We're looking for two new registrant apprentices to join our Council
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is offering an exciting opportunity for two talented registrants to join our Council as Council Apprentices. The roles will provide an opportunity to gain board-level experience, to be mentored by senior Council members, and to engage in discussions and decisions on important public interest matters. We are looking for candidates with no previous board experience. These are fixed term 12-month appointments.
About the HCPC
The HCPC is a UK-wide regulator, committed to delivering high quality, efficient regulation in order to protect the public. We regulate 15 professions, including paramedics, radiographers, occupational therapists, and biomedical scientists.
We regulate by:
- deciding what it takes to be a member of one of our professions;
- approving education programmes which will produce competent graduates who are safe to treat people;
- keeping an accurate register of people who are legally able to call themselves one of our 15 professions; and
- taking action when a professional isn’t meeting our expectations of safe practice and conduct.
This is complex and requires good governance. The Council is our governance body, our equivalent of a board. It sets our strategic direction and oversees our performance.
About the role of Council Apprentice
The Council Apprentice roles were introduced in 2020. We want to help give the talented individuals on our Register who can bring a diverse perspective to our board, the experience and skills they need to confidently take part in governance groups elsewhere.
Once appointed our Council Apprentices take part in all our Council meetings and associated activity. They also get involved in our Committees to maximize their transferable experience of governance.
While Apprentices are not voting members when decisions are taken (due to our governing laws) they see all the board papers that support decisions, and they are encouraged to (and once settled in expected to!) participate in the meeting debate that leads to a decision being made.
Each Apprentice is assigned a dedicated Council mentor to support them through the year. They will also be part of a network of former Apprentices, to learn from others who have been through the scheme.
The appointment is for one year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The estimated time commitment over the year-long apprenticeship is 20 days. The role is remunerated on a per attendance basis, and additional expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Expense Policy.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for potential.
We do not expect prior boardroom experience, but the Apprentices need to demonstrate an interest in the work of the HCPC and an ambition to take part in governance groups.
Excellent interpersonal skills are essential as well as the confidence to share your perspective.
The Council Apprentices must be:
- a current HCPC registrant;
- interested in the HCPC's work;
- keen to learn about being on a board;
- a good communicator;
- willing and able to commit the time; and
- able to uphold the seven principles of public life.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates to help to address under-representation on the Council and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by the HCPC.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted to appointments@hcpc-uk.org.
A CV and covering letter are required, please include your HCPC registration number. The covering letter should address the following:
- Why do you want to be a Council Apprentice and get involved in Non-Executive work?
- What interests you about the work of the HCPC?
Our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring Form needs to be submitted as part of your application.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 13 November 2023.
More information can be found in our Council Apprenticeship Candidate Information Pack below: