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 practice for more than two years, you are required to undertake a period of updating your skills and knowledge with the length of this period depending on how long you have been out of practice.
You can download the HCPC Returning to Practice booklet to find out the exact requirements, however the essential requirements are:
| 0 – 2 years | No requirements |
| 2 – 5 years | 30 days of updating |
| 5 years and over | 60 days of updating |
The period of updating is required to be completed within 24 months before applying for readmission. Evidencing the return to practice requirements can be undertaken in 3 main ways:
- Private study
- Professional study
- Supervised practice
You do not need to carry out updating of all three types. The HCPC only requirement is that private study must not make up more than half the period.
Health Education England Return to Practice Programme
If you are considering returning to practice, Health Education England (HEE) can also provide you with help and information. The HEE RtP Programme offers many benefits to returnees including support to find a supervised practice placement, financial support and peer support through a closed Facebook group. The programme is also about to offer returnees HEE Leadership placements with the support of AHP Regional leads.