Objective

The Professional Conduct Review Committee (PCRC) is responsible for maintaining professional standards in Equine Assisted Services through the handling of complaints raised by clients, service users, members of the public, or other practitioners.

Constitution

• Minimum of six members.

• At least one senior member of the Athena Herd Foundation team.

• At least half must be lay persons with no active relationship to Athena.

• Quorum: three members, including the Chair.

• Meetings may be in person or remote.

Complaints are assigned to three-member sub-groups for review. Where necessary, additional expertise may be brought in. Separate sub-groups or the Chair act as independent adjudicators, reviewing findings and decisions.

Functions of the Committee

The PCRC’s main functions include:

• Determining compliance with professional standards.

• Investigating complaints.

• Requesting further information from either party.

• Imposing interim suspensions where appropriate.

• Applying the proceedings test:

1. The alleged facts, if proven, would amount to a failure to meet professional standards.

2. There is a realistic prospect of proving those facts.

3. It is in the public interest to proceed under the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy.

• Drafting and determining formal allegations.

• Reviewing interim suspensions.

• Considering consensual disposals or practice reviews.

• Recommending sanctions in line with the Sanctions Policy.

• Proceeding to formal disciplinary hearings when necessary.

Applying the Proceedings Test

The PCRC first considers if the alleged facts, if proven, would represent a breach of professional standards. If not, the proceedings test is not met. The onus is on the complainant to prove their case. The PCRC decides whether to proceed via disciplinary hearing, practice review, or consensual disposal, taking into account public protection and confidence in the profession.

It does not resolve substantial conflicts in evidence but proceeds only with allegations that meet the test.

Decision Making

• Each case is considered on its facts.

• Decisions are made by majority vote.

• All decisions are subject to independent adjudication.

• Decisions align with the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy and the Sanctions Policy.

• Where appropriate, decisions are published in accordance with the Professional Conduct Publication Policy and the Professional Notices page.

Complaints Out of Time

Complaints must be received within one month of the event unless good reason is provided. The PCRC decides whether to extend this period at its discretion. Written explanations form part of the complaint file.

Review and Standardisation

The PCRC periodically reviews and reports on the consistency of complaint handling and sanctions. Independent assessors may be engaged to provide impartial insight.