HCPC introduces temporary support to manage Fitness to Practise demand

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has announced a temporary measure to help manage a significant increase in Fitness to Practise (FTP) referrals while maintaining communication with those involved in cases.

According to the HCPC, referrals have increased by 41% compared to last year, with a further 18% rise recorded so far this financial year. The increase has resulted in a substantial growth in active cases and the volume of correspondence required.

To help address this, the HCPC has appointed a specialist external organisation to provide routine case updates and communications. The arrangement is intended to improve communication with registrants and others involved in FTP cases while allowing the HCPC to continue expanding its internal capacity.

The HCPC has stressed that it remains fully responsible for all regulatory functions and decisions. No investigation, case management or decision-making will be carried out by the external provider, whose role is limited to routine communications. The regulator has also confirmed that appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure confidentiality and compliance with legal and data protection requirements.

The move forms part of a wider programme of work to improve the timeliness and efficiency of the HCPC's Fitness to Practise processes while it continues to work with Government on longer-term legislative reforms.

The HCPC says it will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and provide further updates as its work progresses. The IBMS will continue to inform members of any further updates provided.