Public hearings

Hearings of tribunals of the Disciplinary Committee and panels of the Appeal Committee are normally open to the public.

Open hearings demonstrate the Institute's commitment to upholding the public interest and inspiring confidence in the Institute's disciplinary proceedings.

In addition to providing greater transparency, open hearings are one of the hallmarks of a modern professional body.

If a hearing is to be held in public, the defendant’s or appellant’s name, the terms of the formal complaint and the date, time and place of the hearing will be published on this website seven days before the hearing.

Any members of the press or public who attend a hearing are entitled to hear what is said but they are not entitled to see written material.

If you are facing a complaint or have lodged an appeal and think it may be necessary for your hearing to be held in private, you must apply to the chairman of the tribunal in writing giving your reasons. The chairman must receive your application within 14 days of your knowing the hearing date.

The other party is entitled to give the chairman its views on your application for the hearing to be held in private.

If you don’t apply for your hearing to be held in private, or if your application is refused, you can still make an oral representation at the hearing itself.

However, details of the hearing will already have been published on this website, members of the pubic may be there and your oral application may be refused. Your oral application to the tribunal will be in private.

The tribunal chairman will give the principal reason(s) for any decision to grant or refuse a private hearing.

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