Where it is unclear whether a change should be classified as major or minor, the pre-registration programme team are encouraged to discuss this further with RCOT to identify the most appropriate notification process.
Minor changes
Minor changes do not require RCOT approval; however, RCOT should be informed of the change via the annual monitoring report (AMR) for the year in which the change will take effect. Pre-registration programme teams are required to maintain and submit evidence of an audit trail, clearly showing how the education provider’s internal approval mechanisms were followed before the change was implemented.
Where several minor modifications across more than one standard have a cumulative effect and represent a more significant change to the pre-registration programme, it will likely be necessary to follow the major change process.
Major changes
RCOT should be informed prior to a major change being implemented. Notification of changes can be made to RCOT by email (to QA@rcot.co.uk) and should include a clear rationale for the change, copies of all related documentation, an overview of the internal quality monitoring and enhancement processes followed, and clarification of whether the HCPC or any other stakeholders have been involved in the change or update.
Introducing a Major Change form
The Major Change Request form may assist in structuring your request.
Major Change Request Form.docx (DOCX, 243KB)
Once notified, RCOT will consider the impact on the ongoing Accreditation of the pre-registration programme and will notify the pre-registration programme team of the outcome. Notifications may be reviewed in collaboration with an RCOT Accreditor. Where a proposal for a major change is not approved, further discussion with the education provider will be undertaken and potentially an Accreditation Visit to gather supporting evidence.
Pre-registration programmes will continue to be reviewed on their established Accreditation cycle regardless of whether a change has been approved within the 5 year Accreditation cycle.