Aims and vision

The HPC will operate by meeting the following aims:

• maintaining and publishing a public register of properly qualified members of the professions;
• approving and upholding high standards of education and training, and continuing good practice;
• investigating complaints and taking appropriate action;
• working in partnership with the public, and a range of other groups including professional bodies; and
• promoting awareness and understanding of the aims of the Council.

The HPC has a leaner organisational structure than its predecessor body, the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) with greater representation from the public. It has faster and more transparent procedures and will be more accountable to the public and the health service.

The future procedures and processes of the HPC have been developed in full consultation with the public, healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders.

Principles

The HPC will operate under six guiding principles:

Protecting the public - the Council will have wide powers to deal effectively with individuals who pose an unacceptable risk to patients. It will have clear and well-published complaints and appeals procedures for the public and registrants. It will treat the health and welfare of patients as paramount.

Transparency - there is public representation on the Council, which aims to operate a fast and transparent complaints procedure. The HPC will consult with key stakeholders and publish any standards and general guidance it develops.

Communication and responsiveness - the HPC will develop meaningful accountability to the public and the health service, and inform and educate the public and registrants about its work.

Providing a high quality service - the HPC will ensure that the needs of its customers are met, namely the public, patients, health professionals and the health service. It will seek and utilise regular feedback from its customers to enhance its services. It will support the training and development of HPC staff, as well as registrants.

Value for money - the HPC will provide a value for money service for registrants and the public. It will be open and proactive in accounting to all its customer groups regarding its work.

Working collaboratively - the HPC will enable best practice in any one profession to be accessed by all. It will deliver an efficient and unified service as well as focusing on individual issues which are significantly different between professions.