Competency and language skills of health professionals from the European Economic Area (EEA)

The HPC is able to assess applications for registration from nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) in order to make sure that necessary standards to work safely and effectively in the UK have been met.

The HPC is, however, unable to systematically test the language skills of EEA nationals prior to registration. We understand the concerns raised about this situation and we continue to discuss this issue with our regulatory colleagues as part of participation in the Alliance of UK Regulators in Europe (EEA). However, to date, we do not have any evidence which would support that this is problem for the professions we regulate.

The HPC considers that good employment practices, including robust arrangements for selection and induction, are important in making sure any professional is fit for the job they are doing and that patients and the public are protected.