Role details

Lay member (x2) - Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Application deadline 15 August 2022

Summary

Organisation
Sponsor department
Department of Health and Social Care
Location
London
Sector
Health and Social Care
Skills
Number of vacancies
2
Time commitment
30 day(s) per annum
Remuneration
£12000 per annum
Length of term
The initial appointment will be for a period not exceeding four years.
Application deadline
9am on 15 August 2022

Apply for this role

Timeline for this appointment

  1. Opening date

    13 July 2022

  2. Application deadline

    9am on 15 August 2022

  3. Sifting date

    5 October 2022

  4. Interviews expected to end on

    28 October 2022

These dates are indicative and may be subject to change

Person specification

Essential criteria

Please note this is not a Department for Health and Social Care appointment. The appointing authority is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
All candidates will need to demonstrate that they have met the following competencies. Full details of the competencies can be found on page 8 of the candidate information pack. HCPC Applicant Information Pack (papt-candidate-packs-live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com)
  • Capacity and skill to understand the priorities of HCPC stakeholders.
  • Ability to contribute to strategic direction.
  • Ability to explore accountability of self and others.
  • Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Values
  • Fair – being honest, open and transparent.
  • Compassionate – treating people with respect, empathy and care.
  • Inclusive – collaborating with others and championing diversity.
  • Enterprising – seeking opportunities to be creative and foster innovation to improve our performance.

Desirable criteria

We determine the skills and experience it would be desirable to find in a new Council member taking into account the profiles of our current Council members, as well as external and internal factors.
For this appointment we are seeking to appoint at least one qualified accountant to ensure our Council has a continuity of strong financial experience. If you are not a qualified accountant this should not prevent you from applying as there are two vacancies on our Council. 
Our constitution order requires that we have at least one member of Council living or working in one of the four countries, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. 
For this campaign we are seeking a member who lives or works wholly in Northern Ireland. Again if you do not live or work in Northern Ireland this should not prevent you from applying as we have two vacancies on our Council.

Role description

Introduction from the Chair

Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in joining the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). As you are no doubt aware, your application comes at a critical moment for health and care professionals. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in the current and future regulation of the sector, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The HCPC is an important public body, full of talented and committed people with a shared purpose of protecting the public. The Council guides and supports the executive team to ensure that this common purpose is at the heart of everything we do. You will be joining a supportive and forward thinking Non-executive team with diverse skills and experiences seeking to further increase the range of voices around the table.
We are in year two of our five-year corporate strategy, which sets out how we will become a high performing regulator, delivering forward-looking regulation, underpinned by strong data, collaboration and compassion. An essential part of your role will be to ensure that the executive team delivers on that strategy whilst also offering them guidance and challenge.
Being a Council member is a truly rewarding and fascinating role. The successful applicants will gain a unique opportunity to share their opinions and perspectives on the future of health and care regulation, and help to shape our progress on key issues such as the intelligent use of data, environmental and financial sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, professionalism, and workforce. 
Thank you for your interest in joining us and I hope the information provided in this pack will encourage and inspire you to apply.
Christine Elliott 
Chair of HCPC

Role description

The aim is to ensure that the Council, collectively, has a wide range of experience, capability and skills to understand the priorities of the HCPC’s key stakeholder groups as well as the values that underpin good governance. 
The HCPC is therefore always looking to ensure that the Council reflects a diverse range of interests, as well as one which has the necessary governance experience required to fulfil its responsibilities.
In summary, the role of a Council member is to:
  • contribute their knowledge and expertise to Council, to ensure robust governance and effective, strategic decision-making;
  • contribute to the delivery of the Council’s objectives and strategy;
  • ensure that they have a good working knowledge of HCPC’s role, key processes and other information that may help their role;
  • carry out their work for the Council in accordance with the Council members’ code of conduct and the HCPC’s values; and
  • act as an ambassador for the HCPC, representing the Council to stakeholders. 
While the HCPC would expect all members to have a grasp of the principles of good regulation, we welcome applications from those who are not currently involved in regulation, as we are keen to ensure the Council has a breadth of experience and skills. In the event members of other regulatory councils do choose to apply, the selection panel will consider carefully whether the conflict of interest which would be likely to arise, should they be appointed to the HCPC, would be significant enough to preclude their membership of both councils.

Organisation description

The aim is to ensure that the Council, collectively, has a wide range of experience, capability and skills to understand the priorities of the HCPC’s key stakeholder groups as well as the values that underpin good governance. 
The HCPC is therefore always looking to ensure that the Council reflects a diverse range of interests, as well as one which has the necessary governance experience required to fulfil its responsibilities.
In summary, the role of a Council member is to:
  • contribute their knowledge and expertise to Council, to ensure robust governance and effective, strategic decision-making;
  • contribute to the delivery of the Council’s objectives and strategy;
  • ensure that they have a good working knowledge of HCPC’s role, key processes and other information that may help their role;
  • carry out their work for the Council in accordance with the Council members’ code of conduct and the HCPC’s values; and
  • act as an ambassador for the HCPC, representing the Council to stakeholders. 
While the HCPC would expect all members to have a grasp of the principles of good regulation, we welcome applications from those who are not currently involved in regulation, as we are keen to ensure the Council has a breadth of experience and skills. 
In the event members of other regulatory councils do choose to apply, the selection panel will consider carefully whether the conflict of interest which would be likely to arise, should they be appointed to the HCPC, would be significant enough to preclude their membership of both councils.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a UK wide, multi-professional regulator, established under the Health Professions Order 2001.
We currently regulate approximately 290,000 professionals across 15 professions.
Our statutory duty is to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of the public.
HCPC delivers its functions by:
  • maintaining and publishing a public register of properly qualified members of the professions
  • approving and upholding standards of education and training, and continuing good practice, investigating complaints and taking appropriate action when standards are not met
  • working in partnership with the public, and a range of other groups including professional bodies
  • promoting awareness and understanding of the aims of the HCPC
Our vision, as set out in our corporate strategy, is to be a high performing, adaptable and caring regulator that ensures public protection through strong, evidence-based regulation.
Our purpose is to promote excellence in the professions we regulate and to champion high quality care that the public can access safely and with confidence. The Council is the governing body of the HCPC. The role of the Council is to:
  • protect the health and wellbeing of those using or needing the services of registrants.
  • ensure that the organisation discharges its functions under the Health Professions Order 2001.
  • when/If necessary, set, review and update strategy, values and vision.
  • encourage open accountability to the public and the professions.
  • undertake strategic planning, policy making and development.
  • ensure and monitor financial probity.
  • delegate any functions, as it sees fit, to its committees or the Executive.
  • appoint a Chief Executive and Registrar.
  • review how the HCPC Executive are carrying out the Council’s policy and strategy.

Board composition

The composition of the Council is set out in the Health and Care Professions Council (Constitution) Order 2009.
The Council comprises of 6 lay and 6 registrant members, including the Chair and is made up as follows:
6 registrant members. Registrant members are defined as people who are on the HCPC register and must be wholly or mainly engaged in the practice, the research into, or the teaching or management of one of the relevant professions regulated by HCPC.
6 lay members. Lay members are currently defined as members who are not registered, have never been registered and are not eligible to register with the HCPC or are:
  • under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act1960 which created the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM);
  • in the Association of Operating Department Practitioners (AODP) register;
  • in the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) register;
  • in the British Psychological Society (BPS) register; or
  • in the Hearing Aid Council (HAC) register.

Application and selection process

How to apply

The deadline for completed application forms is 9am on Monday 15 August 2023. 
To apply for this post you must complete and return the following:
Form 1 – Confidential Council member application form.
Form 2 – Conflicts of interest and other material information form.
We also ask that you complete form 3 – Equal Opportunity and Diversity monitoring form (optional). 
Please note that CVs will not be accepted or considered by the selection panel. 
The forms can be found here Page not found | (hcpc-uk.org)
Please send your completed application to: appointments@hcpc-uk.org or send to:
Claire Amor 
Head of Governance 
Health and Care Professions Council 
Park House 
184 Kennington Park Road 
London SE11 4BU
Electronic versions of the forms can be downloaded from our website at: The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | (hcpc-uk.org) 
Braille, large print and tape versions of this information pack and the application forms are also available on request. The HCPC is committed to interviewing persons with a disability who meet the essential criteria and all reasonable adjustments will be made to assist in completing the application form, attending an interview as well as any reasonable adjustments that would need to be made to the role or working environment if your application is successful.
Please refer to the guidance notes in Appendix 2 of the 
Candidate information pack 
when completing your forms. 

Overview of the application process

The appointments process is carried out in accordance with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA)’s good practice guidance in making Council appointments. This guidance can be found at good-practice-in-making-council-appointments.pdf (professionalstandards.org.uk)
The PSA’s role is to the check the process we use and assess whether it is fair, transparent and open, whether it inspires confidence and whether it ensures all selection decisions are based on merit. The PSA advises the Privy Council whether the process meets this standard but takes no view on the suitability of particular candidates and has no say in who is appointed. 
The HCPC’s appointment process is based on the PSA’s guidance and can be found at Council appointments | (hcpc-uk.org)
Acknowledging your application Once we receive your application we will process it as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages.
After the closing date for applications, the process is as follows:
  • We will acknowledge receipt of your application (by email if provided) and check it for completeness and eligibility. Ineligible or incomplete applications will be rejected at this stage. For convenience, all forms can be downloaded from our website The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | (hcpc-uk.org), completed electronically, and emailed to appointments@hcpc-uk.org
  • We will rely on only the information and evidence you provide on your application form to assess whether you meet the competencies and values required. Please ensure that you provide written evidence in the ‘Supporting Section’ to show how you meet all of the relevant criteria, which are identified in the ‘Core Competencies required’ section.
Interviews
  • The selection panel will include Christine Elliott, HCPC Chair and Chair of the panel, Maureen Drake, Registrant Council Member, Satjit Singh and Alistair Gray, independent panel members.
  • By 5 October 2022, the panel will decide which candidates will be invited to attend an interview, taking account of the evidence provided on your application.
  • We will write to let you know whether or not you will be interviewed. Interviews will take place virtually during the week of 24 October 2022. The Governance team will undertake a test of your virtual connection before your interview.
  • Before your interview, we will undertake checks related to any information about you which could bring into question your eligibility or ability to perform the role or which might represent a reputational risk to the HCPC or the Privy Council. Should these checks reveal information that might affect your suitability for appointment, candidates will be given an opportunity to discuss the information before a course of action is decided upon.
  • At the panel interview, the panel will question you about your experience and expertise and ask specific questions to find whether you meet the specified competencies. The panel’s questions will require answers which include examples of when you have demonstrated these particular behaviours and values in your professional or personal life.
  • Due to the time and expense of reconvening the panel, requests for a change of interview date will not be considered unless a reasonable adjustment is being made to accommodate a candidate applying under the HCPC’s commitment to interview all persons with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.
If, in the view of the panel, you have the skills and experience, and have best met the competencies required, you will be recommended for appointment, subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.
The Privy Council will consider the interview panel’s recommendation and will make the final decision on the appointment.
If you are successful, the Privy Council will write to you offering you the position on the Council.
If you are unsuccessful, you will be notified by the HCPC.
If you are unsuccessful at the interview stage and you would like feedback, please email: appointments@hcpc-uk.org or write to us at the following address. We will endeavour to provide feedback as soon as we can.
Claire Amor 
Head of Governance 
Health and Care Professions Council 
Park House 
184 Kennington Park Road 
London SE11 4BU
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The selection panel will include Christine Elliott, HCPC Chair and Chair of the panel, Maureen Drake, Registrant Council Member, Satjit Singh and Alistair Gray, independent panel members
The decision of the selection panel is to recommend appointment only. Appointments, including start dates and terms of office, are made by the Privy Council.

Eligibility criteria

You must not be registered with the HCPC.

You must not have previously been registered with the HCPC.

You must not be eligible for registration with the HCPC.

(If you do not meet the above criteria you will not be eligible to apply for a lay member position. A full list of ‘predecessor registers’ is provided on page 6. If you have previously been registered in one of these registers, or were eligible to be registered, you will not be able to apply for a lay member position.)

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

The HCPC is committed to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process and to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns.
We strongly encourage applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. More information about what quality, diversity and inclusion means to the HCPC, including our EDI strategy can be found on our website Equality, diversity and inclusion | (hcpc-uk.org)

Disability confident

The HCPC holds the Disability Confident symbol, which means that we are committed to interview all persons with a disability who meet the minimum essential criteria. By minimum essential criteria we mean that candidates need to demonstrate to the panel’s satisfaction that they meet the competencies set out in the candidate information pack.
So, in your supporting statement, please ensure that you provide sufficient information and examples so that the panel are provided with evidence which demonstrates that the competencies have been met. Each application is assessed anonymously to see whether a candidate’s application demonstrates that they meet the competencies.
Candidates who have applied under the ‘Guaranteed Interview scheme’ will only be invited for interview if the panel consider they meet all of the essential criteria.
All reasonable adjustments will be made to assist in completing the application form, attending an interview, as well as any reasonable adjustments that would need to be made to the role or working environment if your application is successful.

Reasonable adjustments

Government departments are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.
Some examples of common changes are:
  • ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
  • making adaptations to interview locations;
  • allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
  • giving detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
  • allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
  • making provision for support animals to attend.
When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life/the-7-principles-of-public-life--2. These are:

  1. SELFLESSNESS - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends;
  2. INTEGRITY - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties;
  3. OBJECTIVITY - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit;
  4. ACCOUNTABILITY - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office;
  5. OPENNESS - Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands;
  6. HONESTY - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest;
  7. LEADERSHIP - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Code of conduct for board members

You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct, including impartiality, objectivity and integrity in the implementation of the role and responsibilities.
  
You should particularly note the requirement to declare any conflict of interest that arises in the course of Council business and the need to declare any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with other commercial, voluntary, academic or public bodies.
You must also confirm that you understand the standards of probity required by public appointees outlined in the “Seven Principles of Public Life”. These principles are set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and are listed in Appendix 3 of the Candidate information pack
To ensure that public service values are maintained at the heart of the HCPC, members will be required, on appointment, and in addition to a commitment to the seven principles of public life, to subscribe to the
HCPC’s Code of Conduct. A copy can be obtained from HCPC or via the website, using the following link: Standards | (hcpc-uk.org)

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 
  • any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
  • any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or or public statements that you have made; 
  • and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.
You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 
Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

You will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

It is anticipated that the appointments will start on 1 January 2023. Under the Constitution Order, any member of Council (including the Chair) may hold office for a maximum of eight years in any period of 20 years. 
The initial appointment will be for a period not exceeding four years. The term of office will be determined by the Privy Council on appointment. The HCPC may seek to ‘stagger’ term end dates to ensure continuity of Council.
Re-appointments can be made at the end of the first period of office for a further maximum period of four years, subject to a satisfactory performance appraisal and the needs of HCPC. However, a degree of
change is often sought and there should be no expectation of automatic reappointment. Members may serve a maximum of eight years in any 20- year period.
The post of Council member is a statutory appointment made by the Privy Council. This is a public appointment or statutory office, and is not subject to the provisions of employment law.

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Council members receive an annual allowance of £12,000 per year. This remuneration covers attendance at Council and other HCPC meetings, including preparation and travelling time.
Remuneration is taxable under Schedule E and subject to Class I National Insurance contributions. It is not pensionable.
Council members are eligible to claim expenses, according to HCPC policy, for travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred on Council business.
Your appointment may have an effect on your entitlement to benefits. If you are in receipt of benefits you should seek advice from the Benefits Agency.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that due to the volume of applications received, we are only able to offer feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.
If you are unsuccessful at the interview stage and you would like feedback, please email: appointments@hcpc-uk.org or write to us at the following address. 
Claire Amor
Head of Governance
Health and Care Professions Council 
Park House
184 Kennington Park Road 
London SE11 4BU
We will endeavour to provide feedback as soon as we can.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.

How to complain

The HCPC is committed to processes and procedures that are fair, transparent and free from discrimination. Complaints about any aspect of the appointments process will be monitored, recorded and promptly handled.
Complaints regarding the appointments process, or an individual’s experience of the process, will be dealt with under the HCPC central customer service and complaints process. Complaints and other feedback should be made in writing to the Service and Complaints Manager:
Service and Complaints Manager
Health and Care Professions Council 
Park House
184 Kennington Park Road 
London SE11 4BU
feedback@hcpc-uk.org
The HCPC complaints process has the following aims:
  • To deal with all complaints in an effective, fair and confidential manner.
  • To acknowledge receipt of feedback within three working days.
  • To respond to complaints within 15 working days.
  • To keep complainants regularly updated as to the progress of their enquiry if the issue has not been resolved within agreed times.
If you are dissatisfied with the response, you may ask the Chief Executive to conduct an internal review.
If you remain dissatisfied with the HCPC’s response you will be able to raise your concerns with the Privy Council, contact details as follows: Privy Council Office Room G/04, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ (020 7271 3292)

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.
The HCPC is required to retain information about the people who apply for appointment as Council member. All the information we collect will be retained in accordance with HCPC’s record retention and disposal policy.
Monitoring information
This information is not used in the selection process. It will be removed on receipt and is not seen by the panel assessing your application. We use this information to monitor the diversity of candidates we attract and those we appoint in order to inform improvements to our reach.

Contact details

If you have any difficulties, or to request any documents in alternative formats, please contact Zoe Allan, Governance Coordinator on: 020 7840 9711 or by e-mail: appointments@hcpc-uk.org in good time before the closing date of 9am on Monday 15 August 2022. 
For more information regarding the selection process, please contact Claire Amor, Head of Governance on 020 7840 9710 or by e-mail: appointments@hcpc-uk.org
www.hcpc-uk.org/council-appointments