Francesca Keen

Legal Advisor @General Optical Council

London, GB

Areas of responsibility:Advising effectively:o Provides independent, proportionate and unbiased advice to the Panel;o Tailors advice according to the circumstances of the case;o Applies relevant case law and concepts related to public interest and public protection; ando Drafts the Panel’s decision in respect of each case. Working with others:o Ensures proceedings are conducted fairly and according to relevant rules;o Recognises and shows understanding of the differing needs of participants and provides appropriate support for registrants who are not legally represented;o Shows appropriate regard for the panels’ autonomy in reaching decisions; ando Values and promotes equality and diversity, and reminds the panel of its importance where appropriate. Exercising judgement:o Demonstrates integrity and applies independence of mind to ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly;o Ensures that the panel’s decision is presented in a clear and well-reasoned manner in line with the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 and other relevant regulatory standards; ando Respects confidentiality in relation to both evidence and to the panel’s deliberations. Demonstrating and building knowledge:o Demonstrates and applies detailed knowledge of current law, Human Rights Act and relevant Court decisions; Managing work efficiently:o Undertakes preparation in advance of each tribunal;o Assists the Chair (and hearings officer) to effectively use time available; ando Produces draft determinations in a timely manner (usually before the end of the hearing day) using HCPTS word processing packages.