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News

Update on the transfer of GSCC’s functions to the HPC
31st May 2012

We would like to remind you that the decision to transfer the functions of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) to the Health Professions Council (HPC) will come into effect in July 2012. The HPC will become the new regulator for Social Workers on 1st August 2012.

The HPC will also change its name to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Social Workers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to be regulated by their respective Care Councils.

Your questions answered...

What do I need to do?
Until the transfer, social workers and social work students should continue to register with the GSCC and continue to meet the requirements of registration, such as informing the GSCC of any changes to personal details, keeping post-registration training and learning up to date and paying the annual fee.

Do I still need to complete my PRTL?
Yes, post-registration training and learning (PRTL) is a requirement of your GSCC registration and will continue to be a requirement until the transfer. Currently, you need to complete 15 days or 90 hours every three years. This will change under the HPC, however, if you do not keep up your training you could be removed from the register. (Click here to see upcoming courses held by our specialist training division, Sanctuary Training).

The initial renewal of registration with the HPC in 2012 will not include an audit of continuing professional development (CPD). The first audit of CPD will take place at the renewal of registration in 2014. You will need to keep a record of all the training you have undertaken during the 2 years up to that time. The HPC do not set a limit of how much training you must undertake during that time, they will review a CPD based on the quality and the outcomes, not the time spent on your CPD. Full details of CPD requirements can be found here.

What if my GSCC registration renewal is up before the changeover?
If your GSCC is due for renewal before 31 July 2012, you must still pay your annual registration fee. This will not be refunded or transferred over to the HPC.

What is the HPC registration fee and how do I make a payment?
The annual fee for the HPC is £76. Newly qualified graduates receive a 50% reduction in fee for the first 2 years. The HPC offer the option to pay fees by direct debit every 6 months (£38).

Payment for the initial registration should be paid by cheque or postal order as the HPC will not be able to set up a new direct debit in time to take the payment. Any active direct debit instruction will be transferred over to the HPC. If you do not wish for the direct debit to be transferred, you will need to cancel your direct debit with the bank.

How will my registration transfer?
As long as you are on the GSCC register at the time of the transfer, your registration will transfer automatically. Following the transfer, the HPC will be in touch to formalise your registration with them. It is essential that you ensure your contact details with the GSCC are correct.