Return to Practice for AHPs

AHP Return to practice with EPUT

Welcome to the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust return to practice for Allied Health Professionals

  • Have you previously been registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)?
  • Have you been out of practice for more than two years?
  • Are you looking for an opportunity to update your skills and knowledge and return to the register?
  • Are you unsure what to do next? Join EPUT! 
Are you Ready to get back to your Career with EPUT?

At EPUT we welcome enquiries from professionals who wish to return to practice and who we will endeavour to support in becoming registered with the HCPC again. We have a wide range of clinical and geographical areas available, and we will work with you to find a suitable opportunity to help you on your journey.  

Our Posts:

We have a wide range of clinical and geographical areas available for Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists.

We offer: 

  • Mentorship & support through regular supervision and yearly appraisal;
  • Professional training; 
  • Further career development opportunities;
  • Flexible working.
Financial Support 

As part of the return to practice support you may be able to claim up to £800 from Health Education England (£500 for the clinical experience and £300 towards courses and other learning opportunities)

HCPC Skill Update Requirements

In order to become registered, you will be required to complete a minimum number of hours to update your clinical skills and knowledge, please see below:

Time out of practice /

Time unregistered

Minimum time required to update skills & knowledge

*at least 50% of the hours need to be in practice

Up to 2 years

No requirement needed

2 to 5 years

30 days (210 hours)

Over 5 years

60 days (420 hours)

Get back to what you love to do in a few simple steps:

1. Register your interest to be invited for an informal discussion.
2. You can choose one of our Return to practice routes:

Paid Route:
Apply for an advertised AHP role. If successful, complete the number of hours required to regain registration in as a Band 4 returnee. Once HCPC registration is confirmed, return to the original pay grade advertised.

Honorary Contract (unpaid) Route: 
You will be invited along to an informal interview to assess your suitability. If agreed, a placement will be identified and once completed successfully, you can apply for HCPC registration.

How to Apply

  • Contact the AHP Team directly to ask about our positions via:epunft.ahp.returntopractice@nhs.net
    or
  • Complete and email the form you can find on the right side of the site to express your interest

Proudest moment in my career

“The day I wore my Qualified Physiotherapist uniform after 10 years of career break, was the proudest moment in my career. I feel fortunate to have an encouraging and supportive team at EPUT. Positive and flexible work environment helps me to maintain my work life balance. I really enjoy being back at work and doing what I love.”

Anupama Singh

Physiotherapist
Rochford Hospital

Find more information: 

For further information on returning to practice, and the required eligibility criteria, please click on the links below:

Please note, if you have any fitness/condition to practice issues cited against you by the HCPC you would not be eligible to return to practice.

Have questions?

Email us at: epunft.ahp.returntopractice@nhs.net

To register your interest in returning to practice please complete the form below and return to epunft.ahp.returntopractice@nhs.net

Please download, complete and submit this form.

EPUT AHP 'Return To Practice' Expression of Interest

Download our brochure

EPUT AHP Return to Practice Brochure
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