Returning to practice after the pandemic - why we're reinstating a 12-month updating period
As our 12-month updating period comes into effect once more, Policy Manager Madeleine Connor looks back on the COVID-19 pandemic and circumstances that temporarily extended it.
The Covid-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented level of demand on the UK’s healthcare system. Healthcare professionals from all fields were thrust into critical situations and, under immense pressure, were tasked with supporting thousands of lives.
I know I speak for the whole of the HCPC in saying that we are immensely proud of the professionals who practised during those months, and what they achieved. We’re proud to have supported them in the small ways we could.
Our approach focused on expanding the workforce to address the exponential rise in need, whilst protecting those involved from harm. Temporary forms of registration were set up for groups of people who had appropriate skills and knowledge to help: students on our approved courses, and former registrants.
They signed up in their thousands - from paramedics to physiotherapists, from radiographers to dietitians, they went into hospitals, care homes, community settings and more, supporting vital NHS care teams and showing immense strength.
Another form of HCPC support was the extended updating period required for returning to practice applications. An ‘updating period’ is the time that applicants need to spend, before their application, on activities to bring their skills and knowledge up to date. By extending the required updating period length from 12 months to 24, many former registrants could focus on providing support to the nation without losing the valuable time they had already invested in the process.
We know that the most up-to-date skills and knowledge result in the best outcomes for patients and service users - but under the unprecedented conditions of the pandemic, professionals’ needs were different. A difference balance had to be struck.
Now, as we move into 2025, we believe the balance has shifted back. We feel that this is an appropriate time to reinstate the original 12-month updating period.
The change will be coming into effect from 1 February 2025, and we’ll be supporting it with a grace period. More information is available on Our requirements if you are returning to practice.
The pandemic showed us the courage and spirit of our registrants and the whole healthcare workforce. As the world changed beyond imagining, they provided the essential care that got us through.
Their work continues to inspire us today, and continues to remind us of the vital importance of safe and effective healthcare.
