HCPC publishes results of English language consultation
The Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) has published results following its consultation on proposals to change the types of evidence it accepts for those who will be joining its international register.
Proposals and results of the consultation include:
- the removal of self-declaration of English as a first language
- acceptance of primary qualifications from a list of qualifying countries
- acceptance of supervised work experience in the UK or registered work experience in a qualifying country
- an expanded and exhaustive list of approved English tests
Proposals 1, 2 and 4 will be taken forward. This is largely consistent with NHS Employers consultation response and does include reference to some employers stating they would rather see the qualifying countries list tied to clinical practice then education.
Additional research will be undertaken for their implementation, such as having the Education and Training Committee govern the mechanism by which test providers are to be added to the list which currently include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Proposal 3 will be paused to enable further work in this area to address gaps in consistency of approaches and confidence levels. This is largely consistent with NHS Employers consultation response, where it was highlighted that although this is similar to other regulators, such as Supporting Information for Employers (SIFE) at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), there is a mixed view on the application of this among employers.
These changes to come into force late 2024 or early 2025 and we will keep employers informed as the process continues.
The full results of the consultation can be viewed on the HCPC website.
The response to this consultation submitted by NHS Employers based on employers views can be viewed via our website.
