of regulatory proceedings and acts in appeals up to the Supreme Court. He also serves as a legal assessor for leading healthcare and professional bodies.