About Public Hearings
Members of the public may observe hearings remotely, subject to the following conditions, in accordance with sections 21 and 24 of the BABCP Complaints, Declarations and Disciplinary Procedure.
Observation of Hearings
All observers must agree not to record or publish anything related to the hearing. Any observer who does not agree will not be permitted to observe the hearing. Any observer who is found to have breached this requirement during the hearing may be excluded from the hearing by the Hearing/Health Panel.
The Hearing/Health Panel may adjourn the hearing at any time to deliberate in private.
The Hearing/Health Panel may exclude any person from the hearing if they consider that person’s presence or conduct is likely to disrupt the conduct of the hearing.
Conduct of Hearings
During the hearing:
i. The hearing will proceed in the same manner as a physical hearing;
ii. Witnesses will be held in a waiting room before they give evidence;
iii. Members of the public are permitted to observe the hearing remotely but will not be able to participate. The Complaints and Resolution Manager will notify that observers must have their cameras off and are on mute for the duration of the hearing;
iv. Members of the public will be excluded from any section of the hearing held in private;
v. Members of the public will not have access to the documents referred to in the hearing;
vi. The Hearing Panel may exclude from the proceedings any person whose conduct, in its opinion, will, or is likely to, disrupt the orderly conduct of the proceedings. Reasons for excluding a person from the hearing must be given at the hearing;
vii. The Panel may decide that members of the public will be able to observe the hearing by audio only where there are serious risks associated with allowing visual access to a virtual hearing. The decision of the Panel is by simple majority.
