FAQs and resources

Frequently asked questions - scope of practice

• I’m thinking about taking on new activities which are not specific to my profession or moving into a new area of practice. What do I need to do?

  When moving into a different area of practice you must consider whether your knowledge, skills and experience would be sufficient to perform the new activities or area safely and effectively and whether any of the activities are restricted by law (for example, prescribing).

  If you have any gaps in your knowledge, skills and experience, it is important you address them with additional training or support. The level of knowledge, skills and experience required for each role or additional activity will be informed by your employer and professional body’s advice. Local guidance and policies may also set out training requirements for certain roles.

  If you are unsure about specific activities being within your knowledge, skills and experience, we would recommend speaking with your employer and your professional body for more advice and support.

  You should also check that you have appropriate professional indemnity arrangements to cover you in your new role or to undertake additional activities.

• I’m practising in a role that isn’t the protected title I am registered with, and my scope of practice is narrower than the full scope of practice for my profession. Will this affect my registration?

  A registrant can practise in a role which is not their protected title and remain registered with us, even if this new role has a narrower scope of practice. The HCPC does not penalise registrants simply because they are acting in a capacity that is more limited than their protected title.

  If you are practising in a narrower role than your protected title, we would expect you to work within the limits and expectations of that role. You might find it helpful to check your job description or to clarify this with your employer.

  The limits and expectations of your role would then form your particular individual scope of practice. This might require you to limit the activities you perform or the skills you exercise within your job description, even if you would be qualified to undertake them if you were practising under your protected title.

  You must make sure that you keep within your scope of practice aligned with your role and do not practise in areas which go beyond it. Where a registrant is practising within a narrower scope of practice and are working safely and effectively within the limits of their job description, it would be unlikely to raise a concern for the HCPC.

• I’ve broadened or changed my scope of practice since becoming registered, and my scope of practice is outside the normal scope of practice for my profession. What does this mean for me?

  Your individual scope of practice is unique and personalised to you. It will also evolve and change over time. Your scope of practice may extend beyond the generally accepted scope of practice for your profession with appropriate experience, education, training and organisational oversight.

  To meet the standards, you must be able to define and explain how you are working within the limits of your knowledge, skills and experience to do the activities required to meet service users’ needs in your specific professional role.

  You may also need to review your professional indemnity arrangements to ensure you are covered.

• I’ve been asked to do something which is outside of my scope of practice. What should I do?

  Firstly, you may wish to consider whether you could seek training and support to extend your scope of practice safely to include the new activity, to meet service user needs.

  However, if you believe that the specific activities you are being asked to do fall outside of your scope of practice, you must not undertake those activities and should raise this with your employer as soon as possible. This is reflected in the standards of conduct, performance and ethics: 

  You must only practise in the areas where you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to meet the needs of a service user safely and effectively (3.1)
  
  You must not do anything, or allow someone else to do anything, which could put the health or safety of a service user, carer or colleague at unacceptable risk (6.2)
  
  You must make sure that the safety and wellbeing of service users always comes before any professional or other loyalties (7.4) 

  We would also recommend contacting your professional body as their expertise helps to shape the generally accepted scope for your profession, and they may be able to provide guidance on your individual scope of practice as well.  

  You can also browse some case studies that may help you think through what to do in these situations.

• Will I move into a higher pay band if I expand my scope of practice?

  Decisions about pay, terms and working conditions lie with your employer, and are outside the remit of the regulators. We would recommend discussing what expanding your scope of practice might mean for you with your employer and/or your professional body. Any expansion to an individual scope of practice must be done to meet service user needs safely and with the appropriate leadership oversight and organisational governance.

• What does my scope of practice mean for my CPD?

  Our standards require registrants to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) which is relevant to your current or future scope of practice to enhance the service you provide for service users. You should make your own decisions about the CPD that is most beneficial to service users, your practice and your career.

  You can read our information on CPD to know more about scope of practice and CPD.

• If my scope of practice is shaped by my job description, can I still extend my scope of practice while holding the same role?

  You should work closely with your employer/manager and, if necessary, your professional body to identify the activities required in your job and whether they align with your individual scope of practice and that of your profession. Where there are activities that go beyond your individual scope of practice, you should ensure you undertake the relevant training and skills development to extend your scope of practice. 

  Job descriptions are determined by employers, not the regulators. The titles, expected activities, pay terms, and conditions for different roles will vary across organisations, and may not correspond directly to your individual scope of practice or that of your profession.  

  So long as you are meeting the standards and are practising safely, lawfully, and effectively within your current scope of practice, the specifics of your job description are unlikely to raise concerns for the HCPC.