Accredited Registers – what could an alternative to statutory regulation mean for the NHS, the public, patients and the workforce by Janet Monkman, CEO, Academy for Healthcare Science

The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority soon after the Accredited Registers programme was introduced eight years ago. Accreditation of voluntary registers addressed the clear discrepancy in public protection, between health and care occupations which were subject to statutory regulation, and those which had no form of independent assurance whatsoever. The programme has provided a system of oversight for these vital areas of the wider health and care workforce, creating a benchmark for standards of practice, and strengthening public confidence in these professions as whole.

I welcome the Authority’s Strategic Review of the Accredited Registers programme. It is an opportunity for a renewed focus on what the priorities should be going forward, thereby providing the public and those working in heath and care with the clarity they need.

Working towards and maintaining accreditation for eight years has been a big commitment for us and for those who joined our register – therefore it is crucial that we take this opportunity now to ensure that the programme is as effective as it can be, and fit for the future

Perhaps it is also a great opportunity to explore ways of how the programme can get better engagement and involvement from, Regulators such as Care Quality Commission (CQC), the NHS, employers and the public, the review provides the opportunity for this, and I hope that these groups contribute and provide advice.

Click here to read the full article.