IBMS Statement on Proposed HCPC Fee Increase

The IBMS acknowledges the recent decision by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to propose a fee increase of £6.98 for the annual registration, setting the new fee at £123.34, to be phased in from 2025 to 2027.

The HCPC has informed us that this increase is the minimum required to meet their statutory responsibilities and maintain the performance standards necessary to protect the public. The proposed adjustments also aim to introduce smaller, more predictable increases to aid registrants in financial planning.

IBMS Chief Executive David Wells commented:

“While we understand the HCPC’s intent to stabilise their financial footing and enhance the registrant experience through improved services and efficiencies, the IBMS remains vigilant in ensuring that these increases are justified and transparent. We are acutely aware of the ongoing financial pressures faced by our members, especially in the current economic climate.”

The IBMS will actively participate in the consultation process, representing the interests and concerns of biomedical scientists across the UK.

We encourage our members to engage with this process by reviewing the consultation documents and providing their feedback. It is crucial that our collective voice helps shape a fee structure that is equitable and reflects the genuine needs and realities of biomedical scientists.

In our discussions with the HCPC, we will advocate for:

• Clear, measurable improvements in the services provided to our members in return for any fee increases.
• Continued efforts to enhance the efficiency of HCPC operations, potentially leading to cost savings that could mitigate the need for future fee increases.
• Robust support measures such as maintaining reductions for early career professionals and expanding access to direct debit payment options to ease the financial burden on our registrants.

The IBMS remains committed to ensuring that the views of biomedical scientists are considered in these important discussions. We believe that through constructive dialogue and transparent processes, we can achieve a fee structure that supports the HCPC’s operational needs while respecting the financial capabilities of our members.