Applicants guide for Scientist Training Programme ... · The Equivalence process provides access to...
Transcript of Applicants guide for Scientist Training Programme ... · The Equivalence process provides access to...
Applicants Guide:
Certificate of Equivalence
Scientist Training
Programme
(Clinical Scientist)
Version Control
Version no. and status V14.2 Doc ref # 024
Date of Document 18.09.18_05.11.18
Distribution Public domain
Revision date March 2021
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1. Introduction
This document contains guidance on the process for making an application to the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) for a Certificate of Equivalence in knowledge, skills and competence commensurate with that achieved on the Scientist Training Programme (STP). It should be read in conjunction with the STP Equivalence Programme Handbook which gives details of the concept of equivalence: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-guidance/.
The STP Equivalence process is made up of four stages:
1. Application, including an initial administrative check
2. Assessment of the portfolio1
3. Interview
4. Ratification and certification
The fee for the entire equivalence assessment is can be found on the Academy’s fees webpage at:
https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/the-register/for-healthcare-scientists/registration-fees/
Please note that rejected applications at the initial administrative check will incur a £50
administration fee. The full fee is non-refundable once the application has been approved for
portfolio submission.
All applicants must ensure that they have read and understood this document before submitting
their application. If you have a disability that you feel might affect your interview performance, or if
there are any questions about the process, please contact the AHCS administrators:
[email protected] before submitting an application.
2. Equivalence
In the context of education, training, qualifications and experience, equivalence is said to exist when
the outcomes of two processes are directly comparable, even though the paths to achieving them
are different. When equivalence is shown to exist between a new qualification and the qualification
or experience a person already has, further education or training is unnecessary.
The Equivalence process provides access to registration for individuals who have not followed a
formal Scientist Training Programme accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.
Applicants for STP Equivalence are assessed against the standards set out in AHCS’ Good Scientific
Practice (GSP) and whether the applicant has the breadth of knowledge, skills, competence
comparable to someone who has completed the relevant accredited STP curriculum. Therefore,
when selecting the evidence to include in the portfolio, it is important that the applicant considers
the learning outcomes for the core (generic), rotation (theme) and specialist modules as set out in
1 A portfolio is made up of: a summary of training and experience, the completed GSP mapping template, and supporting documents/evidence
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the relevant STP curriculum. Applicants are not required to map their evidence to the outcomes
of the outcomes of the STP curricula.
A copy of Good Scientific Practice is available at https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-
guidance/
The NSHCS accredited STP curricula can be found at: https://curriculum.nshcs.org.uk/
3. Eligibility
Applicants will have a variety of relevant qualifications and experience. To make a STP Equivalence
application, applicants do not need to possess a Masters level qualification. However, the evidence
presented must demonstrate that they have a comparable level of knowledge, skills and
competence to a trainee successfully completing the Scientist Training programme.
The AHCS does not prescribe a specific length of training to confer equivalence, although applicants
should note that graduates from the Scientist Training programme complete three years of Masters
level (Level 72) education, including a minimum of 90 weeks integrated workplace training. It is
unlikely that periods of experience substantially less than this will be deemed adequate for an
application for equivalence.
It is important to note that holding a specific qualification or job title or being paid within a particular
Agenda for Change band, does not by itself provide evidence of STP Equivalence.
The Equivalence process is a form of accreditation of prior experiential and certificated learning, and
there are therefore no mechanisms (for example “grandparenting”) to gain exemption from
elements of the process. All applicants for STP Equivalence must present an analysis of their
knowledge and experience, and demonstrate how these map against the standards required by GSP.
This is done by completing the Mapping Template (see Appendix 3) as part of the portfolio
submission.
Please note, the AHCS offers equivalence against STP curriculum approved by the National School
of Healthcare Science (https://curriculum.nshcs.org.uk/), if your specialism falls outside this list,
there are two other routes to achieving equivalence which allow you to apply to the HCPC to join
their register, either as a Clinical Scientist or as a Biomedical Scientist.
These routes are offered by:
• the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)3 – route to ‘Clinical Scientist’; and
• the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)4 – route to ‘Biomedical Scientist’
2 For further details about the nature of a level 7 qualification, please see the document Frameworks for Higher Education
Qualifications, published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf 3 ACS: http://www.assclinsci.org/acsApplicants.aspx 4 IBMS: https://www.ibms.org/registration/hcpc-registration/
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4. Overview of the STP Equivalence process
Applications for the STP Certificate of Equivalence go through four stages, progress to a next stage is
dependent on successful completion of the previous stage:
Stage 1: Application. This stage includes:
• Setting up an applicant profile
• Completing the preliminary application including, uploading initial documentation
requirements (see later)
• Payment
• Uploading the portfolio
Stage 2: Assessment of the portfolio. This stage includes:
• Review of the portfolio by a panel of assessors comprising two professional assessors
• Outcome
Stage 3: Interview. This stage includes:
• Interview with three assessors, two professional assessors plus one lay assessor. It is
normally conducted via video-conferencing5
• Outcome
Stage 4: Ratification and certification. This stage includes:
• Ratification of outcomes
• Notification to HCPC of outcome
• Certification
Note: If you have an (evidenced) recognised disability and would be disadvantaged by conducting
the interview by video-conferencing, the AHCS will arrange a face-to-face interview.
If Stage 4 Ratification has taken place, a successful applicant is eligible to apply to join HCPC’s
Register as a Clinical Scientist. You do not need a copy of your certificate to apply (see later).
Prior to submitting an application for STP Equivalence, applicants are advised to familiarise
themselves with relevant information sources including:
• STP Equivalence guidance on the AHCS website:
https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-guidance/
• AHCS Good Scientific Practice: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-
guidance/
• NSHCS STP Training curricula: https://curriculum.nshcs.org.uk/
5 Currently using GoToMeeting: https://www.gotomeeting.com/en-gb. Note, professional assessors may dial into the GoToMeeting session. The lay assessor and applicant must be visible during the interview.
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Applicants might also benefit from discussing their intention to apply for STP Equivalence with
their line manager, mentors and colleagues, and may also wish to consult their professional body.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as ‘The practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as
one's own’ (English Oxford Dictionary). This might take the form of: submitting someone else’s work,
word-for-word, as their own; taking significant portions of text from a single source without
alterations; changing key words and phrases but retaining the essential content of the source
(Turnitin 2018)6. The AHCS views plagiarism as both unethical and unprofessional.
While the Academy recognises that applicants might follow a similar structure for a portfolio, any
part of the application which requires original comment or thought by the applicant, such as the
personal statement, summary report and evidence submitted, must be their own work.
If instances of plagiarism are suspected or identified, they will be investigated formally by the AHCS
and may lead to a rejection of the application.
5. Detailed guidance for each stage
Applications must be made online via the AHCS website:
https://app.ahcs.ac.uk/members/register.cfm
System-generated emails are sent at various stages throughout the application process. Applicants
are advised to check their ‘junk mail’ and set email rules to ensure these emails are received.
Deadlines may be set for the different stages of the process and these will be confirmed by email.
Applicants must meet these deadlines except in exceptional circumstances, for example, illness.
Applicants who wish to extend the deadline must contact [email protected] at the earliest
opportunity.
Applicants can save and return to the application at any point before final submission. Applicants
should save their work regularly. Note, once ‘Submit application’ has been clicked, no part of the
application can be amended.
If you need further help - save your work and contact [email protected]
6 Turnitin ‘Spectrum of Plagiarism’ (2018), available at: https://www.turnitin.com/static/plagiarism-spectrum/
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Stage 1: Application and payment
Setting up an applicant profile
You will need to set up a personal profile on the AHCS online system, further details can be found in
Appendix 2.
Uploading information and documentation
Once you have selected ‘Apply for Equivalence – STP Equivalence’, you can begin to input the required
information and upload the required documentation. The following table provides details for each
section you need to complete.
Section: Upload in:
1. Personal details
All fields must be completed, and a suitable email address supplied. You can change the email address at any time.
You will also need to upload a passport sized photograph
2. Monitoring Information
This section of the application form will not be used as part of the assessment process.
You do not have to disclose your details, but please ensure that the option ‘I do not wish to disclose’ is selected.
3. Career Details
All fields should be completed.
4. Professional Membership/Registration History
Please indicate if you have had or continue to have any previous periods of registration with the AHCS or another health or social care regulatory body, or voluntary registration body either in the UK and/or overseas.
5. Your Education and Training
Please complete all fields for all qualification presented.
Note, if you list a qualification in this section, assessors will expect to see evidence of that qualification in the documents section, for example a Certificate of completion.
6. Personal Statement
The summary of professional experience should not exceed 1000 words
and should contain a description of the previous experience and duties
undertaken by the applicant. It should also contain a summary of past and
current research (including a list of relevant publications) and audit or
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service development projects. The summary must contain the names,
qualifications (including professional registration) and contact information
of the applicant's supervisors. The summary should contain sufficient
detail for the applicant to self-determine that there has been an adequate
period of supervised training in the duties and responsibilities
commensurate with a clinical scientist.
7. Documents
Qualifications
A scanned copy of relevant academic and professional qualifications should be provided
Professional References
Please provide two professional references – one of which must be from the most recent employer (see Appendix 4 below)
Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) Certificate
Please provide a valid minimum “Basic” (or higher) level DBS check by:
• uploading a scanned copy of the DBS check;
If you do not have a valid DBS check you can request a basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland (http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/basicdisclosureonline/index.htm). Please note that you do not have to be a Scottish national to do so.
Applicants from Northern Ireland should consult the AccessNI website, available here http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/accessni-criminal-record-checks. International Applicants who are unable to provide a DBS check will need to contact the AHCS.
Identification:
• a certified copy of a proof of identity (Government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driving licence). You must bring the original copy with you to the interview.
Note: A certified copy must be certified as a true copy of the original by a person of professional standing in the community. This means that the person you ask to certify your document(s) must write on it 'I certify that this is a true copy of the original document' and must sign it and print their name and professional title.
A professional person (eg a statutory registered professional for example a HCPC or GMC registered consultant, a solicitor, barrister or other legal practitioner or an accountant) will be recognised as a person of standing in the community. Other individuals, such your bank manager; a Justice of the Peace or other judicial official; a Minister of the Church, Rabbi, Imam or other recognised religious official; a Member of Parliament, Member of Scottish Parliament, Member of the Northern Ireland
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Assembly, Member of the Welsh Assembly; or an Officer in HM Armed Forces may also be a person of standing in the community.
Change in name:
Certified evidence of any change in name.
(If the change of name is detailed on a certified copy of AHCS Certificate of Attainment from UK approved PTP degree programme or Certificate of Equivalence from AHCS PTP Equivalence Programme, then no further evidence is needed other than a copy of the Certificate.)
English Language ability
If you are not a UK citizen:
Please provide a scanned copy of certification to demonstrate achievement of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 7.0 with no element below 6.5, or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet Based Test (IBT) minimum score of 100/120.
Or a certified declaration that English is your first language.
Evidence of successfully completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree awarded by UK higher education provider (with degree awarding powers), and an admissions criteria of the same English language requirements as outlined above will also be considered.
8. Good character and health
Applicants are required to state whether or not they have any physical or mental health condition that would impair their fitness to practise as a clinical scientist.
If such a condition is identified, it will be reviewed by a senior member of the AHCS in keeping with the Academy’s fitness to practise requirements7. Further information from the applicant may be requested.
9. Declarations
Please read and tick the box if you accept the declarations made.
7 See section on “What is Fitness to Practise”: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/patients-public/the-register-and-regulation/raise-a-concern/
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10. Payment:
Payment is made using the AHCS’ secure payment system. This is run by a third-party service provider GoCardless.
You will be asked to set up a Direct Debit, this will be for a single payment of the application fee.
The application fee for the STP Equivalence programme can be found at: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/the-register/for-healthcare-scientists/registration-fees/
Once you have completed each of the ten sections, click on ‘submit’.
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Stage 1b: Uploading your portfolio
Once you have uploaded the documentation listed above and paid, and a brief administrative check
has been undertaken, you can up load your portfolio onto the system.
You have 6 months to submit your completed portfolio.
Content of the portfolio
The portfolio is the applicants’ opportunity to:
• show that they have an adequate period of supervised training in the duties and
responsibilities commensurate with a clinical scientist
• demonstrate that their knowledge, skills and competences achieved from their education
and working experience meet the standards of Good Scientific Practice and are comparable
to those of someone successfully completing an NSHCS accreditation Scientist Training
Programme
• demonstrate that they have reflected on their training, experience and practice.
The portfolio comprises:
• contents list
• a summary of relevant training and experience (see later section)
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• completed Good Scientific Mapping Template8
• supporting evidence for each standard listed. One piece of evidence can be used to
support one or more standards, but there should be a suitable variety and breadth of
evidence provided.
The portfolio:
• is assessed electronically therefore it is best if the portfolio is uploaded as a single pdf
document. The AHCS’ system allows for a maximum of three documents to be uploaded
should you be unable to load it as a single PDF
• must be your own work, or the input from other should be acknowledged. See the section
on plagiarism
• must not be longer than 150 pages in total. Portfolios less than 60 pages are unlikely to
contain sufficient evidence. Portfolios over 150 pages will be returned to the applicant
• must use a font size for text of 12 point.
• must include page numbers
• must not include any confidential data such as a patient’s name. If this such information is
visible, the portfolio will be rejected by the assessment panel and returned to the applicant
• do not photo-reduce or resize certificates or other evidence to fit more than one to a page
• if any part of the evidence is not in English, certified translations must be provided
Summary of Training and Experience
The summary should:
• provide a summary of relevant training and experience, including past and current research
(including a list of relevant publications), audit and/or service development projects
• be written in the style of a covering report
• not exceed 5000 words
• be well structured and straightforward to read
• clearly indicate how the standards within the GSP Domains are met
• include some reflection about how activities/training undertaken has contributed to
achieving the standards/competences required for a Clinical Scientist.
Each summary report will be different, but the AHCS is developing an anonymised example for each
healthcare science Division: Informatics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering,
Physiological Sciences.
Good Scientific Mapping template
Applicants must upload a completed GSP mapping template (see appendix 3).
Applicants should list evidence against each standard in the GSP domains to demonstrate that they
have sufficient knowledge, skills and competence to meet the standards as a Clinical Scientist.
8 A blank mapping template (word version) can be found at: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-guidance/
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The evidence must show that the applicant has personally carried out work in key areas or practice,
and not just observed it being done. Statements of attendance or participation on their own are
insufficient and must be amplified by a brief description of how the experience helped in achieving a
particular competence, or what further training might be necessary.
Remember to look at the learning outcomes in the relevant STP curriculum to ensure that the evidence
you include helps the assessors to be assured that there is equivalence with someone completing an
accredited STP programme.
Evidence should be well selected and of high quality. There is no need to provide a detailed, day-to-
day training diary or logbook, certificates of attendance for every meeting, nor the full text of any
published work, report, case study, thesis, project or essay; summaries should be provided or an
abstract page. Certificates of attendance for every meeting should NOT be included – only those that
contribute to providing sufficient evidence that a GSP standard(s) has been met.
See appendix 3 for some examples of the evidence to include.
Remember:
You can save and return to the application at any point before final submission. Applicants should
save their work regularly. Note, once ‘Submit’ has been clicked, no part of the application can be
amended.
If you need further help, save your work and contact [email protected]
Supporting evidence
In putting your evidence for the portfolio together, it is helpful to look at the learning outcomes in
the relevant STP curriculum, to ensure that the evidence helps the assessors to be assured that
there is equivalence with someone completing an accredited STP programme.
A common comment from assessors is that the evidence does not demonstrate that the applicant
has sufficient breadth of experience, knowledge and skills at a Theme level9, but focuses solely at the
specialist content of the STP programme. Looking at the rotation (as well as the specialist modules)
is helpful. There is no requirement to demonstrate the practical skills expected in the rotation
modules, but you should be able to demonstrate the equivalent knowledge and understanding.
9 Blood Sciences, Cardiac, Critical Care, Vascular, Respiratory and Sleep Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Clinical
Bioinformatics, Clinical Engineering, Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gastrointestinal Physiology and
Urodynamic Science, Genomic Sciences, Infection Sciences, Medical Physics, Neurosensory Sciences,
Reconstructive Science.
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Stage 2: Assessment of the portfolio.
The assessment panel:
Assessors are invited from the AHCS’ pool of professional and lay assessors.
The panel for STP Equivalence comprises two professional assessors. At least one of the
professional assessors will be from the relevant specialism and at least one will be a registered
Clinical Scientist.
Assessors are asked to declare any conflicts of interest10 they may have in relation to each
assessment.
All applications for equivalence are assessed against the standards set out in Good Scientific Practice
(GSP)11 no matter the specialism or role. The applicant must satisfy the assessors that they have the
knowledge, skills and competence associated with GSP at the Clinical Scientist level.
Assessor will review the GSP mapping template, the summary report and evidence submitted. They
first assess whether the evidence presented demonstrates that the applicant has met all of the
domains of the GSP: professional practice, scientific practice, clinical practice, research and
development and innovation, and clinical leadership.
The assessors will also consider whether the applicant has the comparable breadth of knowledge,
skills and competence to someone who has successfully completed the relevant NSHCS accredited
STP curriculum12.
Outcomes
After the assessors have reviewed the applicant’s portfolio, they will recommend one of three
possible outcomes:
I) progress to interview
II) further information/ evidence/ training is required
III) reject application
The applicant will be informed of the outcome, and feedback will be provided if either further
information/evidence/training is required, or the application is rejected.
10 As some specialties are limited in number, it is likely that an assessor might know of the applicant, in this
instance it would not be deemed a conflict of interest, unless the assessor feels they cannot undertake the
assessment fairly and impartially because of prior knowledge, a personal or close working relationship with
the applicant. There is a conflict of interest if the applicant reports directly to the assessor in the workplace.
11 Good Scientific Practice can be found at: https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-guidance/
12 Available at https://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/curricula.
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Stage 3: Interview
The purpose of the interview is to use questions and scenarios to: assess the applicant's competence
in the workplace setting, ensure that they meet the standards set out in good scientific practice, and
that they have sufficient knowledge, skills and competence comparable to someone who has
completed the NSHCS accredited Scientist Training Programme.
The assessment panel comprised two professional assessors and one lay assessor who will chair the
panel.
The interview is normally conducted via video-conferencing13, although there may be instances
where an assessor uses tele-conference. Each interview is scheduled for 60 minutes and usually lasts
between 30 and 60 minutes.
Usually, each of the assessors will ask a number of questions covering all the GSP domains and take
some notes during the applicant’s answer. At the end of the interview, the Chair of the panel will
give the applicant an opportunity to comment. After which the applicant is asked to leave the virtual
meeting.
Assessors can recommend one of the following outcomes:
Outcome 1: Applicant has demonstrated full equivalence and should be awarded the
Certificate of Equivalence (STP).
Outcome 2: Applicant may be able to demonstrate equivalence, but further evidence is
required.
Outcome 3: Applicant has not demonstrated equivalence.
In terms of Outcome 2, the further evidence might require the applicant to gain additional
experience and/or training. Feedback will be provided to the applicant regarding the areas of
deficiency. Usually, the applicant will have to undertake a second interview.
In terms of Outcome 3, the applicant will be advised of the action to be taken. This might include
undertaking a full Scientist Training Programme. If the applicant wishes to apply for STP Equivalence
again, they must submit a new application and pay the fees again.
Stage 4: Ratification and certification
All equivalence outcomes require ratification by the AHCS’ Education and Training Committee before
the outcome can be released formally. If the committee accepts the assessors’ recommended
outcome, applicants are sent an email confirming the outcome.
If an Outcome 1 is awarded, HCPC is advised of the outcome and the applicant is eligible to apply to
join HCPC’s Clinical Scientist register. Please note, it normally takes HCPC up to 10 working days to
update their system. Once this has been done the applicant will be able to apply to join the HCPC
13 We currently use ‘GoToMeeting’: https://www.gotomeeting.com/en-gb. Note, professional assessors may dial
into the GoToMeeting session. The lay assessor and applicant must be visible during the interview.
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Register as a Clinical Scientist. The applicant does not need to have a copy of the Certificate of
Equivalence to apply to join HCPC’s register14.
Shortly after the applicant has been informed of the outcome, the AHCS will generate the applicant’s
Certificate of Equivalence (STP). An email will be sent to successful applicants when the Certificate is
available to download from the AHCS’ system.
6. Indicative timescales:
The STP equivalence process normally takes approximately six months, with each stage listed below
taking approximately 28 days. The AHCS will endeavour to progress applications as quickly as possible.
• Initial screening of application documents
• Assignment of assessors
• Portfolio assessment
• Allocation of interview date
• Interview
• Ratification and certification
7. Complaints and appeals
The AHCS has mechanisms to ensure that applicants, assessors, staff and the public have the
opportunity to participate fully in the development and improvement of services. It is expected that
all parties will take full advantage of these in making their views known through feedback.
It is recognised that there may be occasions when the applicant feels insufficient feedback has been
offered and for this reason a Complaints Procedure has been established. The Complaints Procedure
should be used when informal attempts to resolve the matter with the AHCS have not resolved an
issue. More information about the complaints process can be found at:
http://www.ahcs.ac.uk/about-us/about-the-academy-for-healthcare-science/a-z-of-academy-
policies/
Applicants also have the opportunity to appeal outcome decisions based on procedural matters
related to the Equivalence process. Appeals against judgements of assessors, ratification decisions or
other decisions made by the Education, Training and Professional Standards Committee will not be
accepted. Appeals must be made within 28 days of receipt of the outcome decision. Appeals will be
considered by a dedicated Appeals Panel and this panel may undertake an investigation including a
request for written statements or interviews as appropriate. The Appeals Panel will then summarise
their determination in a report, which will be provided to the appellant, the assessors and retained
on file by AHCS. The judgements of the Appeals Panel are final. The AHCS Appeals policy can be
found on the AHCS website: http://www.ahcs.ac.uk/equivalence/equivalence-guidance/
14 Further details about how to apply to HCPC can be found at: See http://www.hpc-uk.org/apply/
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8. Equality and diversity
The AHCS believes that excellence is achieved through recognising the positive value and
contribution of every individual. It is committed to providing an inclusive development culture in
which all individuals are:
• enabled and encouraged to participate fully;
• treated on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, with dignity and respect;
• valued for their positive contributions.
Further information on the equality and diversity policies of the AHCS can be found at:
http://www.ahcs.ac.uk/about-us/about-theacademy-for-healthcare-science/a-z-ofacademy-policies/
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Appendix 1: Abbreviations used in this guidance
AHCS Academy for Healthcare Science
CRB Criminal Record Bureau
CV Curriculum Vitae
DBS Disclosure and Barring Services
EEA European Economic Area
GSP Good Scientific Practice
HCPC Health and Care Professions Council
HCS Healthcare Science
IELTS International English Language Test System
ITB Internet Based Test
MSC Modernising Scientific Careers
NARIC National Recognition Information Centre
NSHCS National School of Healthcare Science
PSA Professional Standards Authority
SoPs Standards of Proficiency
STPE Scientist Training Programme Equivalence
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
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Appendix 2: Setting up an applicant profile
Applicants must create a personal profile on the AHCS online system, further details can be found in
appendix 1:
1. Go to https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/ and click Join the Register
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2. Click on Join the Academy Network and provide your details to sign up to the Academy
register. Complete the profile, upload a passport-size photograph and click Register
3. Once your details are registered and verified, you will be able to Log in and complete an
Application (see below).
4. Once you have signed in the first time you should see the screen below, select STP Equivalence
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If you already have an AHCS account, log in and if you do not see the screen above select Account
and select STP Equivalence.
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5. You can work through the menu above in any order, adding in the information and uploading
documentation as directed.
Remember:
You can save and return to the application at any point before final submission. Applicants should
save their work regularly. Note, once ‘Submit’ has been clicked, no part of the application can be
amended.
If you need further help, save your work and contact [email protected]
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Appendix 3: Additional Guidance on Evidence
The table below sets out additional guidance on evidence that may be submitted to support an
equivalence application. Please note, this is purely guidance and applicants may submit more or less
information for each domain of GSP. Any one piece of evidence can be used in support of more than
one domain or standard, but it is expected that more than one piece of evidence will be submitted
per domain.
Education, Qualifications, and Experience
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Examples of Evidence
Subject, type of course taken, date qualified and curriculum
Relevance against specialism – professional judgements and approved list
Current knowledge Examples of how applicant has maintained theoretical knowledge
Qualifications and credits Copies of qualifications Copy of NARIC certificate for applicants whose qualifications were obtained outside the UK
Employment CV and employment history Statements of supervision from appropriately qualified supervisors Employer’s reference
Domains of GSP
Domain Examples of Evidence
1 Professional Practice
1.1 Professional practice Personal references Health reference CPPD records PDP and reflective log signed by a senior scientist. Output from multi-source feedback Minutes demonstrating participation in team meetings 1.2 Probity
1.3 Working with colleagues
1.4 Training and developing others
Evidence of training that has been delivered Feedback from training sessions Witness statements Patient information or training information developed
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2 Scientific Practice
2.1 Scientific Practice Evidence of scientific and technical practice undertaken judged against the programme outcomes, the clinical experiential learning in the appropriate curriculum learning guide and the domains in GSP supported by a critical analysis of the evidence submitted Reports on placements or secondments. Project reports
2.2 Technical Practice
2.3 Quality Review and development of standard operating procedures Participation in audit Participation in appropriate quality management systems
3 Clinical Practice
3.1 Clinical Practice Evidence of clinical practice undertaken judged against the programme outcomes, the clinical experiential learning in the appropriate curriculum learning guide and the domains in GSP supported by a critical analysis of the evidence submitted. Case studies in which the applicant has been directly involved Evidence of advice/interpretation given to clinical staff Evidence of effective reports Witness statement
3.2 Investigation and Reporting
4 Research, Development and Innovation
4.1 Research, Development and Innovation
Evidence of undertaking and disseminating research, novel service development or innovation Peer reviewed publications Presentations/posters at scientific meetings Undertaking a research degree (PhD and Professional Doctorates)
5 Scientific and Clinical Leadership
5.1 Leadership Personal and employer references
Output from multi-source feedback
CV
Witness statements
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Appendix 4: Guidance for Referees
An equivalence application must be accompanied by two professional references, normally two of
the applicant’s supervisors, one of which must be from the most recent employer.
In preparing the reference, referees will find it helpful to review:
• the domains of Good Scientific Practice (GSP)
o Domain 1: Professional practice
o Domain 2: Scientific practice
o Domain 3: Clinical practice
o Domain 4: Research, development and innovation
o Domain 5: Clinical leadership
• a copy of the relevant Scientist Training Programme (STP) curriculum
Applicants are assessed against the standards set out in the GSP domains, in the context of the STP
Training curriculum for their particular speciality. The requirement is that the applicant can
demonstrate clinical competence and a level of specialist scientific knowledge commensurate with
an individual completing a relevant NSHSC accredited Scientist Training Programme.
The line manager (or other appropriate senior colleague) is asked to confirm:
• the applicant’s current duties and responsibilities
• that the applicant has undergone an appropriate/adequate period of supervised training in
the duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist and/or is working at the appropriate
clinical scientist level
Both referees are asked to confirm:
• the context in which they are writing the reference – for example as a line manager, or
supervisor, colleague
• how long they have known the applicant
• the applicant’s professional abilities, skills, knowledge and competences
• whether they support the application.
Referees must also provide the following information about themselves:
• their highest educational and professional qualifications, current position and place of work
• their position and place of work when the applicant was working with them
• their HCPC/GMC registration number if applicable.
• contact information, including email
The reference must be presented on official headed paper from the referee’s organisation.
When completed the reference should be sent to the applicant who will upload this onto
the AHCS system. There is no need for referees to liaise with the AHCS directly.
.
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Appendix 5: Good Scientific Practice Mapping Template
Any one piece of evidence can be used in support of more than one domain or subdomain, but it is expected that more than one piece of evidence will be
submitted per domain.
Good Scientific Practice Standard
Indicate the page numbers/section in your Portfolio which
demonstrates achievement of this Standard
Domain 1: Professional Practice
1.1 Professional Practice
1.1.1 Make the patient your first concern
1.1.2 Exercise your professional duty of care
1.1.3 Work within the agreed scope of practice for lawful, safe and effective healthcare
science
1.1.4 Keep your professional, scientific, technical knowledge and skills up to date
1.1.5 Engage fully in evidence based practice
1.1.6 Draw on appropriate skills and knowledge in order to make professional judgements
1.1.7 Work within the limits of your personal competence
1.1.8 Act without delay on concerns raised by patients or carers or if you have good
reason to believe that you or a colleague may be putting people at risk
1.1.9 Never discriminate unfairly against patients, carers or colleagues
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1.1.10 Treat each patient as an individual, respect their dignity and confidentiality and
uphold the rights, values and autonomy of every service user, including their role in the
diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and well-being.
1.1.11 Respond constructively to the outcome of audit, appraisals and performance reviews, undertaking further training where necessary
1.2 Probity
1.2.1 Make sure that your conduct at all times justifies the trust of patients, carers and
colleagues and maintains the public’s trust in the scientific profession
1.2.2 Inform the appropriate regulatory body without delay if, at any time, you have
accepted a caution, been charged with or found guilty of a criminal offence, or if any finding
has been made against you as a result of fitness to practice procedures, or if you are
suspended from a scientific post, or if you have any restrictions placed on your scientific,
clinical or technical practice
1.2.3 Be open, honest and act with integrity at all times, including but not limited to:
writing reports, signing documents, providing information about your qualifications,
experience, and position in the scientific community, and providing written and verbal
information to any formal enquiry or litigation, including that relating to the limits of your
scientific knowledge and experience
1.2.4 Take all reasonable steps to verify information in reports and documents, including
research
1.2.5 Work within the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics set by your
profession
1.3 Working with colleagues
1.3.1 Work with other professionals, support staff, service users, carers and relatives in the
ways that best serve patients’ interests
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1.3.2 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
1.3.3 Consult and take advice from colleagues where appropriate
1.3.4 Be readily accessible when you are on duty
1.3.5 Respect the skills and contributions of your colleagues
1.3.6 Participate in regular reviews of team performance.
1.4 Training and developing others
1.4.1 Contribute to the education and training of colleagues
1.4.2 If you have responsibilities for teaching, develop the skills, attitudes and practices of
a competent teacher
1.4.3 Ensure that junior colleagues and students are properly supervised
1.4.4 Support colleagues who have difficulties with performance, conduct or health
1.4.5 Share information with colleagues to protect patient safety
1.4.6 Provide work-based development for colleagues to enhance/improve skills and
knowledge
Domain 2: Scientific Practice
2.1 Scientific Practice
2.1.1 Develop investigative strategies/procedures/processes that take account of relevant
clinical and other sources of information
2.1.2 Provide scientific advice to ensure the safe and effective delivery of services
2.1.3 Undertake scientific investigations using qualitative and quantitative methods to aid
the screening, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and/or treatment of health and disorders
appropriate to the discipline
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2.1.4 Investigate and monitor disease processes and normal states
2.1.5 Provide clear reports using appropriate methods of analysing, summarising and
displaying information
2.1.6 Critically evaluate data, draw conclusions from it , formulate actions and recommend
further investigations where appropriate
2.2 Technical Practice
2.2.1 Provide technical advice to ensure the safe and effective delivery of services
2.2.2 Plan, take part in and act on the outcome of regular and systematic audit
2.2.3 Work within the principles and practice of instruments, equipment and methodology
used in the relevant scope of practice
2.2.4 Demonstrate practical skills in the essentials of measurement, data generation and
analysis
2.2.5 Assess and evaluate new technologies prior to their routine use
2.2.6 Identify and manage sources of risk in the workplace, including specimens, raw
materials, clinical and special waste, equipment, radiation and electricity.
2.2.7 Apply principles of good practice in health and safety to all aspects of the workplace
2.2.8 Apply correct methods of disinfection, sterilisation and decontamination and deal
with waste and spillages correctly.
2.2.9 Demonstrate appropriate level of skill in the use of information and communications
technology
2.3 Quality
2.3.1 Set, maintain and apply quality standards, control and assurance techniques for
interventions across all clinical, scientific and technological activities
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2.3.2 Make judgements on the effectiveness of processes and procedures
2.3.3 Participate in quality assurance programmes
2.3.4 Maintain an effective audit trail and work towards continuous improvement
Domain 3: Clinical Practice
3.1 Clinical Practice
3.1.1 Ensure that you and the staff you supervise understand the need for and obtain
relevant consent before undertaking any investigation, examination, provision of treatment,
or involvement of patients and carers in teaching or research
3.1.2 Ensure that you and the staff you supervise maintain confidentiality of patient
information and records in line with published guidance
3.1.3 Ensure that you and your staff understand the wider clinical consequences of
decisions made on your actions or advice
3.1.4 Demonstrate expertise in the wider clinical situation that applies to patients who
present in your discipline
3.1.5 Maintain up to date knowledge of the clinical evidence base that underpins the
services that you provide and/or supervise and ensure that these services are in line with the
best clinical evidence
3.1.6 Plan and determine the range of clinical/scientific investigations or products required
to meet diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative or treatment needs of patients, taking account
of the complete clinical picture
3.1.7 Plan and agree investigative strategies and clinical protocols for the optimal
diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of patients with a range of disorders
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3.1.8 Ensure that detailed clinical assessments are undertaken and recorded using
appropriate techniques and equipment and that the outcomes of these investigations are
reviewed regularly with users of the service
3.1.9 Ensure the provision of expert interpretation of complex and or specialist data across
your discipline in the context of clinical questions posed
3.1.10 Undertake and record a detailed clinical assessment using appropriate techniques
and equipment
3.1.11 Provide specialised clinical investigation and/or analysis appropriate to your discipline
3.1.12 Provide interpretation of complex and/or specialist data in the context of the clinical
question posed
3.1.13 Provide clinical advice based on results obtained, including a diagnostic or
therapeutic opinion for further action to be taken by the individual directly responsible for
the care of the patient
3.1.14 Provide expert clinical advice to stakeholders in order to optimise the efficiency and
effectiveness of clinical investigation of individuals and groups of patients
3.1.15 Prioritise the delivery of investigations, services or treatment based on clinical need
of patients
3.1.16 Represent your discipline in multidisciplinary clinical meetings to discuss patient
outcomes and the appropriateness of services provided
3.1.17 Ensure that regular and systematic clinical audit is undertaken and be responsible for
modifying services based on audit findings.
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3.2 Investigation and reporting
3.2.1 Plan and conduct scientific, technical, diagnostic, monitoring, treatment and
therapeutic procedures with professional skill and ensuring the safety of patients, the public
and staff
3.2.2 Perform investigations and procedures/design products to assist with the
management, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation or planning in relation to the range of
patient conditions/equipment within a specialist scope of practice
3.2.3 Monitor and report on progress of patient conditions/use of technology and the need
for further interventions.
3.2.4 Interpret and report on a range of investigations or procedures associated with the
management of patient conditions/equipment
Domain 4: Research, Development and Innovation
4.1 Research, Development and Innovation
4.1.1 Search and critically appraise scientific literature and other sources of information
4.1.2 Engage in evidence-based practice, participate in audit procedures and critically
search for, appraise and identify innovative approaches to practice and delivery of healthcare
4.1.3 Apply a range of research methodologies and initiate and participate in collaborative
research
4.1.4 Manage research and development within a governance framework
4.1.5 Develop, evaluate, validate and verify new scientific, technical, diagnostic, monitoring,
treatment and therapeutic procedures and, where indicated by the evidence, adapt and
embed them in routine practice
4.1.6 Evaluate research and other available evidence to inform own practice in order to
ensure that it remains at the leading edge of innovation.
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4.1.7 Interpret data in the prevailing clinical context
4.1.8 Perform experimental work, produce and present results
4.1.9 Present data, research findings and innovative approaches to practice to peers in
appropriate forms
4.1.10 Support the wider healthcare team in the spread and adoption of innovative
technologies and practice
Domain 5: Clinical Leadership
5.1 Leadership
5.1.1 Maintain responsibility when delegating healthcare activities and provide support as
needed
5.1.2 Respect the skills and contributions of your colleagues
5.1.3 Protect patients from risk or harm presented by another person’s conduct,
performance or health
5.1.4 Treat your colleagues fairly and with respect
5.1.5 Make suitable arrangements to ensure that roles and responsibilities are covered
when you are absent, including handover at sufficient level of detail to competent colleagues
5.1.6 Ensure that patients, carers and colleagues understand the role and responsibilities of
each member of the team
5.1.7 Ensure that systems are in place through which colleagues can raise concerns and take
steps to act on those concerns if justified
5.1.8 Ensure regular reviews of team performance and take steps to develop and strengthen
the team
5.1.9 Take steps to remedy any deficiencies in team performance
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5.1.10 Refer patients to appropriate health professionals
5.1.11 Identify and take appropriate action to meet the development needs of those for
whom you have management, supervision or training responsibilities
5.1.12 Act as an ambassador for the Healthcare Science community
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For further information please contact the Academy for Healthcare Science:
Academy for Healthcare Science - Registration c/o
Executive Business Support Ltd
City Wharf
Davidson Road
Lichfield
Staffs, WS14 9DZ