Appendix 2. Governance and misconduct arrangements in certain professions

Table of Contents

Introduction & Summary A Teaser Background Advocating Democracy Democracy’s vulnerabilities Overall defensive strategy The scale of the problem The legal status of politicians? The case for licensing politicians The case against licensing politicians The requirements for license-a statuary body to manage the process The requirements for license-the process The application and length of validity Eligibility to holding a licence Licences: non-renewal, suspensions and cancellations The requirements for license-the standards to be attained The requirements for license-the criteria Awarding or refusing the licence Political legal liability Educational program The Singapore experience Promotion and dissemination References Appendix 1 SWOT Analysis of UK democracy post 2024 UK general election Appendix 2. Governance and misconduct arrangements in certain professions Appendix 3: Table of evidence required for each criterion Appendix 4: Process for converting Criteria satisfied to Licence granting
Profession Vetting Qualifications and Entry Mandatory Interval Re-approval Regulated Professional Misconduct
Doctors No At least two rounds of training:
  1. Medical School for 5–6 years
  2. Post-graduate specialist exams
 5 yearly revalidation including annual appraisal, evidence of knowledge keeping up to date and mandatory topics. Statutory. By the General Medical Council Can be reported to the GMC, suspended pending hearing and if found guilty can be struck off or only given a license to practice under strict conditions.
Police Officers Yes A variety of 2- or 3-year entry programs Continuous in-house education Non-statutory by the College of Policing. The Independent Office for Police Conduct can investigate complaints or initiate investigations when merited.
Teachers No Generally speaking through the Post-Graduate Certificate of Education EWC has online tool to assist but no obvious mandatory requirement. Scotland – Yes, has mandatory 5 yearly update. Statutory in parts of the UK. The Education Workforce Council (Wales) only. The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Have sanctions including restrictions and prohibitions to teach.
Social Workers No Degree or post-grad course Yes. Annual CPD including peer review reflection to maintain place on register. Statutory, e.g. Social Work England Sanctions include removal, interim suspension and conditions of practice.
Solicitors and Barristers Yes 2 rounds of training:
  1. Law school
  2. Law Society or Bar exams
 No obvious mandatory requirement Yes, Regulation Authority for solicitors and Bar Standards Board for barristers Undertakes investigation. Disciplinary measures include financial penalties, controlling practice or discipline you, or removal.
Judges Yes By appointment after minimum 5–7 years experience in the profession No Not statutory May complain only about behaviour, language or conduct. Sanctions are formal advice, formal warning, reprimand or removal.
MI5 & MI6 Yes, intense and continual Success at a job interview process taking 6–9 months or possibly longer. Require a degree. Various options to attain post-grad level. No, but vetting is a regular process and personal learning encouraged. No Nothing specific. Dealt with in-house under employment law.
Civil Servants No Degree No. Regular performance reviews. No Nothing specific. Dealt with in-house under employment law.
Politicians Optional Winning an election. By holding seat at next election. No At the discretion of parliament, leader of party or constituents.

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