HCPC Principles for Preceptorship
The HCPC Principles for Preceptorship outline a structured programme of professional support and development designed to improve registrant confidence as they transition into a new role. They ensure registrants undertaking preceptorships are supported to achieve their potential whilst delivering safe and effective care and treatment. They also support health and care professionals to develop and maintain confident, safe and effective practice throughout their careers.
What is Preceptorship?
Preceptorship is a structured period of learning and development for newly qualified professionals, typically in healthcare settings. It is designed to help them transition from newly registered (or new in role) to autonomous practitioner by providing them with the support, guidance, and experience they need to develop their skills and confidence in their new role.
The IBMS knows that our profession already embeds preceptorship principles through established laboratory training, continuing professional development and supporting colleagues through higher and specialist qualifications.
The IBMS Specialist Diploma offers a great way for your laboratory to demonstrate preceptorship, allowing newly registered colleagues to develop and apply specialist knowledge and expertise in their practice.
The HCPC's principles are as follows:
Principle 1 - Organisational culture & preceptorship
Preceptorship contributes to an organisational culture in which registrants are supported to achieve their potential whilst delivering safe and effective care and treatment.
Principle 2 - Quality & oversight of preceptorship
All registrants should have access to a quality preceptorship programme. It demonstrates the value of individual registrants’ health, wellbeing and confidence during times of transition.
Principle 3 - Preceptee empowerment
Preceptorship should be tailored to the individual preceptee, their role and their work environment. Preceptorship should not retest clinical competence but instead, empower the preceptee to reflect on what they bring to their role and identify support needed to develop their professional confidence.
Principle 4 - Preceptor role
The preceptor role is a fundamental part of effective preceptorship. Preceptors should have appropriate training, time and support to understand and perform their role.
Principle 5 - Delivering preceptorship programmes
Preceptorship programmes should reflect the differences in routes to registration, range and intensity of previous practice experiences, and the variety of services and settings in which registrants work.
These principles apply to all registrants working in any health or social care setting across UK, including but not limited to, the NHS, the social care sector, and the independent and charitable sectors.