What is Malpractice or Maladministration?
TL;DR
Maladministration = unintentional poor practice. Malpractice = intentional unethical or harmful behaviour.
Maladministration

Mistakes or poor processes without intent to cause harm. Often due to carelessness, inexperience, or oversight. Examples include:

  • Avoidable delays

  • Mistakes from inattention

  • Faulty or incomplete procedures

  • Poor record keeping

  • Failure to act when needed

  • Poor communication

  • Misuse of intellectual property

  • Misrepresenting relationship/status with the Register

Malpractice

Intentional misconduct, misrepresentation, or breach of professional and ethical standards in delivering Equine Assisted Services (EAS). Examples include:

  • Breaching the Register’s Ethical Basis of Best Practice or Framework for the Ethical Treatment of Horses

  • Inappropriate treatment, language, or behaviour towards clients

  • Disregarding protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

  • Making false claims about EAS benefits

  • Discrediting other recognised healthcare services

  • Damaging the Register’s credibility

  • Misrepresenting affiliation with the Register, Athena® Herd Foundation, or the Professional Standards Authority

 

Allegations and Suspicions
TL;DR
Anyone can raise allegations of malpractice/maladministration; PCRC decides if they proceed to investigation.

The Register protects service users, clients, and the public engaging with EAS by defining and enforcing ethical and professional standards.

  • Complaints can be raised directly in line with the Compliments and Complaints Policy.

  • Allegations are reviewed by the Professional Conduct Review Committee (PCRC).

  • If the PCRC decides to proceed, the matter is investigated under this policy.

 

 

Publication of Professional Conduct Notices
TL;DR
Only upheld cases appear on the public Professional Conduct Notices list.
  • If no allegations are upheld, nothing is published.

  • If allegations are upheld, the decision may be published on the Register’s website in line with the Professional Conduct Publication Policy.

 

Preventing Malpractice/Maladministration
TL;DR
Prevention is about strong ethics, checks, and regular monitoring.

Reasonable prevention steps include:

  • Commitment to the Register’s ethical and professional standards.

  • Careful verification of applications and supporting documents.

  • Annual declarations from members and selective audits.

 

Reporting Suspected Malpractice/Maladministration
TL;DR
Notify the Register quickly with full details and declare any conflicts of interest.

Report immediately (preferably in writing) with details of:

  • Practitioner’s name, address, and registration number

  • Affected service

  • Description and dates of suspected malpractice/maladministration

  • Any initial investigation and outcome

  • Personal interest declarations (if any)

If an initial investigation has taken place before notifying the Register, those involved must be competent and impartial.

How the Register Investigates
TL;DR
PCRC runs a fair, confidential, and impartial process, informing all relevant parties.
  • PCRC assigns an impartial, trained investigator.

  • Allegations reviewed under the Declaration of Compliance commitments.

  • Complainants are informed about process and timelines.

  • Practitioners are notified of complaints, except where confidentiality/legal duties prevent disclosure.

  • Fraud cases may be referred to police.

  • Findings may be published on the Professional Conduct Notices page.

 

Investigation Timeline
TL;DR
Initial notice within 10 days; practitioners have 28 days to respond.
  • Within 10 working days: Parties are notified.

  • Practitioner response: 28 days to reply or request consensual disposal.

  • If no consensual disposal, PCRC continues with review or formal hearing.

 

Investigation Scope
TL;DR
Scope covers fact-finding, risk assessment, and decisions on sanctions/publication.

Investigations aim to:

  • Assess if consensual disposal is appropriate

  • Decide on interim suspension if needed for public interest

  • Establish facts, causes, and scale of issues

  • Consider impact on qualifications or services

  • Recommend remedial actions or sanctions

  • Decide on publication of outcomes

All investigations remain as confidential as possible, allowing practitioners to raise concerns about process or investigator conduct.

Investigation Report
TL;DR
The investigation report outlines breaches, evidence, responsibility, and final actions.

The PCRC will:

  • Provide written notice of allegations and evidence

  • Explain consequences and possible sanctions

  • Share draft report for factual accuracy checks

  • Identify breaches, facts, and responsible parties

  • Recommend remedial actions or sanctions

  • Publish final report on Professional Conduct Notices (if applicable)

  • Notify relevant external bodies where necessary

 

Outcomes
TL;DR
Confirmed cases can result in warnings, suspension, removal, or stricter oversight.

If malpractice/maladministration is confirmed, the Register may:

  • Publish outcome and sanctions

  • Reduce future risk and protect public trust

  • Revise risk assessments

  • Issue deadlines for corrective action

  • Increase monitoring of the practitioner

  • Impose sanctions (warning, suspension, removal from Register)

  • Notify other accredited registers

  • Charge re-application fees if removal occurs

Appeals
TL;DR
Sanction decisions can be formally appealed.

Parties can appeal sanctions under the Appeals Policy.

Review of Policy
TL;DR
The policy is updated yearly or when significant changes require it.

Reviewed annually by the Advisory Board and updated as needed based on feedback, regulatory changes, or lessons learned.

Version Date Initials Description
v3.00
GG
Further detail supporting registrants and service users
v1.94
GG
Revised to specifically cover the needs of complaints arising against Accredited Practitioner Register participants
v1.00
JG
Initial Draft