Pd012 Working in the Uk 2012

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14 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4EDTel +44 (0)20 7306 6666

Web www.csp.org.uk

Working in the United Kingdom

Advice for overseas qualified physiotherapistscoming to the UK

reference PD012

issuing function Practice and Development

date of issue December 2012


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Working in the United Kingdom: Advice for overseas qualified physiotherapistscoming to the UKPD012December 2012

1

Working in the United KingdomAdvice for overseas qualified physiotherapists coming tothe UK

Registration for physiotherapists ................................................................. 3

UK organisations relevant to physiotherapy ............................................. 3

Applying for HCPC registration .................................................................... 4

HCPC standards ...................................................................................... 4

Assessment of proficiency ........................................................................ 4

Language competence ............................................................................. 4

Outcome of the registration process ........................................................ 5

Applications from EEA citizens ................................................................. 5

EU Directive 2005/36/EC on recognition of the professional

qualifications of EEA nationals ............................................................... 5

Provision of temporary/occasional services ............................................. 6

Becoming a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP)... 7

CSP support for overseas qualified physiotherapists ............................... 7

Permission to work in the UK ...................................................................... 8

Entry visas, visitors visas, and leave to remain....................................... 8

Tier 2: Skilled worker ................................................................................ 9

Tier 4: Student .......................................................................................... 9

Tier 5: Non-EEA temporary worker / youth mobility scheme .................. 10

Dependent visa ...................................................................................... 10

Refugee health care professionals in the UK ......................................... 11

Finding work .............................................................................................. 11

Public sector (NHS) jobs ........................................................................ 11

EURES ................................................................................................... 12

Private sector work ................................................................................. 12

Using a recruitment agency .................................................................... 12

Codes of Good Practice for international recruitment ............................. 12


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Interviews ............................................................................................... 12

Preparing for an interview....................................................................... 13

Working in the public sector ...................................................................... 13

Health checks for NHS staff ................................................................... 13

Salaries and working hours in the NHS .................................................. 14

Induction and support for new staff ........................................................ 14

Monitoring individual development and performance ............................. 15

Continuing Professional Development ................................................... 15

Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................... 16

Additional reading ...................................................................................... 22

CSP information papers ......................................................................... 22

The National Health Service ................................................................... 22

ECCTIS .................................................................................................. 23

European Region, World Confederation for Physical Therapy

(ER-WCPT) ............................................................................................ 23Version information.................................................................................... 23


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Working in the United KingdomAdvice for overseas qualified physiotherapists coming tothe UK

Registration for physiotherapists

All physiotherapists practising in the United Kingdom, including those from

countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and overseas, are required

by law to be registered with the UK Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

www.hcpc-uk.org/

Registration confers the legal right to practise in the UK and to use the

protected titles physiotherapist or physical therapist. It is a criminal offence to

practise in the UK using either of these titles without HCPC registration.

Applications for registration must be made on the official application forms. You

can download the forms from the HCPC website, or request copies from their

international registration department.

www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/

UK organisations relevant to physiotherapy

The HCPC and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) are separate

organisations with different functions.

The HCPC is an independent legal body with responsibility for

registration of allied health professionals including physiotherapists.

It deals with recognition of professional qualifications; maintenance of

standards of education and continuing professional development

(CPD); return to practice (for UK registrants); conduct, performance

and ethics; fitness to practise; and protection of the public.

It also sets and audits standards for continuing professional

development (CPD).

The CSP is the professional, educational and trade union body for the

UKs physiotherapists, physiotherapy support workers, and

physiotherapy students.

It ensures that UK physiotherapists are recognised, respected and

rewarded for their essential contribution to health and social care.
http://www.hpc-uk.org/applyhttp://www.hpc-uk.org/applyhttp://www.hpc-uk.org/apply


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Applying for HCPC registration

HCPC standards

There is important information on the HCPC website to help you gain

admission to, and remain on, the HCPC register. Please read it carefully:

www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/forms/

Guidance notes for international applicants (included with the

application forms)

Standards of proficiency for physiotherapists Standards of conduct, performance and ethics

Standards of continuing professional development

Assessment of proficiency

The HCPC assesses the qualifying clinical education and experience of an

overseas physiotherapist applicant against its benchmark standards of

proficiency, which are set at the level expected of a newly qualified UK-

trained physiotherapist who has followed a BSc Honours physiotherapy

degree programme.Seewww.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/assessing/index.asp

The academic equivalence, scope of study and outcomes of the

physiotherapists education is investigated.

The assessment examines the whole range of skills and knowledge required.

There is no specialist registration; therefore, an applicant must demonstrate

proficiency in all the core areas of clinical practice.

If any gaps in knowledge are identified in your qualifying clinical education,

the HCPC assessors will check if these are addressed by your post-qualification training and professional experience.

Language competence

The HCPC website

www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/requirements/

gives information on the requirements for proof of proficiency in English for
http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/forms/http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/forms/http://www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10001314CPD_and_your_registration.pdfhttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/assessing/index.asphttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/assessing/index.asphttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/assessing/index.asphttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/requirements/http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/requirements/http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/requirements/http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/assessing/index.asphttp://www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10001314CPD_and_your_registration.pdfhttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/forms/


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overseas applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)*.

For EEA applicants no formal proof of English proficiency is required;

however, when you apply for a job the clinic or department manager will

normally check your language skills at your interview to ensure safe practice.

Outcome of the registration process

The outcome will be one of the following:

Acceptance on to the HCPC register

Request for further verification, or an invitation to attend for an aptitude

test. A copy of the assessment is provided, showing where the HCPC

has identified shortfalls in training and/or qualifications

Rejection. A copy of the assessment is provided, showing where the

HCPC has identified shortfalls in basic training and/or qualifications.

Applications from EEA citizens

The EEA forms one internal market governed by common rules which enable

free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. These are the four

freedoms.A national of any EEA member state has the right to live and work in the UK

without requiring a visa or work permit; however, you cannot work as a

physiotherapistin the UK unless you are HCPC registered.

An EEA applicant for HCPC registration as a physiotherapist must be a

national (citizen) of an EEA member country and fully qualified to practise

physiotherapy in an EEA member country.

The HCPC will determine the status of applicants who have complex

nationality issues or who have trained in a third country.

EU Directive 2005/36/EC on recognition of the professional

qualifications of EEA nationals

The Directive provides for mutual recognition of higher educational diplomas

awarded to EEA nationals on completion of professional education at

university level or equivalent of at least three years (or part time equivalent).

*The European Economic Area (EEA) includes Member States of the European Union (EU),and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Swiss nationals are also included as EEA

nationals for the purposes of HCPC registration and immigration only.


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For an explanation of how the Directive applies to physiotherapists, see the

briefing paper on the European Region, World Confederation for Physical

Therapy website:

www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41

If you are an EEA applicant and your HCPC assessment shows that you

have deficiencies in any of the core clinical skill areas, you will be offered the

opportunity to make up these deficiencies, either by undertaking a period of

adaptationor by taking an aptitude test. The choice is yours; however, it can

be difficult to find a placement for a period of adaptation, so an aptitude testmay be the only option available to you.

Seewww.hcpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=458for

information on periods of adaptation.

Provision of temporary/occasional services

Under the terms of the Directive, an EEA national who qualified in an EEA

member country may apply for HCPC registration as a temporary or

occasionalworker in the UK. Applications are considered on a case-by-case

basis. You must remain registered to practise in your home country

throughout your stay.

Applicants for temporary worker registration are not required to undergo an

assessment of proficiency.

Initial registration is for one year and it is possible to apply for renewal,

although HCPC can refuse to renew your registration if it has any reason to

doubt that the services you are providing are genuinely temporary or

occasional.

If your situation changes while you are in the UK on a temporary registration

and you wish to take a job in the UK on a permanent basis, you must applyfor full HCPC registration.

See the HCPC website for details:

www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/temporary/index.asp

Sections 4.2 to 4.5 of the European Region, World Confederation for Physical

Therapy briefing paper explain the rules for temporary migrants.

www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41

Temporary HCPC registrants working in the UK do nothave the right to use

a UK protected title, but must use the title of the professional qualification
http://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41http://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41http://www.hcpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=458http://www.hcpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=458http://www.hcpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=458http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/temporary/index.asphttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/temporary/index.asphttp://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41http://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41http://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/temporary/index.asphttp://www.hcpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=458http://www.physio-europe.org/index.php?action=41


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awarded in the country where they qualified, in its original language; for

example, a French national would only be eligible to practise as a

kinesithrapeute and not as a physiotherapist.

Becoming a member of the Chartered Society of

Physiotherapy (MCSP)

All physiotherapists who are registered with HCPC and have a UK address

are eligible to become members of the CSP. There is an annual subscription.

You can apply online atwww.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp

Membership benefits for physiotherapists living and working in the UK

include:

The right to use the protected title Chartered Physiotherapist and the

letters MCSP

Advice and help from the Society on professional, educational and

trade union matters to enhance your professional development and

protect your interests

Professional liability insurance cover

Access to the CSPs online CPD resources:

o the ePortfolio, to record, review, evaluate and plan your CPD

o the Physiotherapy Framework, to inform and guide your

professional development

A free copy of Frontlinemagazine (bi-monthly), and online access to

Physiotherapyjournal (quarterly)

Full access to the Societys extensive website and online interactive

network (iCSP) which links physiotherapists around shared interests

The right to attend the Societys conferences, courses andlocal

network meetings

Access to the CSPs collection of learning resources and lending

library.

Visit the CSP website for further details.

www.csp.org.uk/membership

CSP support for overseas qualified physiotherapists

There are two dedicated CSP networks for overseas qualified

physiotherapists:
http://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membershiphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membershiphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membershiphttp://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp


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The interactiveCSP Overseas Qualifiednetwork offers support for CSP

members who qualified overseas.

www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualified

It is a forum to share experiences with colleagues who have been

practising physiotherapy in the UK for some time and physiotherapists

relatively new to UK practice. It links to a range of helpful information for

members during their transition into the UK context.

Note: iCSP is normally reserved for CSP members only. However, if you

are currently applying for HCPC registration and would like information

and support from members who have successfully transitioned to workin the UK, guest membership of the network may be available.

Please contact the Enquiry Handling Unit for further details:

Tel: +44(0)20 7306 6666

Email: [email protected]

The CSP Global Network offers, for an annual fee, access to a range of

online information and services for physiotherapists who are not HCPC

registered and are not practising in the UK.

You must have qualified overseas and be a member of your ownnational physiotherapy association (if any).

www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp/csp-global-network

Permission to work in the UK

If you are not a British citizen or a national of an EEA country, you will need

to apply for a visa from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) before you can enter

and work in the UK.

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/

Entry visas, visitors visas,and leave to remain

You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visa before you enter

the UK, and for requesting a visa extension if required.

It is not advisable to enter the UK as a visitor hoping to get a working visa

later.

If you have a time-limited visa, you cannot continue to work after the

leave to remain date stamped in your passport has expired.

When a work permit or visa granted under a previous system expires,

you must re-apply under the current system if you wish to stay.
http://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp/csp-global-networkhttp://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp/csp-global-networkhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/http://www.csp.org.uk/membership/join-csp/csp-global-networkhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualifiedhttp://www.csp.org.uk/icsp/overseas-qualified


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There is currently a limit set on the number of non-EEA migrants allowed to

enter the UK to work. Applications are assessed using a points system based

on your qualifications, experience, age, previous earnings and language

competence.

You can check your potential points score online at

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator

See also

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore_oversea_immigration-application-

process.shtmlwww.jobs.nhs.uk/advice/overseas_cand.html

Tier 2: Skilled worker

Tier 2 is for foreign nationals who have an offer from a sponsor employer of a

skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a UK/EEA

worker.

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-

guidance.pdf

Sponsor employers are usually trying to fill vacancies in certain geographicalareas or in professions with recognised staff shortages, so jobs in

physiotherapy are rare.

UK National Health Service (NHS) organisations are required to fill vacancies

using UK/EEA nationals if possible, before considering overseas candidates.

If you wish to try to find a sponsored job, search for job adverts including the

text: 'This role may be suitable for non-UK or non-EEA job applicants wishing to

apply for Home Office Tier 2 sponsorship'.

Tier 4: Student

This category is for adults (aged over 16) who want to come to the UK to study.

You must have proof of:

a valid confirmation of acceptance for study from an approved education

provider

acceptable English language skills

enough money to cover your course fees and living costs.

A Tier 4 visa allows you to work part time (up to 20 hours per week) during

term-time and full time during vacations. So, for example, if you are studying on
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculatorhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculatorhttp://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore_oversea_immigration-application-process.shtmlhttp://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore_oversea_immigration-application-process.shtmlhttp://www.jobs.nhs.uk/advice/overseas_cand.htmlhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdfhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdfhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdfhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdfhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdfhttp://www.jobs.nhs.uk/advice/overseas_cand.htmlhttp://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore_oversea_immigration-application-process.shtmlhttp://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore_oversea_immigration-application-process.shtmlhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator


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a full time physiotherapy Masters degree course you could look for temporary

work as a locum physiotherapist or support worker during vacations.

You will be expected to return home at the end of your course of study.

Tier 5: Non-EEA temporary worker / youth mobility scheme

The temporary workercategory allows NHS organisations to employ

individuals from outside the EEA for up 24 months as part of a government-

authorised exchange programme.

The aim of the scheme is to extend a workersknowledge and skills with

experience that they cannot gain within their own country.

The youth mobility scheme(YMS) is for young people (aged 18-30) who want

to experience life in the UK. You must apply in your home country.

Under the YMS, your national government sponsors you. Countries currently

participating in the scheme are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and

Monaco.

British overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens and British

nationals overseas can also apply under the scheme and do not need a

sponsor.

You must:

either be single, or be married to (or the civil partner of) a person who

also qualifies under YMS and intends to visit the UK with you

have no dependent children under 18 years of age who will be

accompanying you

have enough money for accommodation and living expenses after you

arrive, especially if you do not have a job arranged in advance.

You may do any type of work, either as an employee, or unpaid voluntary

work. However, if you wish to work as a physiotherapist you would need

HCPC registration.

Tier 5 workers are expected to leave the UK by the end of their 24-month

stay. You may not extend the visa or apply for another visa type.

Dependent visa

If you are a close relative of a British citizen or a person already settled in the

UK, you can apply for permission to settle in the UK as their dependent.


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If you enter the UK with a parent or a partner who has qualified as a Tier 2 or

Tier 5 worker or a Tier 4 student, you are also eligible for a dependent visa.

Providing that the main visa holder has permission to stay for 12 months or

more, a dependent will be allowed to work in the UK during their stay.

Again, you would need to apply for HCPC registration to work as a

physiotherapist.

Refugee health care professionals in the UK

TheROSE website provides information for refugee or asylum-seeking health

care professionals on getting back into employment in their area of expertise.

www.rose.nhs.uk/health-care-professionals/

Finding work

Physiotherapy posts are advertised in the CSP magazine Frontlineand in the

Job Escalator section of the CSP website

www.jobescalator.com/vacancies/browse_jobs.html

Anyone can search Job Escalator for vacancies, but only CSP members can log

in, create a profile and apply for jobs online.

Public sector (NHS) jobs

There are online NHS job sites where vacant posts in all UK countries are

advertised. You do not need to be a CSP member to access any of these sites.

England and Wales:www.jobs.nhs.uk

Scotland:www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk

Northern Ireland:www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=jobs

There is a database of NHS UK hospitals, with contact details, at

www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspx

If you want a temporary locum job, enter your personal details and where you

want to work on the websitewww.nhsprofessionals.nhs.ukand you may be

contacted if a job becomes available.

Jobs in education (for example, as a physiotherapy lecturer) are advertised in:

the Tuesday edition of the Guardian newspaperwww.guardian.co.uk

Times Higher Educationwww.times.co.uk

www.jobs.ac.uk
http://www.rose.nhs.uk/http://www.rose.nhs.uk/health-care-professionals/http://www.rose.nhs.uk/health-care-professionals/http://www.jobescalator.com/vacancies/browse_jobs.htmlhttp://www.jobescalator.com/vacancies/browse_jobs.htmlhttp://www.jobs.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/http://www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=jobshttp://www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=jobshttp://www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=jobshttp://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspxhttp://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.guardian.co.uk/http://www.guardian.co.uk/http://www.guardian.co.uk/http://www.times.co.uk/http://www.times.co.uk/http://www.times.co.uk/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.times.co.uk/http://www.guardian.co.uk/http://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspxhttp://www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=jobshttp://www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/http://www.jobescalator.com/vacancies/browse_jobs.htmlhttp://www.rose.nhs.uk/health-care-professionals/http://www.rose.nhs.uk/


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EURES

Information about working in the UK for people from within the European Union

can be found at the European Employment Service job mobility portal EURES:

http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=en

This site is not specific to physiotherapy, but does have generic information to

help EU citizens who wish to migrate to another EU county to seek work.

Private sector work

There are private hospitals, clinics, and individual private practices throughout

the UK who employ physiotherapists.

Jobs in the private sector are advertised in Frontline, on Job Escalator, and

through health care recruitment agencies.

Using a recruitment agency

There are several recruitment agencies that will help you find a locum (short

term) or a longer-term job in either the public or private sector. The CSP cannot

endorse particular agencies. Choose one that meets the good practice codes

listed below.

Codes of Good Practice for international recruitment

The Department of Health has a code of practice for NHS employers in

England and Wales involved in the international recruitment of

healthcare professionals. See the NHS Employers website:

www.nhsemployers.org/recruitmentandretention/internationalrecruitme

nt/code-of-practice/pages/code-practice-international-recruitment.aspx

Scotland has its own code of practice, but the principles are similar

and monitoring is carried out by NHS Employers.

Interviews

A reputable recruitment agency should not charge you a fee in relation

to finding you employment

If you are offered an interview, payment for your travel should be

discussed

An NHS employer should interview you in person or on a video link,

via a properly constituted selection panel, and should not rely solely on

a telephone interview
http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=enhttp://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=enhttp://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=en


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An NHS employer should provide you (either directly or via the

agency) with the job description for the specific post and a person

specification, plus information on the location of the post; the salary

and grading structure of the post; and training and education

opportunities

An NHS employer should provide information about their local

community, access to public services, established social networks,

available cultural support and local places of worship.

Preparing for an interviewIf you are going for a job interview you will need to know about the healthcare

system in the UK, its key policies and the current issues for the profession.

Do some research on the CSP website, and also the Department of Health

websitewww.dh.gov.uk,particularly sections on

Evidence based practice

Clinical governance

National Service Frameworks

Patient consent

Also read recent issues of the online Allied Health Professionals bulletin to find

out more on current topics of interest:

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsb

ulletin/index.htm

Working in the public sector

The majority of physiotherapists who practise in the UK work within the NHS

(public sector).

Health checks for NHS staff

All healthcare professionals recruited into the NHS who work directly with

patients have to undergo an occupational health medical check before

starting employment. This will include:

Clinical history and examination

Blood testing for hepatitis B and C

Declaration about the health status of all candidates
http://www.dh.gov.uk/http://www.dh.gov.uk/http://www.dh.gov.uk/http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsbulletin/index.htmhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsbulletin/index.htmhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsbulletin/index.htmhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsbulletin/index.htmhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Alliedhealthprofessionalsbulletin/index.htmhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/


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A chest x-ray for tuberculosis.

Salaries and working hours in the NHS

Currently, physiotherapists employed in the public sector are employed on a

national contract that sets their pay, grading and basic conditions of service

such as annual leave, sick pay, days of paid leave and hours of work.

Visitwww.nhscareers.nhs.ukfor background information about working in the

NHS

The CSP Employment Relations and Union Services (ERUS) team provides

information and advice on NHS pay and conditions which is available to CSP

members.

Induction and support for new staff

The NHS Trust or other healthcare facility where you work will provide a

corporate induction.

Your manager and colleagues will provide an induction to the physiotherapy

service.

You may already be familiar from experience in your home country with some of

the practice issues in your new role. Other aspects may be very different.Discussing the differences and similarities will help achieve mutual

understanding.

Your induction will ideally include:

Cultural awareness, as a two-way learning process

Information to help you settle in locallyfor example finding

accommodation, opening a bank account, registering with a general

practitioner (family doctor) and dentist, applying for a National

Insurance number Introducing you to social and cultural networks - perhaps via a buddy

system (where possible from a similar cultural background) if you think

this would help youalso remember to use the Overseas Qualified

iCSP network.

Other possible topics for service induction include

Terms and conditions, working arrangements, hours of work and annualleave, uniform or dress code

Notification of absence or sickness
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/


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Use of office systems and equipment, Data Protection and electronic patientrecords

Security

Health and Safety, risk assessment, incident reporting

Infection control, sharps protocols, etc

First aid

Safe working practices, manual handling/lifting, lone working, occupationalheath

Equalities and diversity legislation

Organisational policies and procedures, clinical governance

Patient consent, patient confidentiality

Standards of business conduct

Monitoring individual development and performance

Your manager should:

Discuss with you any service objectives relating to your job

Arrange observation periods or visits as appropriate

Once you have begun the job, arrange regular reviews of your progress.

Continuing Professional Development

All UK physiotherapists must undertake Continuing Professional Development

(CPD) in order to maintain and develop their ability to work safely and

effectively.

All employees should have equal access to CPD opportunities. Your CPD

should be linked to the nature of patient care and service provision in yourworkplace.

Evidence of CPD is also linked to HCPC registration. You may need to

provide evidence that you have met HCPCs CPD standards, so you should

keep a record of all CPD activity you carry out.

The CSP provide an online CPD portfolio tool to its members which makes it

easy to document your CPD. See

www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpd
http://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpdhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpdhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpd


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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What is the difference between HCPC and CSP?

The Health and Care Professions Council, as the regulatory authority, deals

with applications for UK registration. It grants eligible physiotherapists a

licence to practise, maintains a register of physiotherapists, and has

disciplinary powers. Obtaining and maintaining a licence to practise from the

HCPC is a legal requirement.

The CSP is the trade union, educational and professional body for UK

physiotherapists, physiotherapy support workers and students. Becoming a

member is a personal decision, although 95 per cent of practising

physiotherapists currently hold CSP membership.

Q.2 What is regulation? Why is it needed?

A. Physiotherapy is regulated across the EEA and in many other

countries. Each country sets its own minimum standard of approved

qualifying education for entry to the profession. Regulation ensures standardsof proficiency, maintains competence, and protects the public. Applicants who

meet the HCPC standards are granted registration. They may use the

protected title physiotherapist and practise the profession in the UK.

Q.3 Do I get an automatic licence to practise in the UK if I trained in

another EEA country?

A. Although the EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of

professional qualifications is designed to facilitate free migration between

Member States, the directive allows each member country to set its ownstandards for physiotherapy education to suit the particular needs of its health

care system.

HCPC reserves the right to check an applicants qualifications and their

licence to practise issued by their home Member State.

Individuals have a right to be considered and must be offered a period of

adaptation or an aptitude test if there are significant differences between their

education and what is required in the UK.


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Q.4 Should I apply to the HCPC before I leave my own country, or applyin the UK?

Wherever possible apply from your own country, where you will have easier

access to the documentation you need to provide, and a means of financial

support while waiting for the completion of the registration process.

Once you know the outcome of the HCPC assessment and whether it will

take you extra time to make up any deficiencies in your qualifications or skills,

you will be able to make an informed decision on what to do next.

Q.5 Do I need HCPC registration to work in the private or voluntarysector?

A. Allpractisingphysiotherapists in the UK require registration, wherever

they are working and including voluntary workers.

Q. 6 If I come to the UK on the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, do I stillneed to obtain HCPC registration to work as a physiotherapist?

A. You will need HCPC registration (either permanent or temporary) to do

any work as a physiotherapist

It is not advisable to come to the UK and then start the registration process,

especially if you are planning a short visit.

Complete the application in your home country and find out whether a period

of adaptation (EEA applicants) or a personal programme to upgrade your

skills (non-EEA applicants) might be required, well before you leave your own

country, and take this into account.

Q.7 I dont want to waste time and money going through the applicationprocess with the HCPC if I wont get UK registration at the end of it. Canyou advise me?

The outcome of HCPC assessment can never be guaranteed. The first stepis to complete an HCPC application. Unless you do this, HCPC cannot give

you their decision.

Q.8 Can I work as a physiotherapy support worker while I am waiting forthe HCPC application process to be completed?

A. No-one may work as a physiotherapist in the UK without HCPC

registration, but there is currently no registration requirement for support

workers, so you could work as a physiotherapy support worker while waiting

to obtain HCPC registration. The advantage of this is that you can use your

existing experience while familiarising yourself with the UK health service.


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Some physiotherapists come to an arrangement with the hospital that offers

them a period of adaptation or skills upgrade. The hospital provides clinical

supervision for the period of adaptation, and the physiotherapist works as a

support worker for the hospital.

The two activities must be kept separate.

During a period of adaptation you will develop your physiotherapy

skills, supervised by a chartered physiotherapist.

As a support worker you will be allowed to work on delegated tasks

only.

If you are not an EEA national you will need a visa to work in the UK as a

support worker.

Q.9 I am not an EEA citizen and HCPC has rejected my application forregistration. What does this mean and what can I do next?

A. This means that, on the basis of the evidence you have provided, the

HCPC standards of proficiency have not been met.

Your best option is to try to find a UK physiotherapy manager willing to offer

you a clinical placement/ individual learning programme to bring your skills up

to the level of the HCPC standards of proficiency. You may wish to consider

working as a physiotherapy support worker while you arrange a learning

programme (see Q. 8).

If further training is required, you could apply to a UK university for a one-year

Masters programme. Entry to these professional programmes is restricted to

people with a first degree in physiotherapy. Some are open to international

students.

Contact the CSP Enquiry Handling Unit for more information on Masters

programmes.


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Q.10 I applied for registration and was rejected. Can I appeal against

this decision?

Your letter of rejection will include details on how to appeal the decision. If

you appeal, you must have clear grounds; for example additional evidence

that supports your appeal.

Q.11 I have a Masters degree. Will this help me to gain HCPCregistration?

A. Registration is designed to ensure that the applicants qualifying

education is broadly equivalent to the UK BSc degree in terms of academic

level, scope of study and outcomes.

If entry to the profession in your country of training was via a Masters

level qualifying programme, then HCPC will assess that programme

for equivalence.

If you have undertaken a Masters programme as part of continuing

professional development (CPD) following your first degree, the HCPC

will initially assess your qualifying education, comparing the level and

the content of with reference to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency. Ifthey identify shortfalls they will look to see if these have been made up

through your post qualification training or experience.

Masters level programmes normally deepen knowledge in specific areas, but

remember that HCPC will check for broad coverage of all topics at the

minimum level required.

If you are an EEA national, HCPC must take account of your professional

experience as well as your qualification.

Q.12 I am a qualified physiotherapist in my own country and am applyingto a UK university to do a Masters course as part of my CPD. Do I needHCPC registration?

A. It is essential to check with the university running the Masters course

whether you will require HCPC registration.

You will need to be registered if your course involves any contact with

patients.


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If it is a purely theoretical degree then you may not require HCPC

registration, unless you also decide to work with patients in your spare

time, in which case you would need to be registered.

Q.13 .Can I work as a physiotherapist to offset the cost of universityfees?

A. If you are HCPC registered, in the UK on a student visa, and studying

full time (15 hours per week or more) you may work as a physiotherapist for

up to 20 hours per week, and up to 40 hours per week during vacations.

If you are a student without HCPC registration, you may work as a

physiotherapy support worker on a student visa, but not as a physiotherapist.

Q.14 How can I find a hospital willing to provide me with a period ofadaptation?

Visit the website

www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspx

for a list of hospitals, and contact the physiotherapy manager direct; or visit

www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.ukorwww.nhscareers.nhs.uk.

Periods of adaptation can be difficult to arrange, due to pressure on job

placements from UK undergraduate students, plus a shortage of senior

physiotherapists who have the time to supervise you.

If your period of adaptation is longer than two months, hospitals may be less

able to meet your requirements.

Q.15 My country of training and my nationality are different. How doesthis affect my HCPC application?

A. Ask HCPC.

Where applicants present with complex nationality issues or where they have

trained outside the EEA, the HCPC will determine the status of acquired

rights to EEA citizenship.

Q.16 I want to work as a physiotherapist in the UK to improve myEnglish. What should I do?

A HCPC requires non-EEA applicants to provide evidence of proficiency

in English before they will grant registration.
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspxhttp://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/http://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspx


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EEA applicants are not required to provide evidence, but must make sure that

their standard of English is adequate for safe practice.

You will not be given a job as a physiotherapist unless your level of English is

already sufficient to be able to treat patients.

Q.17 Im a medical doctor with an additional qualification inphysiotherapy / physical medicine. Can I work in the UK as aphysiotherapist?

The profession of physiotherapy in the UK (and in many other countries) has

developed its own unique body of knowledge. Whilst working closely with

medical colleagues, UK physiotherapists are autonomous practitioners.

The mechanism of HCPC registration for physiotherapists requires you to

demonstrate qualifications in a range of core clinical physiotherapy skills.

You are advised to contact the British Medical Association for further advice

at:www.bma.org.uk
http://www.bma.org.uk/http://www.bma.org.uk/http://www.bma.org.uk/http://www.bma.org.uk/


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Additional reading

CSP information papers

Access to some of these papers may be available to CSP members only.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Quality assurance standards. October2012.www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standards

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Code of members professional valuesand behaviour. October 2011.www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviour

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Scope of Physiotherapy Practice.January 2008.www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/scope-practice

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Pay scales, high cost supplements andon-call allowances in the NHS 2012/2013. April 2012.www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-

allowances-nhs.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Survival guide in obtaining your firstphysiotherapy post. August 2011.www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-post

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Managing performance issues. May2011.www.csp.org.uk/publications/managing-performance-issues

Supervision, accountability and delegation of activities to support workers

A guide for registered practitioners and support workers. Intercollegiateinformation paper developed by the CSP, RCLST, BDA and the RCN.January 2006.www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-pract

The National Health Service

NHS Choices. The NHS.www.nhs.uk/NHSENGLAND/THENHS/Pages/thenhshome.aspxApplies specifically to NHS England.
http://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standardshttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standardshttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standardshttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviourhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviourhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviourhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/scope-practicehttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/scope-practicehttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-allowances-nhshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-allowances-nhshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-allowances-nhshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-posthttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-posthttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-posthttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/managing-performance-issueshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/managing-performance-issueshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-practhttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-practhttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-practhttp://www.nhs.uk/NHSENGLAND/THENHS/Pages/thenhshome.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/NHSENGLAND/THENHS/Pages/thenhshome.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/NHSENGLAND/THENHS/Pages/thenhshome.aspxhttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-practhttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/supervision-accountability-delegation-activities-support-workers-guide-registered-practhttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/managing-performance-issueshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-posthttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/survival-guide-obtaining-your-first-physiotherapy-posthttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-allowances-nhshttp://www.csp.org.uk/publications/ip-01-pay-scales-high-cost-supplements-call-allowances-nhshttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/scope-practicehttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviourhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/code-professional-values-behaviourhttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standardshttp://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/quality-assurance-standards


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Working in the United Kingdom: Advice for overseas qualified physiotherapists

NHS Choices. NHS core principles.www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/nhscoreprinciples.aspx

NHS Choices. The NHS Constitution.

www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Ov

erview.aspx

ECCTIS

Europe Open for Professions

Information for EEA nationals wishing to practise a regulated profession in

a Member State other than the one in which they obtained their

professional qualification.

www.europeopen.org.uk/Home/

European Region, World Confederation for Physical Therapy (ER-

WCPT)

Information on migration of physiotherapists within the EEAwww.physio-europe.organd click on the menu item Migration Information

Version information

Title: Working in the United KingdomVersion: 3.0Author: Birgit Mueller-Winkler MCSP and Pat OlverLast updated: December 2012Revision date: December 2014
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/nhscoreprinciples.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/nhscoreprinciples.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspxhttp://www.dcsf.gov.uk/europeopen/page_12.shtmlhttp://www.physio-europe.org/http://www.physio-europe.org/http://www.physio-europe.org/http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/europeopen/page_12.shtmlhttp://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/nhscoreprinciples.aspx

Documents

Pd012 Working in the Uk 2012