RCT Registrar’s Update January 2015

2015 is going to be a particularly exciting year for the RCT – it is the year in which we aim to become an Accredited Voluntary Register; we conduct our first audit of registrants’ CPD; and we open our equivalence routes through which new colleagues can join the Register. For more on these items, please see below. Meanwhile, may we wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Have you paid yours yet? The final due date for payment is 31^st January, after which your name will be removed from the Register. There are several ways to pay, and you can do so immediately by ringing the IPEM office on 01904 610821. Why not complete a Direct Debit mandate so that payment happens automatically next year, to save the rush?

In November last year, we met with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to brief them on the work of Registrants and the need for statutory regulation to protect the public. The HCPC has been invited to give evidence to the Commons Health Select Committee (HSC), and wanted input from the RCT to help make the case for extending statutory regulation. A written briefing, put together with the help of Registrants, will go to the HCPC’s Council meeting in February. This explains the complexity of Clinical Technologists’ roles, and the importance of their training and CPD to patient safety. HCPC expects to be invited to speak to the Health Select Committee again after the Election.

We are now part-way through the application process to become an AVR. The PSA is consulting other bodies on our application, and the accreditation team from the PSA is due to come and visit the Management Panel soon. While the goal still remains statutory registration, this is an essential step on the way. We hope to be an AVR by the Summer!

IPEM is currently recruiting members to its Public Engagement Panel, and this Panel will be able to contribute to the work of the RCT as well as to IPEM. We have already consulted some lay people on the new RCT website, and their comments include: ‘Overall the website does what it says on the box and does inform the public adequately about Clinical Technologists’; ‘Clear and concise’; and ‘Could be better separation of the registrants’ bits and the public bits.’ We will continue to improve the site taking account of these comments. We would also welcome your comments on the site. Email office@ipem.ac.uk

A reminder to all Registrants that the first audit of CPD is only a few months away and having the record already prepared will make the process much easier for those who are selected. If your name is randomly selected to participate in this first audit, we will be writing to you to give you plenty of time to brush up your record before submitting it.

Cathy Brown, IPEM’s Membership and Training Manager, who has supported the RCT for many years, has now left the Institute. We wish her well in her new life. IPEM is recruiting a new manager to replace Cathy; meanwhile, Anna Glavocih and Elaine Gears in the office will continue to help and support Registrants and the Management Panel. You can contact them on 01904 610821 or by emailing office@ipem.ac.uk

The RCT Registrar