IPEM working with the HCPC

08/12/2023

A GROUP of professional bodies, including IPEM, has been collaborating with the Health & Care Professions Council to advocate for the interests of members.

IPEM has been represented on the liaison group since 2022, with Dr Jemimah Eve, the Director of Policy and Impact, attending.

Dr Eve said: ‘I want to update all our HCPC registrants on the work we have been carrying out on their behalf via the liaison group, so they can see how we have been working on their behalf.’

A project to overhaul the fitness to practice (FtP) process is nearing completion. Procedural changes have been introduced in order to reduce the backlog of cases and allow the HCPC to hit its KPI targets.

Although there has been a sustained trend of increasing referrals, Clinical Scientists remain the second-smallest proportion of all FtP cases. Alongside improved efficiency, the HCPC have also reviewed all their communications around FtP in a “tone of voice” overhaul, and new communication templates were rolled out from the autumn. The HCPC has also partnered with CiC , a leading wellbeing service provider, to give independent and confidential support to individuals involved in FtP cases.

The HCPC also acknowledged the necessity of addressing the increase in referrals related to sexual misconduct, signifying an ongoing commitment to upholding professional standards and ethical conduct within the field.

A consultation on the requirements for English Language proficiency for International Route applicants remains open, inviting feedback and input from stakeholders. It is open for responses until 19 January.

The updated Standards of Proficiency went live on 1 September, and the Association of Clinical Scientists has aligned their generic competencies to meet these new standards, underlining their commitment to excellence in the profession.

An IPEM working party is currently reviewing and updating the specific competencies for medical physics and clinical engineering and these updates are expected to be available early in the new year.