Blog
Rule 12 – when the Assistant Registrar’s decision not to refer an allegation against a doctor is not final
Shannett Thompson
Legal 500 UK 2021
Shannett is a Partner in the Regulatory Team having trained in the NHS and commenced her career exclusively defending doctors. She provides regulatory advice predominantly in the health and social care and education sectors. Shannett has vast experience advising regulated individuals, businesses such as clinics and care homes and students in respect of disciplinary investigations. She is a member of the private prosecutions team providing advice to individuals, business and charities in respect of prosecutions were traditional agencies are unwilling or unable to act. In addition Shannett has built up a significant niche in advising investors and businesses in the cannabis sector.
Shannett is highly recommended for advising doctors facing proceedings brought by the General Medical Council (GMC), and she works closely with our employment team in respect of Maintaining High Professional Standards (MHPS) investigations thereby ensuring that the doctor’s on-going career is a pivotal consideration throughout an investigation. She represents doctors throughout the entire investigation from initial contact, Interim Orders (IO), substantive hearings before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal and appeal.
Advice for students
Shannett largely acts for students in relation to disciplinary investigations relating to both academic and non-academic conduct. She regularly works with the criminal litigation department on matters which may also constitute a criminal offence to ensure that the client’s position is protected.
Shannett advises health and wellbeing businesses across all aspects of their regulatory obligations, especially during start-up. She works closely with the corporate and commercial team to ensure clients receive the tailored advice they need.
Shannett advises care homes and primary care providers in relation to civil and criminal enforcement action threatened by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Her approach is collegiate, pragmatic and focuses on getting the best result for clients in often difficult circumstances.
Shannett has been at the forefront of providing advice in the area of cannabis-based medicines, CBD and related licensing issues.
Shannett acts for businesses and charities in respect of prosecutions where traditional agencies are unwilling or unable to act. She advises in respect of the full range of offences.
She also assists victims of crime to challenge decisions not to prosecute.
Shannett has extensive experience of conducting investigations on behalf of regulators in both the healthcare and education sector. She advises from initial complaint all the way through to substantive hearing stage, and is an able advocate, so often presents cases.
Diversity & Inclusion
Shannett is a passionate advocate for issues relating to Diversity & Inclusion. She has been invited to speak at many external events including the Urban Lawyers Conference and Bright Network. She also regularly writes for publications. Her focus areas are race and ethnicity and social mobility.
Shannett regularly speaks at external conferences on disciplinary issues and her articles have been published externally including in the Journal of Professional Negligence, Lexis Nexis, Sunday Times and other professional publications. She was recognised by Brummel Magazine as ’30 Ones to Watch' list of London’s City stars for 2018.
Shannett has acted in the following matters amongst others:
Shannett’s case summaries and blogs are often reported by Lexology.
Shannett Thompson
Kathryn Sheridan
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