Date:
Monday 25 January, 2021 , Monday 26 April, 2021
This consultation seeks the views of stakeholders on the proposed revised threshold level of qualification for entry to the Register (known as SET 1) for Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs).
The consultation will run from 25 January 2021 to 26 April 2021 however we will keep this consultation period under review, taking into consideration any impact of COVID-19.
We encourage all of our registrants as well as students, education providers, professional bodies, employers and trade unions to help and provide input on this proposal.
Overview
The first of the standards of education and training (‘SET 1’) sets out the threshold level of qualification normally required for entry to the Register for each of the professions we regulate. SET 1 does this by specifying types of academic awards.
The threshold change is an amendment to SET 1 (the first Standard of Education and Training), so it only affects education and training programmes, not individuals. This means that anyone currently on the Register or an approved programme would not have to requalify.
The HCPC considers whether the entry threshold should be adjusted on a profession by profession basis, taking several factors into account when making a decision. This was most recently done in 2017 when we proposed increasing SET 1 for paramedics.
This consultation proposes that the level set for SET 1 for ODPs should be changed from the current level of Diploma of Higher Education to Degree level. In preparing for this consultation, the HCPC has already had engagements with ODP professional bodies, education providers and other stakeholders. For more detailed information about our consultation, refer to the consultation document below.
How to respond to the consultation
The consultation closes on Monday 26 April 2021. We look forward to receiving your comments. Please be aware we will keep this consultation period under review, taking into consideration any impact of COVID-19.
You can respond to this consultation in one of the following ways:
Online:
Complete our easy-to-use online survey
By email:
In writing:
Consultation on Guidance on Health and Character
Policy and Standards Department
The Health and Care Professions Council
Park House
184-186 Kennington Park Road
London, SE11 4BU
Contacting us
To request a copy of this document in an alternative format, or in Welsh, or if you require any reasonable adjustment, please contact us by emailing consultation@hcpc-uk.org
Please note, due to COVID-19, the organisation is partly working from home and so post is not checked frequently. If you are able to respond by email or online survey, we would encourage you to do so.
We do not normally accept responses by telephone or in person. We ask that consultation responses are made in writing to ensure that we can accurately record what the respondent would like to say. However, if you are unable to respond in writing please contact us on +44 (0)20 7840 9815 to discuss any reasonable adjustments which would help you to respond.
Please note that, due to COVID-19, this telephone line is not staffed. However, you will be able to leave a message for the team to review and get back to you as soon as possible.
The consultation will run from 25 January 2021 to 26 April 2021 however we will keep this consultation period under review, taking into consideration any impact of COVID-19.