We take professional concerns seriously
Anyone may raise a concern regarding the professional conduct of an individual registered with the International Professional Registrar.
Service complaint: a complaint about IPR itself or its administration. Professional Conduct Complaint: a complaint concerning an IPR-registered professional. These routes are assessed separately so that the matter is directed to the appropriate process.
This may include:
- a client;
- former client;
- parent or guardian;
- family member;
- employer;
- colleague;
- another professional;
- education or training provider;
- professional organisation;
- relevant public authority; or
- member of the public.
The IPR may also consider information brought to its attention through another legitimate source.
Before making a complaint
Where appropriate and safe to do so, individuals may first consider raising their concern directly with the professional or organisation concerned.
Many misunderstandings or service-related concerns can be resolved through communication.
However, you are not required to contact the professional first where the concern involves serious misconduct, abuse, exploitation, safeguarding, intimidation, discrimination, serious boundary violations or circumstances in which direct communication would be inappropriate or unsafe.
What can IPR consider?
Concerns may include allegations relating to:
- unethical professional conduct;
- practising outside professional competence;
- serious or repeated professional negligence;
- inappropriate professional boundaries;
- exploitation of clients;
- inappropriate sexual or romantic relationships;
- harassment or discrimination;
- confidentiality breaches;
- misuse of client information;
- dishonesty or fraud;
- misleading professional claims;
- misrepresentation of qualifications;
- misrepresentation of IPR registration;
- falsification of certificates or records;
- inappropriate advertising;
- financial exploitation;
- safeguarding failures;
- inappropriate conduct involving children or vulnerable persons;
- substance impairment affecting professional practice;
- criminal conduct relevant to professional practice;
- failure to obtain informed consent;
- serious conflicts of interest;
- failure to maintain appropriate professional records;
- failure to comply with supervision requirements;
- failure to cooperate with an IPR investigation;
- breaches of the IPR Code of Ethics;
- breaches of professional standards; or
- conduct that may bring the profession or IPR Public Register into serious disrepute.
What IPR cannot do
The IPR is a professional registrar and is not a court, law-enforcement agency or government health regulator.
IPR generally cannot:
- award financial compensation;
- order refunds or damages;
- determine criminal guilt;
- provide legal representation;
- resolve ordinary commercial disputes;
- investigate professionals who are not registered with IPR;
- overturn decisions of courts or government regulators; or
- replace emergency, safeguarding or law-enforcement authorities.
Where allegations potentially involve criminal activity, abuse or immediate danger, the appropriate authorities should be contacted.
Making a complaint to IPR does not replace reporting a matter to police, safeguarding services, health regulators or other appropriate public bodies where required by law.
Information and evidence
Provide the professional's name and IPR Registration Number if known, relevant dates and locations, a clear description of what happened, the service or conduct concerned, and copies of relevant documents or messages that may be shared lawfully. Include witness details only where appropriate and explain any immediate risk.
Confidentiality
IPR handles complaints sensitively and limits access to people who need the information to assess or manage the matter. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information must be shared for fairness, public protection or a legal obligation. Do not include unnecessary personal or health information.
Possible outcomes and review
Depending on the information and seriousness, IPR may close the matter, request more information, provide guidance, refer it to an appropriate body, offer mediation or resolution, open an investigation, or proceed to a Professional Conduct Inquiry/Hearing. A person raising a concern will be updated where appropriate, subject to confidentiality. Review and appeal arrangements are explained in the Appeal/Review process.
After you submit a concern, the IPR will carry out a Preliminary Assessment to determine whether the matter falls within its remit.