HCPC Subgroup Blog August 2024

1. Fitness to Practise (FtP) 

The society hosted a FTP webinar at the end of May. There were contributions from society members, the HCPC, a professional indemnity insurer, the Professional Standards Authority, Unite the Union and a partner of a legal firm involved in FTP cases. 

Almost 90 members attended to the webinar. Please find a recording of the event here: You can view the Fitness to Practice Webinar here (this will be available to view for 12 weeks).

We continue to receive a small number of enquiries from members related to registration and FTP.  The society has been able to either provide clarification about processes and timescales for decision-making.

For members who receive a letter about their fitness to practice we very strongly recommend:

• talking to your professional indemnity insurer
• talking to your trade union representative. 

before you respond to the HCPC.

Self-Referral

Many registrants submit an unnecessary self-referral.

For members considering self-referral we very strongly recommend you contact your professional indemnity insurer or your trade union representative before contacting the HCPC.  

Removal from the Register

Over the last 36 months psychologists have been struck off the HCPC register for: 

• working beyond their area of expertise
• dishonesty
• sexually motivated behaviour
• working as a psychologist whilst suspended from the register
• not acting in a service user's best interests
• breach of professional boundaries. 

Removal from the register can have very significant life changing effects, such as loss of employment, loss of income and adverse impacts on mental and physical health. 

Living Life in Limbo – please read this study, which explores the experiences of registrants going through the process of being reported to the HCPC and attending FTP hearings.

The HCPC offers a free, confidential and independent helpline.  It offers emotional and wellbeing support.  Contact details are as follows:CPC HCH

• Free phone careline: 0800 587 7396
• Email: [email protected]
• Text: 18001 0800 085 1276.

Please consult the FTP registrant support service for further details.

FTP Issues

The society will be meeting with the HCPC FTP team at the end of October.  If you wish to raise any feedback or issues please contact [email protected]

2. HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (SCPEs), and Social Media 

The revised Standards of Conduct Performance and Ethics have been approved by HCPC's Council.  Please note these come into effect on 1 September 2024. 

3. HCPC Perceptorship guidance non-NHS settings

We hope to hear from the HCPC on this matter soon.  Volunteers are keen to work with the HCPC particularly those employed outside of health and social care settings. 

4. HCPC Employer engagement

Again, we trust to have further details on this HCPC campaign soon. We have provided a list of employers outside of health and social care settings.  There will be HCPC led webinars to support the campaign, employers will be invited to attend. 

5. Standards of Education and Training (SETS)

The HCPC's Standards of Education and Training, pre-engagement work will begin shortly. This will be a major piece of work for the HCPC during 2024 and 2025. We will be contributing to this important piece of work. 

6. PSA draft Accepted Outcomes and Rulemaking guidance

The society responded to this important PSA consultation, which was welcomed.  Concerns were expressed about the existing investigation procedures and whether this would be improved by the new accepted outcomes process.  Case examiners will play a pivotal role in accepted outcomes. This new role will have significant powers. Please read the guidance from the PSA on accepted outcomes. 

7. Communications

We continue to meet with HCPC colleagues on a regular basis and raise matters that have been drawn to our attention by members. 

Please do contact [email protected] if there are areas of improvement we can work on with the HCPC.