CORU report shows increase in Fitness to Practise complaints
There were 151 Fitness to Practise complaints against health and social care professionals in the three years from 2022 to 2024, according to our new research. The figures show a steady year on year increase, rising from 39 cases in 2022 to 52 in 2023 and 60 in 2024, with preliminary figures for 2025 indicating a further rise to 73 complaints.
The CORU Protecting the Public: Fitness to Practise Trends Report, is based on an independent analysis of concluded cases during that time. It finds that while complaint numbers have increased, they remain low when set against the number of health and social care professionals registered with CORU’s registers, equating to fewer than 2 in every 1,000 registrants each year.
The analysis shows that Social Workers accounted for the largest number of complaints, at 88. However, it notes that, in line with international experience, this reflects the size of the profession and the complex, high‑risk nature of social work, rather than poorer standards of practice.
Occupational Therapists accounted for 22 cases and Physiotherapists for 17, while all other professions recorded fewer than 10 cases each over the three‑year period.
Across all professions, complaints were driven by a consistent set of issues, most notably professional conduct (49% of cases) and communication (39%), with record keeping also a recurring factor, particularly in cases that progress to formal inquiries.
Claire O’Cleary, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at CORU, said:
“People across Ireland receive high-quality care from health and social care professionals every day. However, CORU plays an important role in ensuring that care is consistently of a high standard. When there is a shortcoming, CORU has the power to investigate and take action in the public interest.
“This report tells us is that complaints are rare, but the reasons behind them are very consistent. Communication comes up time and again, even where it doesn’t meet the threshold for formal action. Alongside that, poor record keeping is a recurring issue, particularly in more serious cases. By highlighting these patterns, we can support professionals to improve practice and help reduce the likelihood of issues arising in the first place.”
Of the 151 cases, the majority (121) did not progress to a full Committee of Inquiry, which involves a formal hearing in front of an independent panel. Of the 30 cases that did, a range of outcomes were recorded depending on the seriousness of the issues. In some cases, professionals agreed steps to address concerns, while others received formal warnings or had restrictions placed on their practice. In the most serious cases, four professionals were suspended and four were removed from the register.
Maureen Carolan, Chair of CORU’s Professional Practise Advisory Committee said “What the analysis highlights is that most complaints can be resolved early, without the need for a full hearing process. That should give confidence to both the public and professionals that concerns are handled appropriately. Where a case does require further action, we have the experience and expertise to examine it in detail.”
Publishing this report is intended to support learning across professions and provide greater transparency around how complaints are handled. By identifying recurring risks and patterns, CORU aims to support safer practice, strengthen professional standards and maintain public confidence in regulation.
Pictured at the Launch of the Fitness to Practise Trends Report are, Front Row: (LtoR) Gillian Cooney, Preliminary Proceedings Manager, CORU, Maureen Carolan, Chair of CORU’s Professional Practise Advisory Committee, Back Row (LtoR) Mo Flynn, Chair of CORU’s Health and Social Care Professionals Council and Claire O’Cleary, CEO, CORU
The CORU Protecting the Public: Fitness to Practise Trends Report is available here