Specialist advice for regulators on enforcement action and fitness to practise investigations
We have a large team who investigate and prosecute regulatory cases across healthcare and other major regulatory sectors. Members of the team have worked in-house at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and acted on behalf of Social Work England and the Teachers Regulation Agency.
We advise regulators on appropriate enforcement action and Fitness to Practice. For several years, we have been on the NMC Panel for Legal Services to support Fitness to Practice case progression. Our team is experienced and trained in all aspects of fitness to practise investigations including critical appraisal of evidence, assessment of the need for further investigation and evidence, case plans, assessment and drafting of charges, update reports, Case Examiner reports.
What does our team do?
- We provide audits of fitness to practise decision-making work and assist regulators with identifying learning outcomes.
- We advise clients across all sectors (including healthcare) on statutory interpretation and general policy matters. We are experts in information governance and data protection law.
- We offer specialist advice to regulators on developing and operating within their regulatory schemes. We help regulators navigate the changing regulatory landscape.
- Our clients benefit from our in-house advocacy and case presentation capabilities.
- We offer bespoke training to in-house regulator teams, committee and panel members, client stakeholders and professionals.
For more information on how we can help please contact Michaela Nicholas: healthcare lawyer in London | Weightmans
What our clients say
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I find that Weightmans are highly professional and knowledgeable as well as being very good at making accurate assessments and providing solid advice. The team has excellent knowledge of the complex and nuanced legal frameworks we work within. Weightmans always responds with specific advice in a timely manner, no matter the complexity of the matter at hand. The firm has excellent knowledge, great communication skills and gives clear, concise and logical advice. It is always practical in how it handles very complex legal matters.
Chambers and Partners, 2026 -
Reliable and knowledgeable team.
Legal 500 2025 -
Exceptional knowledge of the healthcare sector. The acquisition of RLB and recent team additions make Weightmans a powerful resource.
Legal 500 2025 -
Advice is clear, relevant and helpful. It also always comes with the opportunity to discuss further or ask any clarification questions from the individuals which is reassuring. The individuals are also friendly and approachable, which makes a huge difference.
Legal 500 2025 -
Excellent team, extremely knowledgeable and responsive. Always feel fully supported and informed.
Legal 500 2025 -
Very knowledgeable in healthcare.
Legal 500 2025 -
I have worked with Weightmans LLP for a number of years and the team are fantastic at what they do. They are passionate about their area of law, personable but professional, and have great skill at every level. The team make our staff feel at ease and supported when involved in a legal process. They are always on hand to proactively assist with any legal matters. The service provided by the team has been exceptional.
Legal 500 2025 -
Wonderfully thoughtful team with broad experience and personal approach. Kind, responsive and always on hand to advise and sometimes simply to offer reassurance through, what for me, was a daunting and complex set of issues and context.
Legal 500 2025 -
Always have people with the necessary knowledge and expertise on hand to advise. Work to identify practical solutions to difficult legal issues. Go the extra mile for their clients.
Legal 500 2025 -
Good quality work and some stand out lawyers.
Legal 500 2025 -
Their knowledge and practical approach to commercial work is excellent. The relationships they build are strong ones and allow for a very flexible way of working on matters.
Legal 500 2025 -
The Leeds team has great experience in the public and private sector and strength in depth. Whatever the question, a focused, informed and practical analysis and range of options will be provided in a timely way. In the NHS employment-industrial relations area they have significant experience and expertise.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans's public inquiry and inquest team are excellent to work with. Always on the ball, approachable, responsive and always right on the law.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans always provide an excellent and efficient service - they are keen to assist and have taken on many last-minute instructions, which has been of great support to us and our clients.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team are very knowledgeable and their advice is always concise and well explained.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans provide excellent response times and a depth of knowledge, coupled with commerciality. They're consistently excellent.
Chambers and partners 2025 -
The team are experienced, intellectually rigorous and down to earth. They are timely in all aspects.
Chambers and Partners 2025 -
Weightmans stands out as a winner because it combines exceptional client service — demonstrated by a 95% satisfaction rating far above industry benchmarks — with unmatched sector breadth, deep healthcare expertise, and a proven track record in delivering complex, high‑stakes legal work. Its forward-thinking innovation, industry‑leading people culture, and meaningful contributions to the wider health and care community firmly position the firm as a transformative leader in the legal sector.
LaingBuisson Awards 2025 — winner feedback
Our healthcare regulation services
- CQC and HIW Regulations
- GDC fitness to practise hearings
- GDPR in Health and Social Care
- GMC fitness to practise hearings
- Interim Orders Tribunals
- Maintaining High Professional Standards
- Healthcare investigations
- Medical Student Fitness to Practise
- Mental health
- NHS counter fraud investigations
- Performers List
