Fitness to practise
Being reported or self-reporting to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for a Fitness to Practise (FTP) issue can be a very stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. If this has happened to you, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’ll support you.
Support
From RCOT
The Professional Advisory Service (PAS) is a member benefit, and we are here to help you. We offer:
- Non-judgemental support
- Advice and guidance
- Signposting to resources
- Clear explanation of the FTP process
- Collaborative working with UNISON’s Professional Services Unit (PSU) where appropriate
If you need support, please contact us at hello@rcot.co.uk or call 020 3141 4630. The service is open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
From UNISON
If you are an RCOT member who is also a member of UNISON (i.e. not wholly self-employed), you can access its Professional Services Unit (PSU) if eligible. The PSU provides Case Management support, legal advice and representation at hearings.
You will need to ask your local UNISON Rep to refer you to the PSU.
For further information please see:
- Professional registration | Member support and services | UNISON National
- UNISON Support & Practice Resources (members only) – RCOT
From HCPC
You can also contact the HCPC FTP Support Service which provides independent and confidential emotional support and advice.
For further information please see:
Things to consider
- if you hear about an FTP concern against you or if you report yourself to the HCPC, quickly get in touch with UNISON (if you're a member) for professional support. Also, reach out to the RCOT Professional Advisory Service for support. Make sure to contact UNISON and/or RCOT before contacting HCPC
- don’t ignore communications from the HCPC; it’s very important to engage with the process
- try to take things one step at a time and remember that you can only control what you are able to
- don’t suffer in silence and seek help from others
- remember that you are not alone and don’t have to deal with this process on your own
- it is not the role of RCOT to make a judgment on your practice; as a member of RCOT, we are here to support you.
FAQs
Further resources
- OT News articles OTnews - The Official RCOT Magazine (Members Only) - RCOT
- OT News article - Oct 2020: I’ve been reported to the HCPC – what should I do?
- OT News article - Nov 2020: When should you self-refer to the HCPC?
- HCPC information Fitness to practise | (hcpc-uk.org)