Health and Care Professions Council determination — substantive hearing
HCPTS cautions Jacqueline Ward for 12 months
The panel found delayed notification misconduct but did not prove dishonesty, and imposed a 12-month caution on public-interest grounds.
MedicWatch editorial · Published 20 May 2026 · Updated 23 September 2026
Warning (formally warned) — 1 year
Data last checked: 23 September 2026Report a correction
What does “formally warned” mean?
A formal warning is a note on the practitioner's record. It does not restrict practice but tells the public that the regulator considered the conduct to have fallen below expected standards.
Concerning Jacqueline Ward, speech and language therapist (Health and Care Professions Council SL31070).
Decision date: 20 May 2026 · Hearing started 18 May 2026 and ended 20 May 2026
In plain English
The HCPTS panel imposed a 12-month caution on Jacqueline Ward after finding a drink-driving conviction and delayed notification to the regulator proved. It found the separate dishonesty allegation not proved. The panel found impairment only on public-interest grounds, a low risk of repetition and that suspension would be disproportionate.
Charges
The panel found proved a drink-driving conviction and failure to notify the HCPC promptly of the charge and conviction. It found the separate allegation of dishonesty not proved.
Findings
The panel found misconduct and current impairment on public-interest grounds, while finding no personal impairment and a low risk of repetition. It imposed a 12-month caution, deciding that practice restrictions or suspension would be disproportionate.
Mitigating and aggravating factors
Mitigating factors
guilty plea at the first opportunity and full admissions to the HCPC allegations found proved; • genuine remorse and shame for the conviction; • a sufficient level of insight; • remedial action taken to prevent any repetition; • the events occurred at a time the Registrant was experiencing challenging circumstances [Redacted]; • positive testimonials and previous good character.
Aggravating factors
the potential risk of harm to the public arising from the conviction and the misconduct, and the extent to which the alcohol in the Registrant’s blood exceeded the legal limit.
Source
All facts on this page are drawn from the publicly published Health and Care Professions Council determination linked below. MedicWatch does not editorialise the regulator’s findings.
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