We provide guidance and practical representation in this complex area of the law where a myriad of rules and regulations constantly set traps for the unwary. We have gained extensive experience in defence work , enabling us to discharge our duties from a unique perspective, act with focused insight , and in turn, be best placed in the representation of our clients defence. In understanding the law and by sometimes playing devil's advocate with regards to regulatory offences, Horwich Cohen Coghlan can act as a conduit between right and wrong and so deliver our clients from ignorance to awareness.
The Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill will become law in January 2009.
• » Care/Nursing Homes
• » Licensing
• » Inquests
• » Health Professions
• » Other Professions eg Estate Agents, Police Officers
• » VOSA
• » Taxi Cabs
We have a vast amount of experience dealing with the proprietors and managers of care, nursing and childrens homes. We are fully conversant with the role of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), the Care Standards Act and the appropriate regulations. We are able to attend to advise individually in relation to any alleged breach of regulations, which may or may not be leading to an application by the CSCI for closure of the home or any amendment to the Certificate of Registration.
We can also attend at the Magistrates Court should matters proceed in that way. Not only do we offer the above service but we attempt to provide the same with a caring and understanding approach.
We take instructions in relation to disciplinary proceedings brought by Health Professionals regulatory bodies e.g. the Health Professions Council, the General Chiropractic Council, the British Acupuncture Council, the British Osteopathic Council, the Society of Homeopaths etc.
We prepare letters of representation in relation to the allegations of professional misconduct and/or fitness to practice. We take full instructions in relation to the documentation provided by the appropriate prosecuting or regulatory authority and attend at the hearings before the Professional Conduct Committee of various Health Professions regulators. We advance arguments on behalf of individuals to the effect that they are fit to practice and/or that they have not brought their profession into disrepute and/or that they are still competent to continue their practices.
We take instructions from individuals and groups of people eg: Security Groups as regards death in custody, death in suspicious circumstances etc. We attend the inquest and advise on the process as well as instructing counsel where necessary
Our licensing department is dedicated to providing practical commercial advice. We endeavour to be flexible and ensure that each client's requirements are met within the required timescale, no matter what the size of the client.We are aware of the local political climate and policy considerations and our experts cover all types of licensed applications and court representation, including the buying and selling of licensed premises of different descriptions.
We believe it is important to work closely with the clients from the outset to significantly increase the chances of success of licensing applications.
We take instructions in relation to any such appeal by individuals and/or companies, liaise with the Solicitors for the respondent authorities and attend at the appeals tribunal to advance the appeals using our vast advocacy experience in such matters.
These tribunals hear e.g. appeals by estate agents and other professionals against decisions of the Department of Trade and Industry where an individual has been accused of committing wrongful acts in the course of their profession.
We act for Police Officers and associated personnel e.g. Police accountants etc. and all aspects of discipline and/or criminal proceedings brought against them. The same can be said in relation to the Fire & Rescue Service, Accountants, Solicitors etc.
We deal with licensing reviews at the local authority, licensing committees amongst other things. You may also be interest to look at our link to "Road Traffic offences" as clearly taxi drivers are as likely, if not more, to be involved in road traffic accidents through the nature of their business and therefore be subject to prosecutions in relation to the Road Traffic Act and otherwise
For more information regarding licensing go to the section under the "Regulatory" heading.
We also attend at public inquiries where an individual or company have been summoned before the Traffic Commissioner. We take instructions in relation to the advance information provided by the Traffic Commissioner's office, write letters of representation in relation to the allegations against individuals and/or companies, attend at the public inquiries to advocate on behalf of the individual or company and/or put forward mitigation where guilt is admitted in full or in part.
For more information regarding prosecutions brought by VOSA go to sub heading Road Traffic Offences.