The British Academy of Audiology has received an update from HCPC Chief Executive Bernie O’Reilly regarding delays in the time taken to determine whether concerns progress to the Fitness to Practise (FTP) process.
This update is particularly timely, as the issue was discussed at the most recent Joint Audiology Leaders Group meeting, where representatives raised concerns about the potential impact that prolonged delays may have on both patients and registrants. The group agreed to write to the HCPC to express these concerns.
In their update, Bernie O’Reilly said:
Meeting our service standards during a period of unprecedented demand
As many of you will be aware, over recent years there has been an increase in referrals to our Fitness to Practise (FTP) team. The HCPC has worked to ensure we meet the increase in demand and do everything we can in our power, and within our current legislation, to process referrals and cases thoroughly and efficiently.
Over the past 12 months the pace of this increase has steepened, and overall referral numbers are 41% higher than they were a year before. We have also seen another 18% increase to date this financial year. This sustained growth has led to a substantial increase in active cases being handled by us, with a corresponding increase in the volume of communications required with all parties involved.
We know how important both timeliness and communication are to every single person involved in a case referred to FTP, at whatever stage of the process that may be. Registrants and the public alike deserve their cases to be looked at carefully, but also in good time. This is why we have been investing in our FTP capacity and improving our internal processes – as well as working closely with Government to push for the reform to our legislation that would give us many more tools to help boost our overall efficiency and effectiveness.
We are acutely aware, however, that all of the above work takes time, and that cases will continue to be added in the meanwhile. We therefore plan to take immediate action in the short term, while the longer-term work ensures that we have the appropriate structures and resources in place to deal with such a high level of demand.
We have therefore agreed to partner with a specialist external organisation to support us with routine case updates and communications in the short term. This partnership will enable us to focus on building internal capacity whilst ensuring all those involved in FTP cases receive the updates and communications they should expect.
I want to fully emphasise that, as part of this short-term partnership, the HCPC remains fully accountable for all regulatory functions and decisions, and no decision-making whatsoever is being outsourced to any third party. The external support relates solely to routine case communications and updates, and any and all decisions relating to our investigations, case management, outcomes or actions taken will sit entirely with us as the regulator. The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are aware of this work, as is our own regulator, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
We have also worked closely with this external supplier to ensure that all safeguards and oversights are in place to protect the data and confidentiality of all parties involved in any case or referral. Information will be handled in accordance with the same legal and regulatory requirements that we have.
The objective of this action is to maintain confidence in the regulatory process, improve communication with those involved in cases, and ensure that rising demand does not adversely affect the service we provide. This approach forms part of a wider programme of work to strengthen our capacity and improve timeliness across our FTP operations.
We will continue to monitor progress closely and will keep you informed of developments as they evolve.
Yours sincerely,
Bernie O’Reilly
CEO