Postponements and adjournments
37.—(1) The chair may, of their own motion or upon the application of a party, postpone any meeting or hearing of which notice has been given under these Rules before the hearing begins.
(2) The Committee may, of its own motion or upon the application of a party, adjourn the proceedings at any stage provided that—
(a)no injustice is caused to the parties; and
(b)the decision to adjourn is made after hearing representations from the parties (where present).
(3) In considering whether or not to grant a request for postponement or adjournment, the chair or the Committee must, amongst other matters, have regard to—
(a)the public interest in the expeditious disposal of the case;
(b)the potential inconvenience caused to a party or any witnesses to be called by that party;
(c)the conduct of the party seeking the postponement or adjournment; and
(d)fairness to the parties.
(4) Where a person concerned applies for a postponement or adjournment on grounds of ill- health—
(a)the person concerned must adduce appropriate medical certification in support of that application; and
(b)the chair or Committee may, if not satisfied by the medical certification produced, require the person concerned to submit to be examined by a registered medical practitioner approved by the Council.
(5) Where the proceedings have been postponed or adjourned, the secretary must, as soon as practicable, notify the parties of the date, time and venue of the postponed or resumed hearing.