1. SWOE Scheme Coordinator, Public Health, Bristol
Practitioner registration Webinar South West of England Practitioner Scheme
By Mark Jefferies
SWOE Scheme Coordinator, Public Health, Bristol
23rd May 2017

2. Background and context
In 2010 the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) commissioned research to assess the risks posed at different levels of public health practice;
Conclusion & Rationale- Public Health practice, whether it be at the strategic or front-line operational levels, carries risk of harm to the public. The risk is sufficient to justify regulation of the public health workforce;
Ethics- Registered Practitioners make declaration of fitness to practise, and acceptance of the principles and guidance published in Good Public Health Practice and UKPHR’s Code of Conduct .

3. UK Practitioner registration coverage 2012- 2017

4. Practitioner workforce profile
The public health Practitioner workforce covers a wide cross-section of public health specialties in a wide range of settings, such as the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary and private sectors;
Public Health Practitioners have responsibility for specific areas of work, continually develop their area of work and support others to understand it. Practitioners are likely to contribute to multi-agency/multi-disciplinary programs of work. Generally practitioners will work as part of a larger team led by someone working at a higher level;
Advanced public health practitioners have responsibility for and expertise in, areas of public health and provide leadership in their area of expertise. Practitioners will normally contribute to multi-agency programs of work;
Clear autonomy in work area, identified in original PH Skills & Knowledge Framework level 5 and above.

5. Who can apply?
Public Health Practitioners from Local Authorities, NHS, Voluntary and Private sectors;
SWOE Scheme areas covered: Devon, Plymouth, Torbay, Somerset, North Somerset, Wiltshire, BANES, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Cornwall.

6. Practitioner testimony
Live Testimony from a successful South West of England Practitioner now registered with UKPHR
Tracey Hellyar, Somerset

7. Practitioner benefits
Enhanced confidence, competence & morale
Understanding of work related PH strategic input
Ability to target & develop work towards PH agenda
Ability to reflect & identify knowledge/skills gaps
Quality of professional practice increased
Empowerment with professional autonomy in work areas, promoting initiative & innovation
Confidence to engage in multidisciplinary environments
Competence in developing partnership networks, joining up research, policy, and PH interventions.

8. Employer benefits
LA Joined up PH Knowledge/Skill base. Multidisciplinary approach
Business Planning- Identifying skill gaps, service needs, competence & training requirements
Standardised approach- Principles, values, standards providing quality practice, career progression indicators, Workplace Management controls
Budget cost savings- Research, commissioning, interventions, policy & strategies cost effective
Promotes safe practice, ethics & good image.

9. Assessor testimonies
Testimony from experienced Scheme Assessors for Practitioner registration:
Louisa Newman, Public Health England (PHE)
Live testimony
Steve Maddern, Wiltshire
Deborah Lear, Public Health England (PHE)
Written testimony

10. What Practitioner registration involves
Join a Cohort of Practitioners from across the South West with the local South West of England Practitioner Registration Scheme;
Portfolio development to demonstrate Public Health Practice;
United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) Standards and Indicators:
Area 1: Professional and ethical practice, Area 2: Technical competencies in public health, Area 3: Application of technical competencies to public health work, Area 4: Underpinning skills;
Typically 3 commentaries for separate pieces of work;
Supporting evidence for work- 50% currency within previous 3 years, current practice;
Scheme Offer – Workshops, Portfolio Development Groups (PDG’s), Facilitator and Coordinator support, Mentors for Practitioners;
Completion within Cohort time-line, between 12 months-2 years.

11. Verifier testimony
Testimony from an experienced Consultant Verifier for the Scheme, Christina Gray, Somerset
Written testimony

12. Practitioner registration- Start-finish
Process
Send application with self-assessment exercise
Applications vetted by the Scheme
Cohort members agreed
Introduction day
1st Workshop to plan and map commentaries and evidence
Assessor appointed
Completion dates agreed for commentaries
Attend Portfolio Development Groups
Assessment
Verification
Verification Panel
Completion
Registration with United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR).

13. Question and Answer (Q&A)
The Scheme Coordinator will answer a series of questions raised on the day;
Issues raised that were not resolved during the Webinar will be followed up with the participants afterwards.

14. Contact Details
Mark Jefferies, Scheme Co-Ordinator South West of England: