> Updates & Events > BAMT Blog > Ready to return to practice? Find out how. A guest blog from Natasha Pisarski from NHS England (NHSE)

Ready to return to practice? Find out how. A guest blog from Natasha Pisarski from NHS England (NHSE)

Tue 12 Nov 2024 - Natasha Pisarski
Are you interested in coming back to the profession you love? Or know someone or is? Find out how to go about it. You may be surprised to find out how simple the process is and how much support is available to you! 
“I was worried that during my time away from the profession, things would have moved on. I was particularly concerned that I would be lacking in experience compared to other art therapists and find it more difficult to get a job.   
 
My main source of support was the Return to Practice team who helped me navigate the process and find that all-important placement experience which built my confidence back up. Before being linked up with the team I had struggled for a year, but with their support things fell into place.”  

- Sheila, who has recently returned as an Art Therapist

The NHS England Return to Practice Programme

The NHSE Return to Practice (RTP) programme started in 2017 and supports former registrants to regain their HCPC registration and bring their skills back to their profession. This is something to celebrate and each returner makes a valuable contribution.

What do you need to do?

If you’re registered with the HCPC and have been out of the profession for less than two years, there is no need for any additional study or work experience. You can apply for relevant jobs straight away. 

If you are an art therapist who has been off the register for more than two years, you will need to update your knowledge and skills via the return to practice process. This will also give you the chance to build your confidence so that you’re ready to rejoin the workplace.   

What does the RTP programme offer you?

You’ll have: 

expert support via phone or email while you return to the register
financial support 
help to make local connections to find supervised practice 
peer support through a closed Facebook group 
access to commissioned programmes such as the Virtual Learning Programme for HCPC returners which can be accessed at a time and place to suit you.  

Return to practice requirements are flexible and self-directed to allow you, as a returning professional, the autonomy to update your knowledge and skills and increase your confidence in a way that best suits your personal circumstances. This may be through supervised practice, private studies or formal ones. 

How can you find out more?

Please see the RTP programme website for further information and resources and get in touch by emailing the NHSE Return to Practice programme team at: england.r2pahp-hcs@nhs.net

We are looking forward to supporting you back into your profession!

Are you an employer wanting to find out more about supporting someone back into practice? Did you know that you can claim £500 from NHS England to help you support a returner with supervised practice? Please get in touch at  england.r2pahp-hcs@nhs.net  

Support in Wales

Visit this page. 

Support in Scotland

Peter Glover
NHS Education for Scotland
Allied Health Professions Programme
ahp.practice.ed@nes.scot.nhs.uk