02 June 2026 Keith Rix 1118 Case Updates Some guidance for experts in professional disciplinary proceedings by Keith Rix Commentary In these professional disciplinary proceedings it was considered highly unusual for an expert to act on behalf of a Registrant having also provided a character reference in support of the same Registrant. Learning points If you have provided a character reference for a practitioner in professional regulatory proceedings, consider carefully whether you can also act as an independent expert. If you have provided a character reference for a practitioner in professional regulatory proceedings and then act as an expert, you must disclose your provision of the character evidence in your report. An expert’s declaration is required in professional regulatory proceedings. It may be necessary to hear the evidence of the adverse parties’ experts. Be careful not to make assertions about a registrant for which you have to apologise and which you then have to withdraw. To continue reading you must be an EWI member, become a member and access exclusive content. Already a member? Login More links Link to the Judgment Share Print Tags Expert declaration16. Criticism and Complaints06. Rules and RegulationsCharacter ReferenceDuties of an ExpertOethotropicsRegulatory ProceedingsGeneral Dental Council Related articles Craigard (Dartford) Limited & Anor v Westbury Homes (Holdings) Limited & Anor [2026] EWHC 2453 (TCC) A medical report to which the court gave little weight DLP Ltd v Coram UK Holding Ltd [2026] EWHC 2448 (IPEC) (25 September 2026) A substantial limit to its evidential value The Role of Expert Witnesses in Building Safety Disputes - An Urgent Rethink? Switch article Experts who rise above the fray and fully discharge their duties to assist the Court Previous Article Gary Alexander MacDougall v Lloyd Philip Thomas & Ors [2026] EWHC 1142 (Ch) Next Article Comments are only visible to subscribers.