HCPC and NHSE release new preceptorship principles and standards for all AHPs

The five principles are broad in structure, so that they can be easily used across all AHPs.

They are there to:

• serve as a guide
• ensure programmes meet HCPC registrants’ needs
• support improvements in the quality of the services allied health professionals provide.

Principle 1 - Organisational culture & preceptorship

• Preceptorship is a structured programme of professional support and development designed to improve registrant confidence as they transition into any new role.
• 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

• Preceptorship is an important investment in a registrants’ professional career.
• 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.
• Preceptors do not need to be from the same profession as preceptees but should be the most appropriate individual to provide support.

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.

The AHP Preceptorship Standards and Framework set out what AHP Preceptorship means and expands on the HCPC Principles for Preceptorship, to provide standards and a best practice implementation framework to support AHPs in England.