Guidance Note: Preparing a Hardship and Harm Argument for the GMC/MPTS

Introduction: A simple guide and proforma for doctors explaining the impact of regulatory action

This guidance note is for doctors who need to explain to the General Medical Council  (GMC) or the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPT, IOT) why a proposed restriction, suspension, erasure, condition, undertaking, or other regulatory outcome may cause serious hardship for the Doctor, Anaesthetic Assistant, Physician Assistant. (‘the registrant’) or wider harm.

Key points

The argument should be evidence-based, balanced, and focused on real consequences rather than general inconvenience to the Registrant.

Be specific: income, outgoings, debts, and financial support of third parties) responsibilities where relevant.

Use £ for all financial figures and attach supporting documents where possible.

What to include in a financial hardship argument

Do not use AI to draft this document. It must be drafted by you and entrirely accurate.

A. Financial hardship

Set out income, essential monthly outgoings, debts, savings, dependants, housing costs, childcare, care costs, professional fees, indemnity, and any loss of NHS or private income. Use clear monthly figures in £ and attach documents such as payslips, bank statements, mortgage or rent evidence, loan statements, childcare invoices, tax documents, and proof of professional costs.

B. Personal, family, and caring impact

Explain any effect on children, partner, elderly relatives, disabled dependants, or others who rely on the doctor financially or practically. Include only relevant details and avoid unnecessary private information. Where appropriate, attach evidence such as care plans, benefit letters, medical letters, school or nursery costs, or statements from those affected.

C. Evidence checklist

Some of the following might be of assitance. Not all of the documents will be needed if one document proves an evidential point.

Part 1: Introduction

Section	Information to complete
Doctor’s name
GMC number
Date
Hearing, review, or application type
Decision being requested
Short summary of why the requested decision is proportionate

Part 2: Financial hardship

Item	Monthly amount in £	Evidence attached
Net income	£
Partner or household income	£
Mortgage or rent	£
Council tax and utilities	£
Food and essential household costs	£
Childcare or dependent care	£
Travel to work	£
Loans, credit cards, or debts	£
Professional fees, indemnity, courses, and appraisal	£
Other essential costs	£
Total essential monthly outgoings	£
Estimated monthly shortfall if unable to work	£

Part 3: Family, caring, and personal impact

Question	Answer
Who depends on you financially or practically?
What would happen if your income or ability to work changed?
Are there caring responsibilities, health needs, school or childcare issues?
What evidence is attached?

The above table can be found here in Word: Draft Hardship Document

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If you are a doctor, a Physician Assistant, Anaesthesia Assistant and you require assistance with presenting evidence of hardship, contact Doctors Defence Service on 0800 10 88 739 or use our contact form.