Advice for service managers or practice educators

Introduction 

The following checklist is designed to give you an overview of the key areas you need to consider when supporting individuals returning to practice after a period of absence. 

The SoR can provide dedicated support to help navigate the process. Once you have familarised yourself with our checklist, book an appointment (via [email protected]) to speak with Sue Johnson or Spencer Goodman, SoR Professional Officers. 

Checklist 

• Welcome contact from returnees; they are potential new staff!
• Consider facilitating active recruitment for returnees in your area, for example: 
  • display posters in departments or local area
  • include reference to return to practice radiographers in job adverts
  • advertise in local press
• Devise a process for managing return to practice enquiries and ensure all staff are aware of this, e.g. 
  • have a single point of contact for all queries and promote this on your website
  • have clear criteria to ensure all potential returnees have equality of access to return to practice support
  • identify an individual to manage returnees and support them in understanding the HCPC requirements for a returnee
• Identify the type of contract/agreement to be offered and any other HR requirements including indicative timescales, e.g. 
  • honorary contract
  • volunteers contract
  • substantive/temporary paid contract (clear endpoint should HCPC registration not be achieved)
  • letter of agreement
  • requirements for evidence of identification
  • requirements for personal references
  • requirement for a Disclosure and Barring certificate
  • requirements of any occupational health assessments/declarations
  • requirements for any mandatory training
  • uniform policy or dress code
• Arrange access to IT resources e.g. to access e-learning for health modules, mandatory training or library resources
• Utilise practice educators for advice and support. It is worth looking outside of radiography to seek support from the broader employers education and training Department
• Identifying a mentor for each returnee and a line manager for day-to-day support
• Develop a framework/timetable to support the returnee and your staff
• Document for the returnee what you can provide, any limitations, end points, feedback processes etc
• Identify local support available, e.g. 
  • local education committee/funds
  • other professions RTP sessions
  • practice educators
  • mandatory/optional training courses etc
• Celebrate and share your successes with your employer and via Synergy or as a case study on the SoR website (via this form)

Resources 

• HCPC Returning to Practice Guidance Booklet 
• HCPC Standards
• CoR Education and Career Framework (4th Edition) 
• NHS Health Education England Video Case Studies (YouTube Playlist)
• NHS Health Education England AHP Communications Toolkit (includes case studies, roller banner designs, email footers, posters, leaflets and social media assets)

NHS HEE Webinar

Return to practice: supporting AHP workforce supply across systems (06/10/2020, NHS HEE)

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