NCAS works with individual practitioners and healthcare organisations where there is a concern about the performance of a dentist, doctor or pharmacist. NCAS is part of the NHS and provides independent and fair advice to help resolve concerns. NCAS does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for a defence organisation, trade union or local representative committee. We are an advisory body and our guiding principle is to be independent of all parties. NCAS does not become part of the local management process, nor does it function as a regulator.
Our role is therefore to support the referring organisation and practitioner to consider all options in order to assist them to reach a safe and assured resolution of the concerns presented, taking account of all the relevant factors. Our aim is to get involved early and, where possible, restore practitioners to safe and valued practice.
Around two per cent of our cases are self-referrals from practitioners themselves, but the majority of NCAS cases begin when the employer/contracting body has a concern. If you have been referred to NCAS, we encourage you to speak with your managers or contracting body to discuss the reasons why. Common themes in NCAS cases include concerns relating to:
- Clinical practice and capability
- Behaviour
- Health
- Working environment or context of practice.
We recognise that being referred to NCAS can be a very stressful experience. We encourage practitioners to use a support person throughout the process – such as a personal friend or work colleague, a nominee from the relevant Local Representative Committee or a representative from the relevant defence organisation or professional association.
NCAS services
The core service which NCAS provides is support in resolving existing performance concerns. Every case is unique but NCAS’ help can include:
- Expert advice and signposting to other resources
- Specialist interventions such as performance assessment and back to work support.
NCAS also runs education programmes to build local capability in identifying and handling performance concerns and publishes guidance and learning to share expertise and build knowledge in this field.
Contacting NCAS
If you have concerns about your own performance – perhaps you are returning to work after a period of absence, or you have health problems which may be impacting on your performance – you can self-refer to NCAS through our advice number. We will provide expert advice about the steps you can take and where you can go for help.
Some practitioners may be concerned about whether or not they have been referred to NCAS by their employer. NCAS always encourages organisations to be open with practitioners about their contact with us and we would encourage you to do the same. You can also make an enquiry under the
Data Protection Act 1998.
