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New guidance to support decision making at MPTS is welcome - MDDUS

Author: MDDUS | Date: 01 October 2025

At a glance:

  • MDDUS has welcomed new guidance from the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service aimed at fairer and more transparent tribunal decision‑making.
  • The revised guidance, due to take effect in November, gives greater clarity on how the seriousness of allegations is assessed.
  • While supportive of the changes, MDDUS has warned tribunals must continue to judge cases individually and avoid rigid application of new banding processes.

MDDUS has today welcomed the revised guidance designed to support fairer decision making at Medical Tribunals.

The new guidance comes into effect in November and will include more details about how tribunals assess the seriousness of allegations.

The new Guidance for MPTS Tribunals is described by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service as being ‘more transparent’ than what it replaces.

Sara Foster, Joint Head of Legal at MDDUS, said: “The revisions announced today are a welcome recognition of the impact tribunal decisions can have on doctors.

“We are happy that the points we made to MPTS have been reasonably included within the wording of the new guidance.

“However, while the new ‘banding’ processes are in principle welcome, we will expect to see tribunals continue to decide outcomes on a case-by-case basis and in response to the allegations that have been found proven not just alleged.

“Care needs to be taken so this step in the right direction does not become a straitjacket.”

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

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