tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518731414526924239.post5069376300292702501..comments2024-01-23T01:25:02.164+00:00Comments on Amanda Williamson Coaching and Counselling Service in Exeter, Devon: Who is publicising the PSAs Accredited Registers?Amanda Williamson (She/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14685203130859349559noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518731414526924239.post-58741887457513086802015-08-17T18:57:57.506+01:002015-08-17T18:57:57.506+01:00Hi Patrick,
I'm pro statutory regulation, for ...Hi Patrick,<br />I'm pro statutory regulation, for all the reasons you and Amanda highlight. The system doesn't work as it stands. I don't think you can have half measures, with some practitioners using protected titles and others not. As you point out, you can be struck off as a HCPC registered practitioner, set up under a different, un regulated title and continue to work with vulnerable people. It is overly confusing for clients and hard to navigate, in a time when the client is often in a difficult and distressed place (hence their search for a therapist). I don't think it is an impossible task to define the work talking therapists do, to outline the initial and ongoing training necessary and clarify the ethical guidelines that are essential to adhere to. Yes, the PSA is a good start, but I would like to see it as a stepping stone to statutory regulation that does offer more protection and consequences (ie not working with vulnerable people) when serious ethical breaches have been identified.<br />I also agree with yours and Amanda's stance that clinicians/therapists/counsellors etc have a responsibility to advertise and promote the regulation that does exist so that unscrupulous individuals are recognised as such.<br />I'm sure the PSA would reply, it was just a pondering on my part though, curious as to whether the changes to the care act in April had any bearing (I think they do) and wondering if these dots had been joined up (I don't think they have). I don't intend to persue it.Interested readernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518731414526924239.post-46668085478240979102015-08-03T12:23:15.380+01:002015-08-03T12:23:15.380+01:00The Accredited Registers are based on a statutory ...The Accredited Registers are based on a statutory register of registers, making them literally a form of statutory regulation in their own right. What form would you want “statutory regulation” to take instead? <br /><br />Protected Titles offer no more safeguards from unregulated practitioners than Accredited Registers: nothing stopped Derek Gale from practicing “Psychodrama” after being struck of the statutory register of Art Therapists; and if someone is struck off the statutory registers of Chiropodists or of Physiotherapist they are free to carry on regardless as a foot heath practitioner or as a sports injury massage practitioner. It’s not the case that the Accredited Registers offer less protection, they just don’t give the illusion of protection where there is none.<br /><br />They’re interesting points that you make about the Health Care Act (2012). From my experience of the PSA you wouldn’t need to make a Freedom of Information request to find out where they stand, I’d be surprised if they didn’t answer a simple email from you.<br /><br />Patrick<br />Patrick Killeenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609298326690595735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518731414526924239.post-23382114247503602662015-07-31T12:23:10.365+01:002015-07-31T12:23:10.365+01:00I am pro statutory regulation. I think that volunt...I am pro statutory regulation. I think that voluntary PSA is a good start but it doesn't adequately safeguard. As yes you can just continue to work. Something I noticed when looking through the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which the accredited registers in it current form derived from, is that the act states that professionals struck from their registers should be referred to local authority safeguarding boards. Is this happening routinely? I doubt that is is. <br />Clients in any form of therapy could be considered vulnerable adults/adults at risk according to the Care Act (2014) definition;<br />(14.2) the safeguarding duties apply to an adult who 1) has care and needs for support (whether or not the local authority is providing this) 2) is at risk of or experiencing abuse 3) as a result of support needs is unable to protect self from risk of or the experience of neglect or abuse.<br />Interestingly emotional needs are now classed as care needs in the Care Act - so by definition clients in need of emotional support ie in therapy could meet the new eligibility criterion.<br />Where is the procedure within organisations under the PSA to report individuals who have been struck off to local authority safeguarding boards? This would be an interesting freedom of information request.<br />Great blog btw - have been reading both yours and Phil Dore's for some time with interest, first time commenting though.Interested readernoreply@blogger.com