College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP)

The College of Operating Department Practitioners is the professional body for Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) – ODPs are registered Allied Health Professionals and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The College provides support and advice to its members and represents ODPs in aspects of professional, educational and workplace matters. The College has membership on national committees, advisory groups and responds to consultations set by government and other professional and registrant bodies.

CODP is consulting on its future. We want your views.

 

 

CODP Vaccination and Immunisation Guidance

 

Who are ODPs?

ODPs are highly skilled and essential members of the surgical team who care and support patients during their operative procedures. The role of the ODP essentially covers three interconnected phases of perioperative care, the anaesthetic phase, the surgical and the post-anaesthetic care phase.

How do you become an ODP?

To become an ODP you need to undertake a degree or diploma programme and a list of those Universities that deliver a ODP programme can be found at the

NHS Health Careers course finder

After successfully completing a pre-registration ODP programme, it is necessary to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council in order to use the protected title of ‘Operating Department Practitioner’.

Becoming a member of CODP

CODP is part of the Science, Technical and Therapy (STAT) occupational group of UNISON. ODPs and student ODPs can receive advice and guidance on professional issues from members of the CODP Professional Council while at the same time enjoying the full benefits of UNISON membership, such as workplace representation and access to legal representation on employment issues.

For ODPs working in higher education, membership of UNISON might not be the most appropriate union. For this reason, ODPs who are members of the University and College Union (UCU) can be members of the College through the reciprocal agreement between UNISON and UCU.

You can join UNISON and the College either in the workplace or online

Join now

Please ensure that you state Operating Department Practitioner or Student ODP as your occupation so that the College can better serve you.

If you are an ODP and a member of the University and College Union please contact us by emailing CODP@unison.co.uk. Unfortunately, the wider UNISON member benefits are not available to you, these will continue to be provided direct by UCU.

If you are permanent member of Her Majesty’s armed services (not a reservist) and wish to seek professional advice from the College we recognise that you are not able to be a member of a trade union and so the Professional Council will continue to provide advice on professional issues to you directly.

Hannah Abbott – President CODP

Read the latest student CODP newsletter

A working group comprising organisations from across a range of health and social care sectors (including the College of Operating Department Practitioners) has launched a set of principles for continuing professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning.

Download it here

The principles are designed to guide individuals, employers and wider systems to create a culture of continuous improvement, workforce development and improve outcomes for service users. People working in the health and social care workforce operate in a changing, challenging and complex environment. Practising safely and effectively, now and in the future is essential.

The five principles are that CPD and Lifelong Learning should:

  1. be each person’s responsibility and be made possible and supported by your employer
  2. benefit the service users
  3. improve the quality of service delivery
  4. be balanced and relevant to each person’s area of practice or employment
  5. be recorded and show the effect on each person’s area of practice.

Check out our new ODP Careers site, to inspire others to become Operating Department Practitioners.

Members of the Professional Council of the College of Operating Department Practitioners

Michael Donnellon Mike is President of the College of Operating Department Practitioners – Mike commenced his Operating Department Assistant training in 1983 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital before moving into Higher Education in 2002 at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Mike’s previous role within the College was Chair of the Education and Standards Committee.   […]

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December 2021 CODP newsletter

The ODP news letter for October 2021.

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Returning to Practice

Have you been away from the profession and are considering returning to practice? Information provided in this section will help you navigate the return to practice process. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Requirements The HCPC requires you to have up-to-date knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively. If you have been out of […]

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November 2022 CODP Newsletter

Welcome to the Winter 2022 CODP Newsletter.  In this newsletter we have: Have your say on the future of CODP Vote Yes for the NHS – Pay Ballot Assistance to the Anaesthetist and Anaesthesia Associate Operating Department Practitioner Policy Group CODP joins the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) Research Project – Exploration of […]

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August 2023 CODP Newsletter

Welcome to the August 2023 CODP Newsletter. In this newsletter we have: CODP – Future Direction Update HCPCP Standards of Proficiency NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan Allied Health Professionals National Uniform Project Enhanced Clinical Practitioner (ECP) apprenticeship Health Education England – National Operating Department Practitioner Practice Education Modernisation Project AHP Critical Care Capability Framework […]

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Education and Standards

Welcome to the CODP Education and Standards webpage. Located on this page are relevant downloadable resources relevant for both Higher Education Institution (HEI) and Clinical Placement staff. Also found on this page are details of forthcoming Clinical and University Educators (CUE) Forums. Education and Standards Committee The purpose of the Education and Standards Committee is […]

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Resources