Fitness to practise processes
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The role of experts in disciplinary complaints
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Disciplinary Complaints
Online / In Person
Variable
About this course
Expert witnesses play a crucial role in disciplinary complaints. Learn how their expertise and testimony can impact the outcome of these cases.
Course syllabus
This Role of Experts in Disciplinary Complaints training programme for Professional Regulators covers the following topics:
- Understanding the statutory role of regulators and their governing legislation.
- What acting in the public interest means.
- The complaints process and stages under various governing legislation.
- The statutory grounds of complaint.
- The definition of professional misconduct and poor professional performance.
- The implication of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Corbally v Medical Council [2015] IESC 9.
- Understanding what serious means in the context of complaints.
- The definition, role and duties of expert witnesses.
- The role of screening committees in the investigation of complaints.
- The role of expert witnesses at the inquiry stage of the complaints process.
- Understanding the expert’s brief.
- What is required of an expert’s report.
- Who is entitled to see the expert’s report and what they are entitled to see.
- The expert’s preparation for an inquiry.
- Expert testimony – dos and don’ts.
Meet the trainer – Anthony Kennelly
Solicitor, BA, LLM
Anthony is a qualified solicitor and has been a part-time Programme Developer and Trainer with La Touche Training since September 2023. Anthony previously worked at leading commercial law firms and as...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Discover the important role that expert witnesses play in disciplinary complaints and how their testimony can shape the outcome of these proceedings.
FAQs
This course is designed for professionals who act, or may be asked to act, as expert witnesses in disciplinary complaints and fitness to practise proceedings. It is also relevant for regulators, investigators, professional body staff, lawyers, healthcare professionals, engineers, accountants and other specialists who provide expert opinion evidence in disciplinary matters.
No. The course is suitable both for experienced experts seeking to strengthen their knowledge of disciplinary proceedings and for professionals who are new to acting as expert witnesses and want to understand the role and responsibilities involved.
Unlike many court proceedings, disciplinary hearings operate within a statutory framework and focus on issues such as professional misconduct, poor professional performance, and public protection. Expert witnesses must understand the regulatory context, the applicable legislation, and the specific standards expected by disciplinary bodies.
The course covers the role and duties of expert witnesses, preparing expert reports, understanding an expert’s brief, giving evidence at inquiries, preparing for hearings, and delivering effective testimony. Participants also learn the practical do’s and don’ts of acting as an expert in disciplinary proceedings.
Yes. The programme examines what is required in an expert report, who may have access to the report, and how reports are used throughout the complaints process. Participants gain practical guidance on preparing clear, objective, and relevant expert evidence.
Yes. The training provides an overview of the complaints process, including the different stages under regulatory legislation, the role of screening committees, statutory grounds of complaint, and how expert evidence is used at various stages of an investigation and inquiry.
Participants learn what is expected of experts when giving evidence, how to prepare effectively for an inquiry, common pitfalls to avoid, and how expert testimony can influence decision-making during disciplinary proceedings.
Yes. The programme examines the legal definitions of professional misconduct and poor professional performance, helping experts understand the issues they may be asked to address when preparing reports or providing evidence.
Yes. Participants are introduced to important legal concepts relevant to disciplinary complaints, including the implications of the Supreme Court decision in Corbally v Medical Council and the meaning of “serious” in the context of regulatory complaints.
No. The focus of this course is on the practical role, responsibilities, and performance of expert witnesses within disciplinary complaints processes. It is designed to help participants understand and fulfil their duties as experts rather than provide business development or marketing advice.
