Fitness to practise inequalities affecting ethnic minority and non‑UK qualified doctor

The GMC’s publication Deep‑rooted inequalities distort opportunities and weaken healthcare culture highlights a persistent and troubling pattern: ethnic minority doctors and those who qualified outside the UK continue to be disproportionately represented in fitness to practise referrals and investigations.

Although the GMC has taken steps to address disproportionality, its own data shows that:

• Ethnic minority doctors are more likely to be referred to the GMC by employers compared with their white UK‑qualified counterparts.
• Non‑UK qualified doctors face higher rates of investigation, even when the underlying concerns are similar.
• Structural inequalities, workplace culture, and differential access to support all contribute to these disparities.

The GMC acknowledges that these inequalities are “deep‑rooted” and continue to shape professional experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for doctors from minority backgrounds.

Additional evidence of disproportionate impact

Analysis from Kings View Chambers reinforces these findings. Their review of GMC data shows that:

• Ethnic minority doctors are over‑represented at every stage of the fitness to practise process, from initial referral through to full investigation.
• Non‑UK qualified doctors are significantly more likely to face escalated action, including interim orders and tribunal hearings.
• Factors such as workplace bias, cultural misunderstandings, and inconsistent local handling of concerns contribute to this disproportionality.

This pattern is not new. Multiple independent reviews over the past decade have reached the same conclusion: ethnic minority and international medical graduates face a higher regulatory burden and greater professional risk.

Why expert legal advice is especially important for these groups

Kings View Chambers’ analysis of doctors’ confidence in the GMC and MPTS processes shows that many doctors—particularly ethnic minority and non‑UK qualified doctors—lack confidence that they will be treated fairly. This lack of confidence is not unfounded given the data.

The evidence demonstrates that:

• Doctors who receive early, specialist legal advice are far more likely to achieve positive outcomes, including avoiding unnecessary escalation.
• Clear, strategic representation helps counteract misunderstandings, cultural or communication barriers, and procedural disadvantages that disproportionately affect minority and international doctors.
• Legal representation provides a protective layer, ensuring that the doctor’s perspective is properly articulated, evidence is presented effectively, and procedural fairness is upheld.

For doctors who already face structural disadvantages, expert legal support is not simply helpful—it is often essential.

Kings View Chambers: specialist fitness to practise defence

With over 30 years of combined experience, Kings View Chambers is recognised as one of the leading teams in fitness to practise defence. We understand that fitness to practise investigations are not just regulatory processes—they are deeply personal, often stressful experiences that can affect your career, wellbeing, and reputation.

Our approach is built on:

• Expertise – decades of specialist experience in GMC and MPTS defence.
• Empathy – recognising the anxiety and uncertainty doctors face during investigations.
• Excellence – consistently rated ‘excellent’ by clients for our commitment, clarity, and results.
• Support – guiding you through every stage of the process with professionalism and care.

Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation telephone consultation and speak directly with one of the most experienced fitness to practise defence teams in the UK. You deserve expert support—especially when the stakes are this high.