This guidance is intended to support members, while also providing a framework for employers, medical schools and other institutions to be fair, lawful and proportionate in their actions when concerns are raised.

It sets out the principles that determine when lawful expression should be protected, and when it may be restricted to uphold professional standards, patient safety, public trust, and institutional policies. 

What you’ll get from this resource

• Guidance on your rights and responsibilities relating to freedom of expression as a doctor or medical student.
• Principles to help you judge risk and context across varied settings e.g. private life, the workplace, social media, protests and academia.
• A better understanding of how lawful expression should be balanced with professionalism, equality, dignity and safety.
• Best practice for employers and training providers, to promote fair and consistent decision making when concerns are raised.

How to use this resource

• If you are a doctor or medical student, start with the introduction and key principles, then use the context sections to work through the specifics of your situation.
• If you are an employer or medical school, use the best practice section to review policies, training and how concerns are handled, focusing on proportionality and transparency.
• Use the further resources and support section to find related guidance and routes to support where you need advice.
• Apply the guidance case-by-case.