HPC Frequently asked questions
What is the HPC?
What is fitness to practise?
Why do I have to be registered with the HPC?
How do I register with the HPC?
Can I register with the HPC if I qualified internationally?
What is the difference between the HPC and the RCSLT?
Do I have to be a member of the RCSLT and the HPC?
What is the HPC?
The HPC is one of eight UK regulators of health professionals. Its main objective is to safeguard the health and well being of individuals using or needing the services of its registrants. The HPC:- maintains and publishes a register of registrants
- approves UK courses that allow graduates to apply for registration
- sets standards, in particular of those expected of registrants and prospective registrants. The Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and the Standards of Proficiency (both available on the HPC website)
- operates a fitness to practise process
What is fitness to practise?
The HPC ensures that allied health professionals have an initial fitness to practise by:- checking the qualifications of those who apply for registration
- vetting the qualifications of international speech and language therapists who want to work in the UK
- dealing with complaints against therapists including fitness to practise issues if necessary
- ensuring that the UK courses leading to the speech and language qualification are appropriate
Why do I have to be registered with the HPC?
A few years ago the speech and language therapy profession applied to come under the HPC for the purposes of registration of speech and language therapy practitioners.This brought the profession into step with the other allied health professions: art music and drama therapy, chiropody and podiatry, clinical science, dietetics, medical laboratory science, occupational therapy, orthoptics, paramedics, physiotherapy, prosthetics and orthotics, and radiography,
Speech and language therapy came under HPC control (then known as Council for the Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM)) with effect from 1 October 2000. After this date anyone wishing to practice as a speech and language therapist had to be state registered under the CPSM.
Since 1 April 2002, when the HPC succeeded the CPSM, anyone not HPC-registered and calling themselves a speech and language therapist can be prosecuted. Note the term "state" registration no longer applies.
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How do I register with the HPC?
UK applicants need to contact the HPCHPC joining fees are tax deductible for UK taxpayers. Check the HPC website for details. It is sensible to set up your annual registration fee by direct debit, as late payment incurs a penalty.
Registrants cannot work in the NHS during any period they are not on the register.
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Can I register with the HPC if I qualified internationally?
Yes, providing your qualification is the equivalent of those of a UK-educated speech and language therapist. The RCSLT has separate information for internationally-qualified speech and language therapists.Back to top
What is the difference between the HPC and the RCSLT?
The HPC's only role is to protect the public, whereas the RCSLT exists to develop the profession, and provide services to individual speech and language therapists. All RCSLT members have an opportunity to have a voice and share in shaping the future of the profession.Back to top
Do I have to be a member of the RCSLT and the HPC?
No, because RCSLT membership is not compulsory. Find out more about the benefits of being an RCSLT member.Back to top