HCPC launches consultation on Rules change

The professional indemnity arrangement requirements were introduced by legislation on 17 July 2014. The proposed amendments to the Rules, if implemented, would allow the HCPC to ask registrants and applicants to complete declarations about their professional indemnity arrangements, as well as take appropriate action where a registrant did not have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement in place, or where a professional indemnity arrangement did not provide appropriate cover. The proposed changes to the HCPC Rules will not apply to social workers in England, who are outside the scope of the legislation.

Director of Policy and Standards Michael Guthrie commented:

“These amendments are in line with our guidance ‘Professional indemnity and your registration’, which we consulted on in 2013. The proposed changes to our Rules are about implementing the policy approach outlined in that guidance, rather than adding any additional requirements.”

The consultation will run from Friday 26 September to Friday 31 October 2014. It will be of particular interest to registrants, employers and professional bodies.

The HCPC will analyse the responses once the consultation closes and publish the comments received and explain the decisions made as a result. Subject to the outcomes of the consultation and the parliamentary process, the HCPC anticipates that the Rules will be in place from early 2015-16.