The role of the Health and Care Professions Council

This is a personal perspective and not one representing the views of the HCPC.

In the May (2013) edition of the Journal of Paramedic Practice (JPP) I read with much interest the article from my good friend and colleague, Mike Brady, entitled Health and Care Professions Council: protecting whom?

I suspect Mike's article is one which a number of paramedics can identify with, one which may reflect the feelings of many paramedics as to the role and indeed, the perceived need, of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). However, as a paramedic and a registrant council member of the HCPC, I am going to give a differing personal position as to the role and philosophy of the organisation. This is not to suggest that Mike's position is less valid, indeed I have already eluded to the notion that it may be the view of many registrants, both paramedics and other professionals regulated by the HCPC. Instead, it is hoped this article will challenge some of the beliefs and perceptions around the role of the HCPC, and in so doing, give a different personal perspective of the organisation, along with its purpose and function.