Statutory regulation for practitioner psychologists was introduced on 1st July 2009. We hope that the following Q&A’s will help to clarify any uncertainty about the implications of statuatory regulation for psychologists working in health psychology.For more information, visit the BPS and HPC websites:
BPS: www.bps.org.uk
1. I am registered with the HPC.What HPC titles can I use?
There are 7 protected psychologist titles, including ‘Health Psychologist’ and two generic titles:
(a)registered psychologist and
(b)practitioner psychologist.
As of July 1st 2009 only those registered with the HPC are now entitled to use any of the above titles. If you are registered with the HPC and have met the BPS criteria for Chartership, you may also call yourself "Chartered Psychologist.
For information on the use of titles, go to /the-society/statutory-regulation/statutory-regulation---latest-updates/statutory-regulation---latest-updates_home.cfm
2. I am not registered with the HPC. What titles can I use?
For information on the use of titles, go to /the-society/statutory-regulation/statutory-regulation---latest-updates/statutory-regulation---latest-updates_home.cfm
3. Can I call myself a Chartered Health Psychologist?
No. You can only use the title "Health Psychologist" if you are registered with the HPC or"Chartered Psychologist" if you have met the BPS criteria for Chartership.The titles
"Chartered Health Psychologist" or "Clinical Health Psychologist" are not recognized by the HPC.
4. I’m a Chartered Psychologist without a Practicing Certificate, am I automatically registered with the HPC?
No, only those with practicing certificates were automatically transferred to the HPC register on 1st July 2009.You can apply to the HPC under their grandparenting scheme until 30th June 2012. For more information on grandparenting go to http://www.hpc-uk.org/apply/grandparenting/
5. I’m registered with the HPC - does this include liability insurance?
No, HPC registration does not include any kind of insurance.For the BPS’ guidance on professional indemnity insurance, go to /the-society/organisation-and-governance/professional-practice-board/ppb-activities/professionalpracticeguidance.cfm.The BPS now recommends 2 preferred brokers to arrange professional liability insurance (PI) for its members (details on the BPS website at the link above. The BPS’ advice to members is that maintaining PI insurance is crucial and that most insurers (including the two recommended) will also cover legal fees in the event of a regulatory body investigation. However, many members will already have insurance cover provided by their employer. If services are contracted in then the contract should stipulate whether PI is mandatory and who is responsible for maintaining it. It would usually be the contractor but every BPS member should clarify this for their own circumstances.
6. What qualifications do I need to be recognized as a Chartered Psychologist?
The requirements in terms of qualifications haven’t changed - you need to be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership and then have completed BPS accredited Stage 1 and Stage 2 health psychology training.
7. I am thinking of taking an MSc in health psychology.What’s the difference between courses that are accredited by the BPS and courses that are not?What difference will it make it to me in the longer-term?
If you take a non-BPS accredited MSc health psychology course, you will not be eligible for chartered status with the BPS. However, you may still remain eligible for registration with the HPC, provided your Stage 2 training is accredited by the HPC.
8. Do I have to be a member of the BPS to be a member of the DHP?
Yes.For details of how to join the DHP, go tohttp://www.health-psychology.org.uk/joining-the-dhp/how-join-dhp_home.cfm
9. I am completing accredited Stage 2 training through the independent route later this year.How do I register with the HPC?
Registration with the HPC is not automatic. You can apply to register with them after you have successfully completed your Stage2 training, by contacting the HPC directly: http://www.hpc-uk.org/index.asp
10.
I run an MSc health psychology course. Who will be re-accrediting the course in the future? How do I find out more about re-accreditation?
The BPS still accredits Stage 1 health psychology courses. For more information go to the BPS website: /careers/accredited-courses/accreditation-criteria/accreditation-criteria_home.cfm
11.
I am thinking of setting up an MSc health psychology course.How do we get the course accredited by the BPS?
For more information go to the BPS website: /careers/accredited-courses/accreditation-criteria/accreditation-criteria_home.cfm
12. Does the HPC accredit MSc health psychology courses?
No, the HPC only accredits Stage 2 courses; it never
accredits Stage 1 health psychology courses. The BPS
accredits Stage 1 (MSc) courses and will accredit Stage 2
courses if the education provider decides to seek both BPS
and HPC approval. In such instances, the education provider
can elect to have a joint accreditation visit by the HPC and
BPS, if they wish. Enquiries should be made to both the
HPC and the BPS.
13.
What are the HPC’s requirements for CPD?
For more information about the HPC’s requirements for CPD, go tohttp://www.hpc-uk.org/registrants/cpd/
14.
What’s the difference between the HPC and the DHP?
The BPS Division of Health Psychology (DHP) and the HPC have very different remits and provide very different services.We have put together the table, below, to highlight the differences.In order to enjoy the benefits of the services and support provided by the DHP, you must be a DHP member.
Division of Health Psychology (DHP)
Health Professions Council (HPC)
Established to protect the public
NO
YES
Established to represent, and meet the needs of, the Health Psychology community in the
YES
NO
Offers membership of a learned society representing Health Psychology in the