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In Fitness to Practise Proceedings, how can I demonstrate insight when I have denied the allegations?
Kathryn Sheridan
Louise is a Senior Associate in the Regulatory Team. She re-joined Kingsley Napley as a Solicitor in 2016, having previously worked as a Legal Assistant at the firm between 2010 and 2012.
Louise leads complex fitness to practise investigations on behalf of regulatory bodies in the education and healthcare sectors. As part of her role she advises clients on the prospects of success, strategy and the appropriate means for disposal of cases. She is also responsible for leading on process improvement for one of the department’s largest clients as well as delivering internal and external training on process improvement. A large proportion of Louise’s cases relate to alleged sexual misconduct, often involving vulnerable witnesses; Louise is skilled at ensuring that witnesses feel supported throughout the process. Louise is also regularly instructed to act in cases involving complex fraud and dishonesty.
Previous experience
Louise has a background in both regulatory law and civil litigation. The latter mainly involved defending clinical negligence claims brought against doctors, nurses, NHS Trusts and private companies on the instruction of medical defence organisations and insurers.
Recent work
Louise’s recent cases include:
- A Teacher prohibited from teaching indefinitely for failing to maintain boundaries and engaging in inappropriate contact with a pupil.
- A Teacher who was struck off for failing to maintain professional boundaries with a pupil and failing to declare prior disciplinary action/investigation to their regulator when applying for registration.
- An Optometrist who was erased from the register for submitting claim forms when it was not appropriate, altering the date on claim forms and practising as an optometrist whilst subject to an interim suspension order.
- A Paramedic who was struck off for concerns which included the sending of inappropriate messages to children and making inappropriate physical contact with a child.
Professional Societies and Memberships
- Member of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
