Deepika Raino explores criticism of the GMC's fitness to practise investigations and their fatal impact on doctors.
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Deepika Raino
Legal Director
0113 518 5067
07876880701
deepika.raino@brabners.com
Deepika is a Legal Director in our professional conduct team.
She acts for a range of professional clients and organisations in misconduct and fitness to practise investigations by professional regulatory bodies around allegations such as dishonesty, plagiarism, exam cheating, sexual misconduct, drug taking, acting beyond scope of practice, crossing professional boundaries, fraud, gross negligence manslaughter, performance and health concerns.
Deepika assists professionals in criminal investigations and interviews under caution and represents healthcare professionals in medical inquests. She also works with students facing university disciplinaries and in applications for registration or restoration onto their professional registers.
With expertise in relation to safeguarding concerns, Deepika commissions independent investigations for organisations into allegations of racism and toxic work environments and makes recommendations for improvements. She also advises professionals and organisations in whistleblowing, defamation and harassment cases, as well as data protection and third-party disclosures. She advises many organisations on their existing standards of practice, codes of conduct and whether risk assessments, policies and procedures are up to date and effective.
Working across a wide range of sectors, Deepika’s professional client list has included Sports Resolution, British Ice Skating, the Department for Education (DfE), the Independent Doctors Federation, NHS Trusts, ambulance services and trade unions, as well as individual athletes, university lecturers, university students, doctors, dentists, solicitors, barristers, social workers and medical experts.
Deepika’s work has led her to deal with trauma victims and those suffering with severe mental stress. Many years in healthcare and social work investigations have provided her with strong experience in cases that involve the abuse of children and inappropriate relationships between healthcare professionals and vulnerable individuals. She leads a contract with the DfE to investigate and case-present against teachers accused of sexual, criminal or inappropriate conduct towards students and investigates and prepares cases for hearing by tribunals in cases of misconduct.
An approved panel member of the Sports Resolution Panel for SCMP (Safeguarding Case Management Programme), Deepika receives safeguarding disciplinary investigations through Sports Resolution.
A member of our Pro Bono Committee, Deepika appears on the Law Society Pro Bono Recognition List for her support for access to justice.
She has written articles to share her knowledge with readers of major publications including Pulse Today, The Dentistry, Health Matters, Dental Review News, Optician, Primary Health Net, the Law Society Gazette and the Independent Pharmacist.
Deepika qualified as a solicitor in 2001. She joined us in March 2023 and is based in our Leeds office.
“I contacted Deepika Raino after my professional indemnity organisation refused to support me and defend me. From the first contact I was fully reassured and convinced by Deepika that she would do everything possible to receive a positive outcome. I felt a big relief as I was very desperate and did not know what to do. I fully relied on her professionalism and expertise. Over three years I was fully supported and contacted when needed. As a result, after the MPT reviewed the restrictions on my practise, they were revoked completely and my fitness to practise is no longer impaired. Thank you very much.”
General Medical Council Fitness to Practise investigation
“Many thanks to Deepika Raino for your help and support. Thank you for being there on the first day [of the hearing] which put me at ease and for all the valuable advice. I could not have done this without you”
General Medical Council Fitness to Practise investigation
“I would like to thank Deepika Raino for your support and guidance through what has been quite a challenging time. My application is in the best position it can be and fingers crossed we get a positive result.”
Solicitors Regulation Authority Early Character and Suitability Screening Application
“Deepika Raino is extremely professional, knowledgeable and timely in her work on behalf of her clients. Her personable communication and effectiveness in her position provides great reassurance in testing times for a positive resolution.”
University Lecturer Disciplinary Investigation
“You helped to save my career and will always hold a special place.”
General Medical Council Fitness to Practise Investigation
“Deepika Raino is responsive, an excellent communicator and has great judgment. Her case preparation is meticulous and she is extremely well organised. Clients trust her to handle the most difficult and complex cases with sensitivity and care.”
Barrister, professional colleague
“Deepika [Raino], you've been a fantastic help and support throughout the past year… thank you for all your guidance. I remember calling you feeling very helpless and lost but you quickly helped and reassured me, ensuring that the doctor and I had the support we needed in very testing circumstances, which ultimately led to the extremely positive decision. We honestly couldn't have gotten through it without you and your expertise. I will be forever grateful.”
General Medical Council Fitness to Practise Investigation
“Deepika [Raino], I have seen many defence/remediation bundles and your preparation and the way you are with clients is head and shoulders above others.”
Barrister, professional colleague