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Misconduct is defined as improper interference in the broadest sense, with the proper functioning of activities of St George’s or any other place to which a student is attached, or with those who work or study in them, or participating in any action which damages St George’s.

Definitions of ‘misconduct’ are outlined in the General Regulations for Students and Programmes of Study.

A student who is suspected of misconduct will be considered under the Student Disciplinary Procedure (PDF) unless it is considered that the ‘misconduct’ would be improper in a member of the medical or healthcare professions and that it has implications in terms of a student’s fitness to study or practise. In such cases, the Procedure for Consideration of Fitness to Study or Practise will be followed.

What you need to know

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Procedure for alleged misconduct – initial stage (paragraph 2)

Breach of rules for facilities (2.1) will be investigated by the senior officer for the specific service. Where the breach of rules could not also be considered another type of ‘misconduct’, the senior officer may withdraw access to the facility or impose a penalty, such as a formal written admonishment, fine or loss of deposit. More serious breaches of rules for facilities which could also be considered ‘misconduct’ will be referred onto the secondary stage if they cannot be dealt with under paragraph 2.2.

Breach of other misconduct regulations (2.2) – a student who is considered to have committed a minor breach of the misconduct regulations and has admitted to having done so may receive a formal written admonishment and/or a formal written warning about future conduct and the requirement to abide by St George’s rules and regulations. Failure to comply with a written warning may result in action being taken under the later stages of the procedure.

Procedure for alleged serious misconduct – secondary stage (paragraph 3)

If allegations of serious misconduct are brought against a student, an independent investigating officer will be appointed. The investigating officer will gain as much information as possible about the allegations, interview the student and other individuals concerned and will prepare a report which will include the details of the investigation and recommendations for further action.

The investigating officer may recommend that a) no action may be taken, b) that the student should be given a warning or sanction or c) a hearing (disciplinary) committee will be established. The student will receive a copy of the report.

At each stage of the process, information, options and action points will be clearly communicated to the student in writing and reference will be made to procedural timescales.

Referral to hearing (disciplinary) committee

Not every investigation will result in a student being referred to a hearing committee. Where a student is referred to a hearing committee by the investigating officer, the date will be notified well in advance to allow ample time to prepare for the hearing and seek support and advice. St George’s will send written notice to the student and the student will be asked to provide a written response to the St George’s case. On the day of the hearing committee, the student can be accompanied by a person of their choice. During the hearing, both parties will be able to present their case to the committee and the committee will be invited to ask questions in accordance with the running order.

The decision of the hearing committee and their reasoning for the decision will be communicated to the student within 10 working days of the hearing in the form of a formal report.

Appealing the outcome

Under the terms of the procedure, students have the right to appeal an outcome under certain circumstances. The process for this is outlined in paragraph 4 of the procedure.

Support and advice

The Vice President for Education and Welfare is able to meet with students to guide them through the operation of the student procedures and provide general advice and support.

All St George’s students can access an external online support service called Togetherall. This service is available 24/7 and is completely anonymous. They also offer a number of self-guided support courses. More information about Togetherall can be found on the University’s Togetherall webpage and in the following resources:
Student misconduct which may also constitute a criminal offence

Students are required, under the university’s general regulations, to self-disclose any change to their criminal record status without delay to the Registry via the Student Conduct and Compliance Team. The online enrolment process takes place around August/September each year. During re-enrolment, students agree to the following:

  • I undertake to notify the Registry should any incident occur that may reasonably be regarded as preventing me from working with children or vulnerable adults during the remainder of my training.

  • I undertake to notify the Registry should I be subject to any further criminal convictions (this includes spent convictions), bind overs, cautions, investigations or other findings or orders of a criminal nature.

  • I agree to St George’s requesting a further enhanced DBS check if it is considered necessary and that I will be liable for the cost of the check.

  • I understand that continued registration on the programme of study is dependent on fulfilling this requirement and that failure to comply with this requirement would be addressed as a disciplinary or fitness to practise issue in line with university policies and procedures.

If during your time at St George’s you are accused of, convicted or charged with an offence, you must declare this immediately to the university by contacting Jenny Laws (Academic Registrar) and the Student Conduct and Compliance Team. Do not wait until the point of re-enrolment to disclose that you are under police investigation or that there has been an alteration to your criminal record status.

 

 

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