Policies and Processes for HCPC and CSP Standards

Jan 29, 2025

Starting your private practice after a career in the NHS can feel like a significant transition. In the NHS, you’re used to clear governance frameworks and structured processes for complaints, safeguarding, risk management, incident reporting, and more. Transitioning to working for yourself can sometimes feel overwhelming – but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the key policies and processes you’ll need in private practice to meet your professional standards.
Here are the 10 key policies you’ll need, with references for easy access:
  1. Chaperones (QAS 2.6f): Clear procedures for patient chaperone provision and appropriate communication.
  2. Complaints (QAS 9.3.2): A structured complaints handling process, including Duty of Candour principles.
  3. Record Keeping (QAS 7.3.1d): Secure storage, disposal, and transportation of patient records, adhering to data protection regulations.
  4. Information Governance (QAS 6.3.1 & 6.3.2): Policies for data protection, confidentiality, and appropriate information sharing.
  5. Informed Consent (QAS 5.2 & 5.3): Clear procedures for obtaining informed consent from patients, including risk communication and decision-making support.
  6. Medical Devices (QAS 2.5.2): Safe and effective use, maintenance, and calibration of any medical devices used in practice.
  7. Safeguarding Adults (QAS 2.3.3b): Policies and procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults.
  8. Safeguarding Children (QAS 2.3.3b): Policies and procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns about the safety and well-being of children.
  9. Social Media (QAS 1.4c): Professional use of social media platforms, maintaining patient confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  10. Duty to Report (Whistleblowing) (CSP Paper 2022): Clear procedures for raising concerns about patient safety, quality of care, or misconduct within the profession.

What Do You Need to Do?

You’ll need to be aware of these processes and have written procedures that explain how you meet each requirement (where relevant). Here are a few examples to think about:
  • If you provide acupuncture or injection therapy, you’ll need clear processes for those.
  • Managing complaints? You’ll need to understand Duty of Candour.
  • How do you promote equality and diversity in your clinic?
  • Do you have a plan for keeping your clinic clean and safe to prevent infections (Infection Prevention and Control)?
  • If you work alone or visit patients in their homes, have you addressed lone working risks?
  • Is your mandatory training up to date?
There are also practical health and safety considerations:
  • Risk assessments, COSHH, sharps, and clinical waste – do you know the protocols?
  • If there’s an adverse incident (e.g., a patient falls, notes go missing, or a complaint arises), do you know how to log, report, and review it?
And lastly, how do you handle challenging situations? For example:
  • What would you do if someone became aggressive in your clinic?

Why It’s Important

Writing down these processes ensures that you and your team (if you have one) can :-
  • Prioritise patient safety and well-being.
  • Uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
  • Build trust and confidence with patients and other healthcare professionals.
  • Ensures adherence to HCPC and CSP standards, minimising legal and regulatory risks.
  • Handle these situations confidently and professionally.
It also ensures you’re fully compliant with HCPC and CSP standards, protecting your practice and your patients.

Need Help?

If you’d like support in setting up these policies or processes, check out our store or book a call with us. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

To stay up to date with HCPC compliance click here.