Public Access Barristers
Kings View Chambers were successful in persuading the MPTS to impose a conditions of practise order for a short period for a doctor who had prescribed for himself and family members on 3 occasion where the GMC pressed for a suspension of his practise:
“I found Catherine very approachable, informative and professional in her approach. She was able to fight my corner very satisfactorily and would not hesitate in any way to recommend her to my colleagues.”
Kings View Chambers were successful in securing our client’s case was closed with no action being taken.
MG approached us after an interim orders hearing at the MPTS where restrictive conditions were placed on his licence resulting in him being unable to obtain suitable employment.
We worked closely with dr and provided a detailed response to the allegation which related to lack of competence and failure to follow consultant directions.
The GMC were persuaded to drop the case against him and take no further action.
The interim order was subsequently revoked and he is free to practise without restriction.
“It was a great experience to work with you. I would certainly advise anyone facing such an abnormal condition on their GMC registration to consider you as their barrister. I understand my case was an unusual case and needed someone with your experience to guide me and advise on all the steps needed to get this issue resolved. Thank you”.
When NB approached Kings View Chambers, there had been a number of allegations made relating to failure to safeguard patients dating back 3 years.
His career had come to a virtual standstill and no progress had been made by the Trusts involved. Despite numerous attempts by the registrant to request the Trusts and NMC to deal with his case nothing happened.
Within weeks we had made progress and our client has now returned to practise to the career he loves:
“Catherine’s instruction from the beginning was very clear and concise I knew because of Catherine’s immense experience in the health care sector that her advice could be trusted and relied upon.
The best outcome was achieved after using Catherine’s services my career is now back on track and heading forward in the right direction.
Kings view Chamber’s professionalism and integrity was greatly appreciated.
Once again thanks for your assistance”
“Thank you Catherine Stock
I had an issue with the NMC which appeared to be too great to overcome. For a reasonable price which reflected my reduced circumstances Ms Catherine Stock agreed to represent me. I have no reservations in saying I have never met a person who is so adept, skilful and knowledgeable about their job. She is truly talented. Needless to say I got the verdict/determination that I had been hoping for. She is best left to do her job because she knows your case intimately and no leaf will be left unturned to get the result that you seek. I cannot thank her enough and will always be grateful.”
Glasgow City Council’s refusal of my client’s (Rosy and Pink Cars Ltd) application for a new booking office licence has been widely reported in the Scottish media.
The application has been refused on the basis that it would contravene a number of conditions applicable to driver’s licences issued by the council and over concerns to do with equality.
My client’s concept is a female only operation that will employ women to drive other women and children using a smart phone app to facilitate bookings.
The city council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee refused the application on the basis that my client’s operation would be non-complaint with a number of conditions relevant to driver’s licences:
Conditions attached to a Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence
Condition 3: The driver of a private hire car shall be bound to fulfil, or cause to be fulfilled, at the time and location specified, a request to hire his private hire car, which he has accepted, unless there be sufficient cause for not fulfilling the request to hire.
Condition 9: Subject to condition 10 below the driver of a private hire car shall not refuse to drive a passenger to any place within the licensed area.
Condition10: The driver of a private hire car shall not be required to convey any hirer or passenger who is drunk or otherwise not in a fit and proper condition to be carried or whose condition or clothing is offensive or likely to cause damage to the interior of the private hire car, or who refuses to cease smoking in the private hire car when requested to do so by the driver, or is accompanied by any animal which is likely to damage or soil the interior of the private hire car, or for any other reasonable excuse.
The Councillors did raise concerns about the drivers breaching their conditions because Licensing Enforcement, quite properly and reasonably, expressed concerns about the operation of the app.
However, the concern that drivers’ conditions 3 and 10 would be breached is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the app and the process. It is disputed entirely that the drivers’ conditions would be breached. Even if this were the case, which it is not, female passengers up and down the country call operators and ask for a female driver and those requests are fulfilled – that is not regarded as discriminatory or a breach.
The overall impression I got however was that the focus was not on the conditions or the specifics of the app but on a dislike of the concept itself and I did not feel they were interested in attempting to understand it or open to considering submissions at all. On more than one occasion statements were made to us rather than questions being asked and no opportunity was given to address them. On one occasion in particular an attempt to answer was treated defensively and entirely unprofessionally.
I accept that there may well be concerns about discrimination given it is female only app but felt the manner in which that was voiced and expressed was unprofessional and entirely inappropriate to say the least. They were not interested in the business plan, the wider documentation available or indeed the explanations provided concerning the conditions. They did not like the concept and their body language and talking over us, whispering to each other and laughing raised genuine concerns for me.
We will be pursuing the case and I look forward to the merits of it being considered properly by a qualified and independent tribunal.
“Stephen was invaluable in helping me through a difficult time. After my hackney taxi license was revoked by the council following a police allegation, I did not know what to do as I suddenly become unemployed. I also did not know how to appeal the council’s decision. A friend of mine recommended Stephen to me. Stephen explained the appealing process and made it so easy. He answered all my questions and responded promptly to my text messages and emails.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all ‘Kings View Chambers’ team for supporting me throughout my NMC registration. I would like to say that Barrister Catherine Stock has been a huge support, efficient and remained professional at all times. Catherine has illustrated that she is extremely experienced and knowledgeable within her field, she is empathetic and understand her client. I would recommend Catherine and her team to friends, family and nursing colleagues.”
– Mr A S, Nurse
“Ms Stock from Kings View Chambers provided a very professional service all the way through the preparation of my case and during the tribunal, with a lot of dedication and has also been thorough. She understood well what my expectations were and at the same time was honest with realistic goals. I think we prepared our case well and her performance at the tribunal was very professional and strong. Highly recommended.”
– Dr R. M, Yorkshire