How we investigate concerns

We receive complaints or concerns about many doctors throughout their careers.

But we only investigate when these raise issues about a doctor’s ability to practise safely or threaten public confidence in the profession.

This guide will take you through the key milestones of our investigation process.

It explains:

  • what happens if we open an investigation to look into a concern about your practice
  • how we investigate a concern
  • what an investigation might mean for you.
Why you need to read this guide
To find out more about how our investigation processes work.
  1. Summary
  2. Deciding to investigate a concern
  3. Opening an investigation
  1. Our investigation process
  2. Making our decision
  3. How we monitor sanctions
Next Deciding to investigate a concern

Related content

Support for doctors under investigation We know that being under a GMC investigation can be stressful. But we have a number of resources available to help you through the process.
Refer yourself or a colleague If you need to refer yourself or a colleague to us, you can do so here.
Information for members of the public If you're not a medical professional, you may find our pages for the public more useful.
Meeting with doctors leaflet (pdf) Where we can, we will offer you a meeting before the case is referred to our senior decision makers. Find out more.