The Professional Standards Authority has today published a report titled The future shape of the Accredited Registers programme, following a public consultation to seek views on our proposals for the future shape of the programme.
In the report, we present our analysis of the responses we received to the consultation and explore core themes which have emerged, including:
- Recognition of the importance of a system of assurance for unregulated health and care roles being embedded within the wider system
- Support for us to take greater account of public interest and risks of harm when deciding which registers are eligible for accreditation, whilst preserving patient choice
- The introduction of a sustainable funding model for the programme and a more proportionate assessment cycle.
Commenting on the report, Chief Executive Alan Clamp said:
“The Accredited Registers programme is an important part of the regulatory landscape, allowing the public, employers and other users of healthcare services to make informed choices when receiving treatment from a healthcare practitioner not regulated by law.
“Thanks to the views of those who responded to the consultation, and to other stakeholders, we are now in a stronger position than ever to redefine what a good voluntary system of assurance looks like.”
Why did we consult?
The Accredited Registers programme was created in 2012 to provide a system of oversight and assurance for unregulated healthcare roles. In the last eight years, we have accredited a range of registers covering a wide variety of occupations.
However, it had become clear that the programme could not reach its full potential without greater awareness among the public and greater collaboration with government and other healthcare bodies. More fundamentally, the programme was not financially viable and changes are needed to the fees model. In June 2020, we announced a strategic review and following an initial period of analysis, we launched our consultation at the end of 2020. The responses we have received, along with additional feedback from stakeholders, have allowed us to create a new vision and structure for the programme.
What happens next?
In the coming weeks, we will continue to fine-tune our proposals and consult with targeted stakeholder groups. We will seek the views of those most likely to be affected to make sure we fully understand the impacts. We will publish further detail on our proposals after our Board has met in May 2021, with a view to implementing the changes from July 2021.
Read the full report or the key statistics in this infographic.
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Contact: Christine Braithwaite, Director of Standards and Policy
Email: media@professionalstandards.org.uk
Notes to the Editor
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees 10 statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK (General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Dental Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Chiropractic Council, Health and Care Professions Council, Pharmaceutical Council of Northern Ireland and Social Work England).
- We assess their performance and report to Parliament. We also conduct audits and investigations and can appeal fitness to practise cases to the courts if we consider that sanctions are insufficient to protect the public and it is in the public interest.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are – integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork – and we strive to ensure that they are at the core of our work.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk