Every year, following the conclusion of the re-registration and CPD audit period, the Registration Standards Committee (RSC) meets to review the re-registration process and outcomes, and to discuss feedback from registrants and assessors. The committee values all positive and constructive feedback and we would like to thank those who contacted us this year.
Since the introduction of online re-registration in 2019, the RSC has made regular revisions to the re-registration and audit processes and associated documentation. The merger of HPSET and NAHPS to form the new Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS), presented an opportunity to make significant changes to the website and, most notably, to the CPD Profile requirements which were brought in line with those for NMC nursing revalidation.
- We reduced the CPD activity requirement from 15 to 12 hours annually.
- We reduced the number of Reflections from 6 to 5 over the three years of the audit period.
- We allowed ‘Mentoring’ to be used to meet 50% of the annual CPD activity requirement for each year of a student placement.
- We authorized auto-deletion of the contents of the Profile Form between submissions.
- We worked with our web designer to improve registrants’ use of the online Profile Form. This included improving instructions for uploading and saving data and submitting the Profile Form.
These developments have resulted in a reduction in IT referrals this year. Just nine IT referrals were made between November 2024 and May 2025, all of which were resolved. The RSC extend grateful thanks to SoHPS’ webmaster for his diligence in this area.
Given the progress made to date, we are reluctant to introduce any significant changes to the re-registration and audit processes for 2026, so most things will stay the same going forward:
- All registered HPS are required to renew their registration (re-register) annually, by completing and submitting the online re-registration form and paying the annual fee.
- All registrants are required to maintain a CPD Profile and to review this with their line manager every year.
- All registrants are required to submit their CPD Profile for review every 3 years.
- Auto-approval of 50% of profile submissions will continue in 2026, in order to maintain the integrity of the assessment process.
All first submissions, late submissions and those identified for special consideration continue to receive a full assessment.
- The Profile of the Year Award will be preserved as a way of recognising exceptional reflective writing and practice.
All registrants have the chance of being nominated for the Award over the course of two consecutive submissions of their CPD Profile.
- We will continue to offer online CPD Profile Guidance Sessions to recent graduates, and to other groups based on demand.
WHAT’S NEW?
- We will produce a PowerPoint version of the CPD Profile Guidance Session to make it more widely available and accessible by all registrants.
- We are creating guidance for managers regarding their role in reviewing and signing off CPD Profiles.
- We are revising the guidance on maintaining confidentiality in CPD Profiles, with the aim of reducing the number of inadvertent breaches.
- We are revising the CPD Profile Guidelines to include advice for those submitting for the first time, and to clarify the adjustments made for mentors.
- We are liaising with colleges to standardise the advice issued regarding SoHPS’ CPD requirements.
- We are introducing a revised protocol for HPS wishing to return to practice following a career break.
Please contact the registration coordinator for further information about any of the above.
Tracy Sutherland
Chief Registration Officer, Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS)