What to do if concerns are raised about you

If you are a member of a professional body or union, we recommend contacting them as soon as you are notified that a concern has been raised.

A representative from a union or professional body can support and guide you throughout the Fitness to Practise process. They can provide legal advice, assist with preparing your response to the concerns, and represent you during the investigation and any hearings. Many professional bodies also offer additional wellbeing support to help you manage the personal impact of the process.

Association of Optometrists (AOP)

Unite the union

If you are not a member of a union or representative body, the following organisations may be able to support you.

Advocate: Finding free legal help from barristers
This charity match members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
Telephone: 020 7092 3960 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:15 AM - 12.45 PM)

Age UK
A charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most out of later life. They provide advice and support to over 60’s.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Helpline: 0800 9177 650

AOP Peer Support Line (helpline for optical professionals)
Calls to the anonymous peer-to-peer helpine are answered 24 hours a day, by an external answering service, with volunteers on duty to return calls between 8am and 8pm.
Telephone: 0800 870 8401

British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Provide impartial and objective advice and support to dyslexic people and those with whom they come into contact.
Helpline: 0333 405 4567

Citizens Advice
Provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone. They provide advice on a range of topics including benefits, work, debt money, consumer rights, family and housing, law and the courts, immigration and health matters.
The Citizens Advice may be able to connect you to the Free Representation Unit (FRU).

Dyspraxia UK
A specialist Occupational Therapy service, focused on supporting people with symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) which is commonly known as Dyspraxia.
Telephone: 01223 967897 (Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm)

Mind
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Local Minds support people across England and Wales. Their services include supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending.
Support line: 0300 102 1234
Legal line: 0300 466 6463

NHS Practitioner Health
Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health & care professionals.
Telephone: 0300 0303 300

Scope
Scope is the disability equality charity. They provide practical advice and emotional support whenever people need it most. They aim to achieve a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333 (9am to 5pm weekdays)
Email: [email protected]

Samaritans
Samaritans s a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the UK and Ireland.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

SANE
Provide care and emotional support for people with mental health problems. They have a Caller Care service led by professional staff provides ongoing support to help people alleviate a crisis phase or get through difficult circumstances.
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (every day 4.30pm – 10.30pm)

Victim Support
A charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales which provides emotional and practical support.