Menu Log in Search Search You are here HomeAbout occupational therapyReturning to practiceSupporting a returner Supporting a returner The College encourages services and practitioners to support those wishing to return to practice. Returners are a source of experience, motivated to learn and keen to get back into the workplace. Being a supervisor for a returner is a good way to keep your own practice and professional reasoning skills up to date, as you are asked to explain, teach and supervise. You can reflect on and record the experience as a CPD activity. The HCPC has some information and some requirements for the supervisor in the Returning to Practice brochure. This information sheet summarises similar information and provides further advice. Return to Practice - Advice for supervisors and managers (2018) (PDF, 629.59KB) Below are the things you need to consider when supporting a learner: The status of the returner The returner can be taken on under a volunteer’s agreement, an honorary (unpaid) contract, or perhaps with a short-term therapy assistant contract. In all circumstances, the host organisation has a duty of care for the returner and should provide insurance under its vicarious liability arrangements. You will also need to arrange induction training. In return, the returner should be expected to meet all the usual expectations for those working in the organisations’ premises. Criminal record checks The returner must have a criminal records check before they start their placement. This is usually done by the host organisation. If the returner is taken on as a volunteer there is no charge for the process. Delegation of tasks Although the returner cannot use the title or be employed as an occupational therapist until they are on the HCPC register, they can still carry out occupational therapy tasks that are delegated to them, as with a therapy assistant or student. As the supervisor, it is up to you to judge their level of capability and confidence. Do this through discussion and observation. Please see the , sections 6.2.1, 6.5.1, 6.5.2 and 6.5.3 and the College . If the returner has relatively little former experience, you may find it useful to use the College’s which identifies the profile of a graduate level entrant to the profession. Or the preceptorship framework which provides a structured way to support new graduates, ensuring that they have their basic core capabilities. Supervision For help with developing and maintaining health supervision practices have a look at the . Signing the HCPC forms The supervisor is required to sign the returner’s HCPC forms to confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, it is a true record. It is not signing to confirm that the returner is fit to practice. In the rare case where you consider that the returner is not fit to practise you should feed this back to the returner. If you are able and willing to help them to improve their capabilities, that is a service well done. If you consider that the returner actually poses a potential risk to the public, you should consider informing the HCPC. Ideas for finding a supervised placement For guidance with finding a supervised placement have a look at: Share Occupational therapy jobs Website terms and conditions Privacy Policy RCOT and GDPR Compliments and complaints Get in touch Royal College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street London SE1 1LB T: 020 3141 4600 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (or 'RCOT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47. © Copyright 2019 Royal College of Occupational Therapists. All rights reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. You can change your cookies settings at any time through your browser settings. OK, I agree Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest