Applying to the Council

This page contains information about how a new profession can apply to the Council to be regulated.

First meeting
The very first step for a new profession that wishes to be regulated by the HPC (known as an ‘aspirant group’) is an informal meeting. This is normally arranged at Park House between representatives of the aspirant profession and senior members of HPC to explore and discuss the application process. We would also recommend that any aspirant group planning to make an application to the Council should also contact the Department of Health.

Preparing the application
The next stage is for the aspirant group to prepare its application. Generally, Council will consider only one application from an aspirant group at any meeting. If you are part of a group who is planning to apply, you should tell us as soon as possible so that we can find you a space at a Council meeting.

Sending in an application
The aspirant group sends in its application form and full documentation. They need to send us 62 copies of the application form and relevant supporting documentation, each of which should be bound in a file. We need 62 copies so that we can distribute them to our Council members and relevant members of staff. Each copy must contain a one page summary of how the aspirant group meets each of the 10 criteria the Council has set.
This application should be sent to the Chief Executive & Registrar of HPC at our address in London . We will also send a copy to the Department of Health.

When we receive the application
We will send the aspirant group an acknowledgement of receipt of documentation (within 5 working days).

We will then appoint liaisons: a member of Council who will act as a mentor for the aspirant profession/organisation, the New Professions manager, and a Director from the Executive Team who will guide the applicant organisation through the application process.

Processing the application
The full application details will be processed by us and submitted to the next available meeting of Council. Our new professions manager will 'score' the application against our criteria. The Department of Health may inform its lawyers to plan a timetable, including provisional booking of legal and Parliamentary resources.

At the meeting
The Council will consider whether or how far the aspirant group meets the criteria it has set for new professions. It may then decide to recommend to the Secretary of State that the profession should be regulated.

Contact
Policy Department
policy@hpc-uk.org.