Returning to practice is a self-directed process. It is your responsibility to make sure that you meet the appropriate requirements and can practise safely and effectively within your scope of practice, in line with HCPC standards.

The amount of updating (the number of activities you carry out to update your practice) that the HCPC need is a minimum requirement. This means that you can carry out more updating if you need to, so that you are confident you can meet the standards.

If you are returning to practice, you will be required to update your knowledge and skills as follows:

  • 0 to 2 years out of practice – no requirements
  • 2 to 5 years out of practice – 30 days of updating
  • 5 or more years out of practice – 60 days of updating

In the ‘days’ requirements above, 1 day is equivalent to 7 hours.

2 years out of practice: If completed full time a return to practice programme could be completed in as little as 6 weeks.

Although this period is flexible and can be carried out over any duration, but must be completed within the 24 months before re-applying for registration.

The period of updating can be made up of supervised practice, formal study or private study.

MCH can support with Flexible working / roles for returnees.

Provision of placements to fulfil supervised practice.

Access to courses to fulfil formal study if employed in a return to practice position.

Funded Route:

During your training you will be employed by us as a Rehabilitation assistant, Band 3. Following successful completion of the Return to Practice Programme you will be supported to apply for permanent Band 5 post within any of our Inpatient units or Community Therapy teams.

Eligibility criteria:

Qualified Allied Health Professional

  • Lapsed/expired HCPC Registration (Include PIN in application form)
  • Not been removed HCPC register on grounds of Fitness to Practice
  • Preferably clinical experience of at least six months post-registration in the UK,
  • English qualification (GCSE or equivalent)
  • Commitment to clinical placement of up to 450 hours

For further details contact: Marcela Summoogum (Head of Clinical Education) or Hannah Smith (AHP Education lead) via MEDCH.Practicedevelopment@nhs.net