What this means
Start with the exact decision in front of you.
The PLDP has delegated authority to make discretionary decisions that alter a performer's list status. Fair preparation requires the notice, evidence, representations and possible statutory outcomes to be organised around the panel's task.
Immediate priorities
Organise the position before responding.
Check panel notice, membership and hearing arrangements
Prepare a focused evidence and representations bundle
Address workable alternatives to removal or suspension
Detailed guidance
The procedure, evidence and possible route from here.
01
The PLDP makes the discretionary list decision
NHS England's policy identifies the Performers List Decision Panel as the body with delegated authority to invoke discretionary regulations that change a performer's list status, apart from specified immediate-suspension arrangements. The PLDP may consider applicants and existing performers. Read the referral and notice to identify the exact power, possible outcomes and whether the panel will decide on papers or after oral representations.
Panel preparation should start with jurisdiction. State the professional list, current status and regulation relied upon. Then create an issues schedule separating agreed facts, contested facts, risk and possible action. The PLDP is not simply reviewing whether a local manager acted reasonably. It must make its own well-reasoned decision under the regulations and policy, with patient safety central and a fair, non-discriminatory approach.
- Confirm the regulation and delegated decision
- Identify the panel format and possible outcomes
- Separate facts, risk and proportionality
02
Use the notice to build a fair evidence bundle
Check that the performer has the material relied upon, a meaningful opportunity to respond and clear hearing arrangements. Index the documents by allegation rather than chronology alone. Witness evidence should identify first-hand knowledge, and expert or assessment material should disclose its instructions and basis. Where NHS England relies on another body's finding, include the final decision and relevant reasons rather than a press report or unverified summary.
If oral representations are offered, prepare concise evidence on disputed facts and current risk. A performer who chooses a paper decision should still ensure the written submission answers every statutory issue. Reasonable adjustments, interpreter needs or availability problems should be raised promptly. Any concern about panel conflict or prior involvement should identify the specific relationship and apparent effect, using the policy's governance safeguards rather than making an unsupported accusation of bias.
- Verify disclosure and source documents
- Prepare for the chosen paper or oral format
- Raise access or conflict issues with specific reasons
03
Present workable alternatives and read the decision closely
Where concern is established, compare conditions, suspension and removal against the identified risk and the panel's powers. A conditions proposal should name the supervisor, setting, reporting interval and review evidence. Explain why it protects patients across the intended work. If a previous support plan failed, address why and what would make the new proposal durable. Hardship alone does not demonstrate that a less restrictive response is safe.
The written decision should identify reasons, operative terms, notification and appeal rights. Record when it was received. Check whether conditions or removal take effect immediately under the applicable provision and what information must be given to contractors, regulators or other bodies. If appeal is considered, preserve the complete panel record. Continue to comply with the decision unless and until the Tribunal or another competent decision-maker changes it.
- Offer alternatives with verified operational detail
- Obtain reasons and every operative term
- Maintain compliance while any challenge proceeds
Key questions
Keep the analysis tied to this stage.
Whether the statutory ground is established
What action protects patients and the public
Whether conditions, suspension or removal is proportionate
Advice is provided only by the regulated firm that accepts a matter.
Common questions
Clarifying the route without assuming the outcome.
What does a Performers List Decision Panel do?
It considers information about applicants or existing performers and makes delegated discretionary decisions under the Performers Lists Regulations, as set out in NHS England policy.
Can a PLDP decide a case on papers?
The applicable notice and policy determine the procedure. A performer who does not attend an available oral hearing should still ensure the written evidence addresses every issue.
Connected guidance
Continue through the topic map.
Use the hub for the full sequence or choose the connected route that matches the notice.
Official sources
Check the material for this question.
Sources checked 19 September 2026. Rules change, so compare the current notice and linked official material and tell the operator if a citation or summary needs correction.