The HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) have published the outcome of a consultation carried out between October 2023 and January 2024 (Consultation of English language proficiency for international applicants).
The consultation outlined four key proposals which would update their English language requirements for new applicants pursuing the international route of registration. They outlined that these proposals wouldn’t change the standard of English language they require to satisfy this process, but would instead amend the types of evidence the HCPC will accept as proof of an applicant’s English language proficiency.
The HCPC’s reasoning behind reviewing these requirements includes that they believe “the ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to work as a health professional in the UK”, that their role in public protection is vital, and that they are committed to ensuring the process is “fair and proportionate to registrants and applicants who wish to join the register”.
The HCPC consulted on four proposals:
- That they would no longer accept self- declaration of English as a first language as evidence of proficiency.
- That they create a list of “qualifying” countries which are majority English speaking (with 75% of the population speaking English as this baseline). If an applicant had gained their primary qualification in one of these countries, they would accept this as evidence of proficiency.
- That they accept evidence of registered work experience in one of these listed countries, or evidence of UK work experience that has been supervised by a registrant.
- That they expand their list of approved test providers but make this list exhaustive.
They note that during this consultation, they asked respondents to provide their view on the Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA), ensuring that any major changes which could potentially negatively impact on particularly protected characteristics would be fully thought through and mitigated where possible.
The HCPC report that there was an overall positive view by respondents on the consultation, as well as a broad agreement with the proposals. The consultation received over 500 responses, with over 40 of these being from their stakeholder organisations.
The Patients Association were also commissioned to provide a report from consulting with service users and carers in particular focus groups, which the HCPC also took into consideration alongside the responses to the consultation. They explain that responders supported each proposal “in principle”, with some areas notably requiring further research.
In May 2024, a council meeting was held in which the four proposals included in the consultation were discussed. Here it was decided that the HCPC should advance proposals 1, 2 and 4, and that the third proposal was to be put on hold until further research was conducted as to the challenges of putting the proposal into practice.
The HCPC will now focus on implementing proposals 1, 2 and 4. They explain that this will require essential research and analysis in order to develop the qualifying countries list (as outlined in proposal 2), and the development of criteria with a final list of approved tests (as outlined in proposal 4). In reflecting these changes, the HCPC have clarified that they must update their systems and processes, ensuring a good service to applicants. This will involve putting guidance and training in place for their teams, as well as providing information to applicants about these new requirements.
The HCPC have confirmed that they expect to bring these proposals in to force in late 2024 or early 2025. You can find out more information on the consultation here: Consultation on English language proficiency for international applicants - analysis and decisions and on the consultation outcome here: Update on our English language requirements.
At Stephensons, we have extensive experience of representing and advising professionals who are either applying to be registered with the HCPC or who are already registered with the HCPC and are subject to HCPC investigations and fitness to practise proceedings. If you require assistance in challenging a registration decision or you find yourself in a situation where your fitness to practise is being investigated, we have a dedicated team of specialist HCPC lawyers who will be able to assist you. For a confidential discussion with one of our specialist HCPC fitness to practice solicitors, please contact us on 0161 696 6250 or complete our online enquiry form.
By Maisie Greenhalgh, student
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