We asked stakeholders to provide feedback on a case management process, being introduced to facilitate the effective running of GOC hearings. The process is designed to encourage both parties to prepare their cases efficiently, to co-operate with each other in order to keep delays to a minimum, and to and make the best use of hearing time.
The general feedback was that the case management process was a positive proposal to assist with the timely management of cases. There were some elements that could be tweaked in order to achieve the best outcomes and take into account the practicalities of case preparation and presentation in relation to both parties.
The general feedback suggested:
We reviewed the feedback from the plan and associated documents, and decided whether to accept, reject or incorporate the feedback in an adapted form.
The following amendments have been agreed:
We continue to invite you to relay your thoughts and experiences with the case management process throughout the pilot as we continue to develop the plan.
This consultation seeks stakeholder views about introducing an pre hearing case management process.
The case management process is intended to ensure cases are hearing ready, to reduce delays and make the best use of hearing time.
The case management procedure is primarily intended to:
The process is designed to minimise delays that can arise during the pre-hearing preparation period, which have led to hearing dates being vacated, and at the hearing stage, where valuable time is often spent dealing with preliminary matters which can ordinarily be resolved before the hearing.
The procedure will normally focus on up to two discussions between parties. In most cases, these will take place over the telephone.
The first telephone conference will be held 2 months from the date of disclosure to the Registrant.
A second telephone conference will take place 4-6 weeks prior to the start date of the hearing.
We would like to hear your views on the proposal to help us develop and finalise the case management meeting plan.
We encourage you to provide as much information as possible.
The consultation will remain open for three weeks – closing on Friday 25 October 2019. We will use the information and feedback that we gather from this consultation to further develop our plan for the case management process.
We will publish a report to summarise the findings of this consultation and explain how we have used the feedback. We reserve the right not to publish responses which contravene our Acceptable Behaviour Policy.
If you have any queries about the consultation, then please contact Vineeta Desai – vdesai@optical.org
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