1. Registration Update GT Training Day Bristol 20 November 2014 GT Training Day Bristol 20 November 2014

2. Professional Regulation Set standards of professional qualifications and standards of practice Keep a Register of qualified persons Award titles Determine the conduct of registrants Investigate complaints Apply disciplinary sanctions for professional misconduct. The sole purpose of Professional Regulation is to assure the quality of professional services in the public interest.

3. History 2004A review of regulation of non-medical professionals by the then Secretary of State Formation of the Voluntary Registration Council (VRC) Formation of Associated Genetic Technologist Committee (AGTC) 2006VRC opens it register to Genetic Technologists 2007The Government publishes a White Paper ‘Trust, Assurance and Safety – the Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century’ which identifies healthcare scientists as a priority group for future regulation 2008The four UK health departments publish a consultation document looking at the future of the healthcare science workforce 2010The four UK health departments confirm that they remained committed to regulation

4. History 2011The Coalition Government publish a Command Paper ‘Enabling Excellence’, which sets out the new policy on professional regulation. The paper outlines a system of ‘assured voluntary registration’ and says that in the future statutory regulation will only be considered where there is a ‘compelling case’ and where ‘voluntary registers are not considered sufficient to manage this risk’. 2012The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) is launched. Its role and duties are set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Launch of the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)

5. Academy for Healthcare Science The Academy for Healthcare Science is the overarching body for the whole of the Healthcare Science Profession, working alongside the professional bodies. Aim to ensure that Healthcare Science is recognised and respected as one of the key clinical professions in the health and care system, this includes working towards statutory regulation of all our staff groups to ensure protection for the patients we serve. The AHCS was established as a joint initiative of the UK Health Departments and the professional bodies. The AHCS has been commissioned to undertake and support several key projects including: Development of consistent regulation for the healthcare science workforce e.g. by establishing accredited voluntary registers where none exist. Implementation of a system to assess and confer ‘equivalence’ of the existing qualifications and experience individuals have, mapped to the outcomes of formalised quality assured training programmes. Quality assure education and training in partnership with other stakeholders. Develop common standards for healthcare science practice.

6. History 2013VRC engages with PSA and AHCS while investigating the best mechanism of achieving an Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR) 2014VRC consults with members on best approach to achieving AVR Minimal response to consultation but all agree 1 September 2014 VRC closed its register All VRC registrants transferred to the AHCS Register AHCS applies for Accreditation of its Voluntary Register with PSA. This process is ongoing.

7. Academy for Healthcare Science

8. What does this mean for active registrants? Data has been transferred to the new register. No action required. Current renewal period is open and CPD audit underway. Renewal form contains slightly different information than in previous years. Complete the form and submit the fee, fee reflects the cost associated with accreditation of the register. http://www.ahcs.ac.uk/2012/12/good-scientific-practice/ Adoption of Good Scientific Practice to replace the VRC standards of performance, conduct and ethics. Remain registered against the Genetic Technologist Standards of Proficiency, therefore still working as Genetic Technologists under the AHCS register. No need to supply any further information in order to maintain your registration.

9. What does this mean for new registrants? VRC are no longer accepting applications. Applications for registration as a Genetic Technologist must now be made to the AHCS. This is a two step process: Apply for a certificate of competence Apply for registration NOT the same process as application for ‘direct entry’ via Practitioner route.

10. What’s next? Make a case for statutory regulation and/or Maintain an accredited voluntary register The sole purpose of Professional Regulation is to assure the quality of professional services in the public interest. For further details: http://www.ahcs.ac.uk http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/voluntary-registers