If you're considering a career break, or are returning to clinical practice after a period away, read our frequently asked questions to find out what you'll need to do to.
Frequently asked questions about returning to practice
I am having a baby. Do I need to tell the HCPC and leave the register as I won’t be practicing for 12 months?
No, if you are due to be away from physiotherapy practice for less than two years, you do not need to inform the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and you can remain on the register.
I was having a career break and now I’m pregnant and will be off work for a further 12 months. Do I need to inform the HCPC and leave the register?
This depends on the timings, if you will be away from physiotherapy practice for more than two years, you will need to inform the HCPC.
I have been on maternity leave for 12 months and I’m worried about being called by HCPC for audit. Should I leave the HCPC register and do a return to practice when I come back after my maternity leave?
Not necessarily. If you will be away from physiotherapy practice for less than two years, you can remain on the register. If you are called for audit within this time, you will need to gather evidence for your submission from the time when you were in practice, prior to your maternity leave, as long as the evidence is from the previous two years.
I am taking a career break/working abroad. Do I need to inform the HCPC and leave the register?
It depends on the timing. If you will be away from UK physiotherapy practice for more than two years, you will need to inform the HCPC and come off the register. If you are considering working or volunteering abroad, please also consider your PLI needs and professional responsibilities.
I have taken a career break and now want to return to physio practice in the UK. Do I need to go through a return to practice process?
This depends on timing, if you have not been practising in the UK for more than two years, you will need to go through a return to practice process. If you have been away from physiotherapy practice for less than two years, you will not have to go through a return to practice process.
I have been working in academia for five years and I want to go back to clinical practice. Do I need to go through a return to practice process?
If you work in academia, or any non-clinical setting where you are still using your physiotherapy skills, such as lecturing or researching in the area of physiotherapy or health, you do not need to complete a return to practice process. Instead, you should remain on the HCPC register because your role is still within the scope of a physiotherapist. Just because you have moved away from clinical work doesn’t mean you are not using your physiotherapy skills. However, if you have been working in a non-clinical role and want to return to a clinical role but have lost confidence or feel you need support to do so you may be able to access this support through the Return to Practice programme from Health Education England if you live in England.
I have been working in a non-clinical leadership role for three years and I want to go back to clinical practice. Do I need to go through a return to practice process?
If you work in a management or leadership role (or any non-clinical setting) where you are still using your physiotherapy skills, such as physiotherapy management, AHP leadership or workforce leadership, you do not need to complete a return to practice process. Instead, you should remain on the HCPC register. This is because your role is still within the scope of a physiotherapist. Just because you have moved away from clinical work doesn’t mean you are not using your physiotherapy skills. However, if you have been working in a non-clinical role and want to return to a clinical role but have lost confidence or feel you need support to do so you may be able to access this support through the Return to Practice programme from Health Education England if you live in England.
I took six years off work to raise my children. I haven’t worked in healthcare for this period. Do I need to complete a return to practice process?
Yes. If you have been away from physiotherapy for more than two years, you will need to complete a return to practice process.
Is there any funding to support me returning to practice?
Yes, if you live in England or Wales there may be support for you through their national programmes. See advice and processes from Health Education England (HEE) and from Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).
This work has been partially funded by NHSE (formerly HEE).