The Criminal Cases Review Commission and the General Medical Council have agreed guidelines, which define how they will work together.
The GMC and the CCRC have signed a memorandum of understanding that sets out their respective roles, and how they will share information. The memorandum does not place additional responsibilities on the organisations, or imply any transfer or sharing of statutory responsibilities.
The guidelines will increase the effectiveness of both organisations by pooling efforts and resources, and support development through shared learning and experience.
The memorandum covers:
· how the organisations will communicate when their interests overlap during investigations including exchanging information about concerns which might impact on a doctor's fitness to practise or ability to give evidence as an expert witness
· how requests for information will be handled
· how they will collaborate to develop new ways of working
· how they will regularly update each other on their progress
Finlay Scott, Chief Executive of the GMC, said:"I am very pleased to be able to sign this agreement with the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The GMC is working closely with a range of partners, to protect, promote and maintain the public interest by delivering more effective regulation. The memorandum of understanding with the CCRC is another example of that."
Professor Graham Zellick, Chairman of the CCRC, commented: "Justice can, as we have seen recently, depend crucially on the evidence of experts. If that evidence is flawed, injustice may result. This agreement with the GMC is a further effort designed to ensure that any possible miscarriages of justice involving expert medical evidence are identified quickly and effectively."
For further information please contact the GMC press office on 0207189 5454 or Boris Worrall, Head of Communication, Criminal Cases Review Commission on 0121 633 1806 or 07947 355231
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