Jonathan
Storey

Although Jonathan specialises primarily in regulatory law, he has a strong background in civil litigation which he regularly uses to the benefit of his clients.  As a barrister he has accepted instructions in a wide range of litigation and advisory matters from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (in the Kenya Emergency Group Litigation, several judicial reviews, and in relation to the FCDO’s programme of legal support to Commonwealth nations), Home Office (in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and in relation to child sexual abuse and safeguarding issues), Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Defence (in national security litigation), and Ofqual (in relation to regulatory enforcement).  He also has experience of High Court and Upper Tribunal litigation arising out of professional regulation and safeguarding matters, and in the full range of civil hearings in the County Court. 

Before training and practising as a barrister Jonathan led the Ministry of Defence’s team responsible for public law and human rights litigation and policy.  In that capacity he worked closely with senior counsel including Sir James Eadie QC, Jonathan Glasson QC, Jonathan Swift QC (now Mr Justice Jonathan Swift) and Karen Steyn QC (now Mrs Justice Steyn), managing the MOD’s defence of some of the most significant cases relating to security matters (including counter-terrorism, detention, rendition, intelligence, surveillance, training and the full range of military operations) in the 21st century, including the MOD’s first closed material procedure case since the coming into force of the Justice and Security Act 2013 and the landmark cases of Serdar Mohammed v Secretary of State for Defence [2015] EWCA Civ 843 and Al Saadoon and others v Secretary of State for Defence [2016] EWCA Civ 811.  He has also taught public and administrative law to postgraduates as an Associate Lecturer at UWE Bristol. 

Jonathan also accepts instructions in the field of ecclesiastical law and has, in the past, been a regular contributor to the Ecclesiastical Law Journal.

As pupil to Molly Giles, Jonathan worked on a range of public and private law proceedings relating to children, including complex matters involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, parental alienation and radicalisation. He has since accepted instructions in a wide range of family matters, but is now particularly interested in the intersection between family law, mental capacity law, regulatory law and medical ethics and has written and researched on end of life and withdrawal of treatment issues.

Jonathan Storey has considerable experience in all areas of the law affecting members of the Armed Forces and their families.  He combines deep specialist expertise in defending professionals facing disciplinary allegations with extensive experience of working on legal, Service disciplinary, inquests and inquiries issues in the Ministry of Defence.  Having worked for nearly 10 years in MOD Head Office in Whitehall, Army Headquarters, Defence Equipment and Support, and Joint Forces Command (now Strategic Command); in support of operations including Op TELIC, Op HERRICK, Op TORAL, Op SHADER and Op ATALANTA; and with all three Services, he understands the landscape and challenges of Defence intimately.

Court Martial, Summary Appeal Court and Court Martial Appeal Court

Jonathan combines broad experience of the Service disciplinary system as a barrister – and nationally recognised expertise in defending professionals facing disciplinary hearings – with an insider’s perspective on Court Martial as the Chief of the General Staff’s former SO1 civilian adviser on Service discipline issues.

Major Administrative Action

Jonathan is always pleased to accept instructions from Service personnel facing Major Administrative Action.  Having worked on legal issues in MOD Head Office in Whitehall and in Army Headquarters he understands the intricacies of the relevant Service specific frameworks and the wider career implications of potential sanctions.

Compulsory Drugs Test Failure

Jonathan also accepts instructions in the field of Compulsory Drugs Test Failure.  He works regularly with experts and takes pride in powerful written submissions that can help Service people avoid the worst of consequences in the event of involuntary drug consumption.

Service Complaints

Jonathan is familiar with the Service Complaints Regime and is happy to assist with the drafting of complaints.

Inquests and Inquiries

Jonathan has considerable experience of Service Inquiries and Inquests.  He has worked as an Assistant Director in MOD’s Directorate of Judicial Engagement Policy, leading the Department’s defence of public law and human rights litigation and its engagement with a wide variety of Inquests and Inquiries.  Previously, as SO1 Welfare, Discipline and Death in Army Headquarters, he also worked closely with Army personnel and commanders on Inquests and Inquiries arising out of Op TELIC and Op HERRICK.

Jonathan Storey is ranked in Band 2 for Professional Discipline in The Regions in Chambers UK Bar 2023, and as a Rising Star for Professional Discipline in The Legal 500 2023.  His interests and experience span the fields of regulatory law, education law, sports law, licensing and professional discipline, but he has particular expertise in the education, healthcare, legal, animal welfare/veterinary and sports sectors, and an especially strong track record of success in defending, advising and supporting professionals accused of serious misconduct at all stages of professional disciplinary proceedings and on appeal, and in safeguarding matters referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service.  In addition to his practice representing regulated professionals, Jonathan also sits part-time as Legally Qualified Chair of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal, as lay panellist and Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, and as lay panellist and Chair of the Fitness to Practise Committee of Social Care Wales. 

Jonathan also has extensive and varied experience of undertaking advisory, investigation and complaints handling work for regulators, government departments (including the Home Office; Attorney General’s Office; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Ministry of Defence; and Government Legal Department), prosecuting authorities (principally the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office), local authorities, schools, charities and churches, and has written, spoken and lectured widely on matters of regulatory, education, sports and medical law and on legal, educational and medical ethics.  He has substantial expertise in safeguarding and has advised government departments (including the Home Office’s Safeguarding Unit), schools, churches and senior professionals in the medical, education and sports sectors on their obligations and on safeguarding systems, management, practice and decision making.  Jonathan also has considerable experience of the examinations and assessments sector – advising regulators on malpractice cases, investigations and appeals, and defending and advising numerous teachers in cases of serious malpractice – and of advising on and handling pupil exclusions, parental complaints and disciplinary investigations.  In 2018 he was an external expert contributor to the Tes Guide to School Trips, and in 2014 he wrote a major UK government report on the future of education.   

Jonathan works exceptionally hard for every client and strives to combine a down-to-earth, empathetic, compassionate and reflective approach to client care and case preparation with strong analytical and advocacy skills. Jonathan’s approach to professional regulatory proceedings is pragmatic and inclusive, working closely with his clients to encourage them to engage their professional judgement to reflect upon the past and either acknowledge mistakes or contest allegations tenaciously as appropriate.  He dedicates considerable time to working with his clients to understand their instructions and work context and reflect on their practice in order to give them the best possible chance of navigating very stressful proceedings.  Having worked in education, the arts, the civil service, the law, and for a medical charity he has a strong understanding of the pressures faced by professionals in different environments and the contexts in which they operate. 

• Five week, three-handed substantive hearing – involving a range of legal issues and an expert witness – before a Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency of allegations of (over 30) serious safeguarding failings by a senior school leader, which resulted in several allegations not being proved and no prohibition order being made against his client. The case was reported in the national press.
• Four week substantive hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal of several serious allegations of dishonesty, physical violence, bullying and clinical failings against a General Practitioner, involving expert evidence on IT systems and clinical decision-making, which resulted in the vast majority of the allegations not being proved and a suspension order being imposed (the GMC having bid for erasure). This was lifted after four months.
• Two week, five-handed substantive hearing of allegations of serious SATs maladministration by several members of staff at a primary school, which resulted in no prohibition order being made against his client. The case was reported in the national and local press.
• Two week substantive hearing of allegations of various failures to safeguard children and dishonesty brought against a Headteacher, which resulted in no findings of unacceptable professional conduct (and therefore no sanction).
• Seven day substantive hearing before a fitness to practise committee of the Education Workforce Council of allegations of unfair treatment of staff by a high profile Headteacher. This resulted in most allegations not being proved and a single finding of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to one particular only.  The committee imposed a verbal reprimand.  The case was reported in the national and local press.
• Five day substantive hearing of allegations of grooming, emotional abuse and inappropriate clinical care brought against a mental health nurse, which resulted in several allegations not being proved and the respondent maintaining her licence to practise, subject to a suspension order (which was set aside a year later). The NMC had sought a strike-off order.
• Five day substantive hearing of allegations of serious sexual misconduct against a Deputy Headteacher, which resulted in several allegations not being proved and no prohibition order being made.
• Three day substantive hearing of allegations of inappropriate and sexually motivated conduct by a primary school teacher towards a 10 year old boy, which resulted in no findings of unacceptable professional conduct (and therefore no sanction).
• Five day substantive hearing, involving multiple legal issues, of allegations of inappropriate religious influence against a hospital nurse, which resulted in several allegations not being proved and a three month conditions of practice order (subsequently revoked with immediate effect following a review hearing before a different panel). The NMC had sought a suspension order.  The case was reported in the national and local media.
• Seven day substantive hearing – involving a range of legal issues – of allegations of (over 30) serious safeguarding and record-keeping failings by a senior school leader, which resulted in several allegations not being proved and no prohibition order being made.
• Five day substantive hearing of allegations of serious assessment maladministration and computer hacking (into school systems) by a senior teacher, which resulted in some allegations not being proved and no prohibition order being made.
• Three day, two-handed substantive hearing of allegations of serious assessment maladministration by a senior teacher, which resulted in the regulator dropping an allegation of dishonesty and no prohibition order being made.
• Three day, two-handed substantive hearing of allegations of serious financial and recruitment misconduct by a Headteacher, which resulted in the regulator dropping an allegation of dishonesty and no prohibition order being made;
• Two day substantive hearing of allegations of serious assessment maladministration by a senior teacher, which resulted in no prohibition order being made.
• One day substantive hearing of allegations of serious safeguarding failings by a Headteacher, which resulted in no prohibition order being made.
• One day substantive hearing of allegations of serious sexual misconduct by a secondary school teacher, which resulted in no prohibition order being made.
• One day hearing before the Interim Orders Tribunal of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, in which the respondent doctor successfully resisted the GMC’s submissions that he receive an interim suspension, despite facing serious allegations of dishonesty and clinical failings.
• One day hearing before the Interim Orders Tribunal of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, in which the respondent doctor received an interim conditions of practice order, despite facing allegations of a child sexual offence.
• One day substantive hearing before the Farriers Registration Council, in which the respondent received a verbal reprimand after being convicted of a hate crime related to his professional practice.
• Multi-handed investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency of several allegations of SATs cheating and bullying, in which the respondent Headteacher persuaded the regulator to take no further action.
• Investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency of several allegations of dishonest conduct, in which the respondent teacher persuaded the regulator to take no further action.

“Jonathan has exceptional client care skills. He adopts a compassionate approach when dealing with sensitive matters. His advocacy is thorough and effective.” – Legal 500 2024 (Professional Disciplinary Law)

“Jonathan Storey is particularly skilled at representing teachers and nurses before their regulators in disciplinary matters concerning dishonesty, safeguarding, inappropriate conduct and clinical failings. Strengths: “Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable and his attention to detail is impressive. He always goes above and beyond what is required of him and is someone whom clients immediately warm to.” “He never loses sight of the importance of unpicking the detail of evidence. He provides practical support to clients, maximising their ability to engage.” – Band 2, Professional Discipline – The Regions.  Chambers and Partners, UK Bar 2023 

Rising Star, Professional Disciplinary Law, Midland Circuit – The Legal 500, UK Bar 2023 

‘Jonathan is an excellent barrister: intellectually able, calm and reassuring, and thoroughly prepared.’ – Legal500 2022 

“Jonathan Storey is particularly skilled at representing teachers and nurses before their regulators in disciplinary matters concerning dishonesty, safeguarding, inappropriate conduct and clinical failings. Strengths: “An approachable barrister who is liked by clients, he has substantial experience with Teaching Regulation Agency proceedings.” “Jonathan is extremely hands-on with case work, always available to discuss any cases he is involved with, very proactive and has a great manner with the clients.” – Chambers UK Bar 2022 

“Particularly skilled at representing teachers and nurses before their regulators in matters concerning dishonesty, safeguarding, inappropriate conduct and clinical failings. Strengths: “He is extremely professional and handled himself well in front of the judge.”” – Chambers UK Bar 2021 

“He can be relied upon to take a pragmatic and practical approach to cases, always with a view as what is best for the client in the long run.” – Legal 500 2021 

“Until I met you I did not feel that anyone was actually on my side and your positive but honest attitude gave me the confidence to give my best at the hearing and without that I could not have hoped for the outcome you achieved. I think everything went as well as it could have and with your clear explanations it made it easy to understand the options and the potential benefits / consequences of each even if it didn’t seem like something I would have initially chosen to do.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“I cannot describe how happy I am. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me. I could have never done it without you. I know you were my barrister but you also treated me as a friend. You looked after me through this difficult time and I just cannot thank you enough.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“You guided me during a very difficult and stressful time with care, understanding and above all with professionalism. I am not a very easy person to work with but your resilience and patience with me were outstanding. Sometimes (well, almost all the time) I need to be explained things twice but you did not mind at all. You explained to me over and over matters again until I understood them and I thank you very much for your patience … I could have never done it if it wasn’t for you … for me you did everything possible on my behalf.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“Jonathan Storey provided me with an invaluable source of advice, support and guidance throughout a very challenging time. The legal processes were all very new to me, but his experience, knowledge and understanding helped me to make sense of the situation and prepare myself thoroughly in an unusually limited timeframe given the nature of my case. Jonathan has an excellent understanding of education, the teaching profession, safeguarding and TRA processes and he ensured that I understood what evidence was relevant, what exactly would support my case and what the panel would be interested in. Given the short period time that we had to prepare, I really appreciate the way Jonathan worked around the clock to ensure that we maximised all the time we had available. Jonathan’s work ethic and commitment to my case provided me with great reassurance during a very stressful time in my life. His communication throughout was exemplary on every level and he was consistently available via email or telephone. I do not believe that I would have been successful in avoiding prohibition without his support. Jonathan has qualities that place him in a league of his own. He is driven by a strong sense of fierce resolve. The brilliant combination of his honesty, wisdom, passion and humility enabled a trusting partnership to evolve. Our collaborative approach meant that we were able to reach a range of extremely positive outcomes. I am extremely grateful to Jonathan for his professional manner and diligent approach. I think it would be neglectful of me to fail to mention that, at a time when one could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive, Jonathan’s smart sense of humour and quick-wittedness was also thoroughly appreciated!” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“Your patience, dedication and passion came out. You treated my case like there was nothing else important you had to deal with at that time. I had an ‘uncapped’ access to you Jonathan. When you said I could call, text, or email you for just about anything and anytime, you meant it and you were true to your word. Most significantly Jonathan your humility is what astounded me. [My friend] still talks about how you thought nothing of sitting on the floor to write your summation, responses and stuff while you offered all of us chairs to sit. You showed love and care in more ways than I could ever put in words. You comforted me regarding my daughter who was going through a pretty rough patch at the time, and you EVEN MISSED your son’s birthday Jonathan!! If that’s not love and dedication, I don’t know what is. Thank you so much.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“Jonathan I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a great job you’re doing for me and my family. Your passion and dedication to my case is so heartwarming that I am really so humbled by it.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“I want to thank you again for all your very caring support and endless hours of professional input and reflection on your part … Whoever you represent [in the future] will indeed be fortunate and I have no doubt you will work every bit as hard and with determination as you did for me. I will always be indebted to you and wish you every success in the years ahead.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“You pitched everything perfectly. Thanks for being brilliant.” (solicitor, professional regulation) 

“In Jonathan I couldn’t have wished for a more level headed and supportive barrister … His support of me and [wife] couldn’t have been better. For that we will both forever be in his debt.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“I just want to say thank you once again for all your support and warmth during that terrible period of my life. You really helped me get through what remains the worst time in my life.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“Thank-you to Jonathan … whose compassion also kept both me and my daughter going through the toughest times.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“We want to say a huge THANK YOU … for all your support … The outcome of last week was a miracle and we are still astounded even now.” (lay client, professional regulation) 

“Thank you so much for all the incredible work that you put into [lay client’s] case. It was great to witness how well the team worked (at times flat out!) to get on top of the case and the result was the icing on the cake – congratulations. Look forward to working with you again in the future.” (solicitor, professional regulation) 

• The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
• Criminal Bar Association
• Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
• South Eastern Circuit
• Ecclesiastical Law Society
• National Association of Legally Qualified Chairs

• Legally Qualified Chair and legal assessor, Medical Practitioners Tribunal 
• Legally Qualified Chair of police misconduct hearings, Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police 
• Chair and lay member, Fitness to Practise Committee, Nursing and Midwifery Council 
• Chair and lay member, Fitness to Practise Committee, Social Care Wales 
• Independent Chair, Standards Committee, Salford City Council 
• Independent Person, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council 
• Member, Safeguarding Case Management Group, Canoe Wales 
• Governor, Hereford Cathedral School 

• Ann Goddard Pupillage Scholarship (Gray’s Inn, 2017)
• Prince of Wales Scholarship (Gray’s Inn, 2013-2015)
• Faculty of Business and Law Prize (University of the West of England, 2015)
• Carol Crowdy Prize for Civil Litigation (University of the West of England, 2015)
• Commendation, Western Circuit Advocacy Prize (2015)
• Anthony Bessemer Clark Scholarship (Gray’s Inn, 2011-2013)
• Faculty of Business and Law Prize (University of the West of England, 2013)
• Gibbs Book Prize (University of Oxford, 2005)
• AJ Herbertson Book Prize (University of Oxford, 2005)
• New College Final Honour School Prize (New College, Oxford, 2005)
• New College Instrumental Scholarship (New College, Oxford, 2002-2005)

Jonathan trained professionally as an oboist and maintains his involvement in classical music as a performer, concert promoter, concertgoer, tenor in Hereford Choral Society, and parent to three musical children. As a barrister he spends most of his working life indoors so tries to spend as much of his free time as possible with his family in the mountains near his home in the Welsh Marches.