Return To Practice.
There has only been a minimal focus and opportunity on engaging AHP’s to ‘return to practice’ as part of the need to meet the workforce challenges of the NHS. Skill shortages are profound for particular AHP professions in the Southwest (therapeutic radiography, podiatry, prosthetics, and orthotics, and orthoptics, Occupational Therapy) (HEE, 2019). One solution to meet the skills shortages across AHP’s in Devon has been the potential revalidation and recruitment of staff by the return-to-NHS practice route. This is an untapped potential of an experienced, well trained AHP professional, with data demonstrating that 60% of those leaving NHS AHP roles are at often at band 6 and 7. The average cost to the system of returners-to-NHS practice is £1,100 and 30 days re-validation training required. However, National statistics suggest that 54% of those embarking on returning-to-practice give up due to a lack of appropriate placement (HEE,2020).
Health Education England (HEE) runs a programme to support Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) to return to practice by supporting them to return to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register.
The programme follows HCPC guidance on return to practice (RTP) and supports clinicians with a professional healthcare qualification gained in the UK or from overseas whose qualification is recognised by the HCPC.
The national RTP programme has been designed to provide the opportunity for returnees to update skills and knowledge in their chosen profession and within their scope of practice.
The programme can offer clinical, financial and academic support (where applicable) to support the returnee to meet the minimum criteria to RTP and therefore meet the minimum requirements of the HCPC register.
The programme will not arrange clinical placements or recommend specific organisations, but has been set up to support and assist returnees to follow the HCPC RTP guidance. If you are returning to practice, to re-register with HCPC you will need to update your knowledge and skills as follows:
0 to 2 years out of practice – no requirements
2 to 5 years out of practice – 30 days of updating
5 or more years out of practice – 60 days of updating
Useful links:
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/return-practice-allied-health-professionals-healthcare-scientists
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/registration/returning-to-practice/our-requirements/
Useful Documents:
