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  4. Tribunal guidance for PA and AA hearings
  5. Voluntary removal applications
  6. Deciding whether to grant or refuse a VR application
Voluntary removal applications

Deciding whether to grant or refuse a VR application

  1. The decision on whether to grant or refuse VR is one for the AT’s judgement, attaching such weight as they consider appropriate to any relevant matters. 

  2. When considering multi-factorial cases, the AT should consider each allegation, with more weight being given to any relevant public protection considerations arising from the most serious matters.

  3. Where the application for VR is refused, the hearing will continue to progress in the normal way. 

  4. In all cases, the AT should ensure that they provide clear reasons for their decision to ensure it is transparent. The PA or AA needs to be able to understand any reasons for refusing an application for VR so they can decide whether they want to exercise their right of appeal.11

11 Under Article 16(1) of The Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024.