New guidance to support implementation of the revised standards of education and training (SETs)

Following the publication of the revised standards of education and training (SETs), we have published new guidance and practical support materials to help education providers prepare for the changes ahead of their implementation from September 2027. 

The revised SETs were published following a comprehensive review and public consultation, during which we worked closely with education providers, professional bodies, learners, service users and other stakeholders. 

All education providers and programmes must meet the revised SETs from 1 September 2027. 

Alongside the revised standards and guidance, we will be running three dedicated webinars to support education providers as they work towards compliance. 

 

Preparing for September 2027

All education providers will need to undertake a compliance exercise during one of the three academic years from 2027–28. Education providers and programmes must still meet the revised SETs from September 2027. 

 

 

Guidance on the revised SETs 

The guidance provides information about the revised SETs, including how we assess and monitor education and training programmes against them. It is designed to guide education providers who are preparing for, or will be involved in, our approval and monitoring processes. 

The guidance for each standard explains the purpose behind it, explains further definitions and provides context. In some cases, it also suggests how providers could show that you meet the standard. 

Our standards are outcome-focused rather than prescriptive. Education providers continue to have flexibility in how they design and deliver their programmes, provided they meet our requirements. 

 

Practical support materials for education providers 

We have also published a key considerations document to help education providers consider the changes they may need to make. It sets out the requirements of the revised SETs when compared with the previous version and identifies the areas that will form the basis of our compliance assessments. 

We suggest that education providers consider these areas in a structured and central way across their institution. They should review whether any changes are needed to comply with the revised SETs. 

Although there are new requirements in these standards, this does not necessarily mean providers will need to introduce new activities or processes. Providers may already be meeting some of these requirements and be able to use existing evidence to demonstrate compliance. 

Providers should keep records of their internal assessment, decision-making and any changes made, so these can form the basis of their compliance assessment submission. 

We recommend reading the implementation considerations alongside the revised SETs guidance to understand the purpose and requirements of each standard and the terms within the standards themselves. 

 

Webinars and further support

We are running a series of webinars to provide practical information about the revised standards, our expectations and how education providers can demonstrate compliance. 

Webinar dates

• Tuesday 10 November 2026, 11am –12pm 
• Tuesday 12 January 2027, 10–11am 
• Thursday 4 March 2027, 1–2pm 
  
  

The webinars will provide an opportunity to hear directly from HCPC colleagues about the revised standards. They will cover key areas of change and how education providers can begin preparing for implementation. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions and gain a better understanding of our expectations ahead of September 2027. 

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the revised standards of education and training, please contact your national or regional lead from our Education team. 

Further information