Consultation on updates to HCPC sanctions policy - now open

The sanctions policy is a guidance document that outlines the principles for determining appropriate outcomes of FTP cases. It is designed to support panels in making fair, consistent, and transparent decisions, ensuring that regulatory outcomes maintain public confidence and uphold professional standards. The policy was last updated in 2019.

Key areas in which we are proposing changes relate to sanctions imposed for discrimination, breaches of professional boundaries, and sexually motivated misconduct.

The proposed changes will provide more clarity and guidance for panel members when deciding on the appropriate sanction in HCPC FTP cases. The updates will further support them to make informed, fair, proportionate, and consistent decisions that maintain trust and confidence in health and care professions and protect the public.

We have been working with stakeholders such as professional bodies, unions, and panel members to inform the proposed changes to ensure they effectively meet the needs of the public and the professions we regulate.

The consultation launches today, 29 May 2025, and closes on 1 September 2025.

You can read about all the proposals in the consultation document, and share your views with us through our online survey, both available via the consultation page.