Standards of proficiency for physiotherapists

This document sets out the proposed changes to the standards of proficiency for physiotherapists.

The column on the left shows new standards in effect from 1 September 2023 and compares to current standards on the right. The
current standards are not presented in their numerical order and instead organised to allow direct comparison with the relevant new
standard. Numbering refers to the new standards only.

Deletions are indicated in the text by strikethrough whilst additions are shown in bold. Generic standards are indicated by shaded
cells. These are standards which apply across all 15 professions. White cells are profession-specific standards. These are unique
to each profession, although in many cases these are still consistent across multiple professions.

The current standards of proficiency for physiotherapists are available to download and view for comparison at:
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/physiotherapists

REVISED June 2023

 New standard
No. Current Standard
be able to practise safely and effectively within be able to practise safely and effectively within their scope of
1
their scope of practice practice
know identify the limits of their practice and when to
know the limits of their practice and when to seek advice or refer
1.1 seek advice or refer to another professional or
to another professional
service
recognise the need to manage their own workload
and resources safely and effectively, including recognise the need to manage their own workload and resources
1.2
managing the emotional burden that comes with effectively and be able to practise accordingly
working in a pressured environment
understand both the need to keep their skills and
knowledge up to date and understand the understand both the need to keep skills and knowledge up to date
1.3
importance of continuing professional and the importance of career-long learning
development throughout their career

be able to practise within the legal and ethical be able to practise within the legal and ethical
2
boundaries of their profession boundaries of their profession
maintain high standards of personal and
2.1
professional conduct
promote and protect the service user’s interests at understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at
2.2
all times all times
understand the importance of safeguarding by
actively looking for signs of abuse,
demonstrating understanding of relevant
2.3
safeguarding processes, and engaging in these
and the need to engage in appropriate safeguarding
processes where necessary
understand what is required of them by the Health understand what is required of them by the Health and Care
2.4
and Care Professions Council, including but not Professions Council

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 limited to the Standards of conduct,
performance and ethics
understand the need to respect and uphold the
rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service understand the need to respect and uphold the rights, dignity,
users, including their role in the assessment, values, and autonomy of service users including their role in the
2.5
diagnostic, treatment and / or therapeutic process diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and
and in maintaining health and wellbeing wellbeing

recognise that relationships with service users,

carers and others should be based on mutual recognise that relationships with service users should be based on
2.6 respect and trust, and be able to maintaining high mutual respect and trust, and be able to maintain high standards
standards of care in all circumstances even in of care even in situations of personal incompatibility
situations of personal incompatibility
understand the importance of and be able to obtain
valid consent, which is voluntary and informed,
has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to understand the importance of and be able to obtain informed
2.7
the circumstances and is appropriately consent
documented

understand the importance of capacity in the

2.8
context of delivering care and treatment
understand the scope of be able to exercise a
2.9 be able to exercise a professional duty of care
professional duty of care, and exercise that duty
understand and apply about current legislation,
know about current legislation applicable to the work of their
2.10 policies and guidance relevant applicable to the
profession
work of their profession and scope of practice
recognise the power imbalance which comes
2.11 with being a health care professional, and
ensure they do not abuse this for personal gain

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 look after their health and wellbeing, seeking
3 appropriate support where necessary be able to be able to maintain fitness to practise
maintain fitness to practise
identify anxiety and stress in themselves and
recognise the potential impact on their practice understand the need to maintain high standards of personal and
3.1
understand the need to maintain high standards of professional conduct
personal and professional conduct
understand the importance of their own mental and
physical health and wellbeing strategies in
3.2 maintaining fitness to practise be able to take understand the importance of maintaining their own health
appropriate action if their health may affect their
ability to practise safely and effectively
understand how to take appropriate action if their
health may affect their ability to practise safely and
3.3
effectively, including seeking help and support when
necessary
develop and adopt clear strategies for physical
and mental self-care and self-awareness, to
maintain a high standard of professional
3.4 effectiveness and a safe working environment
understand the role that coping strategies can play
in maintaining fitness to practise and the importance
of seeking help and support when necessary

be able to practise as an autonomous

be able to practise as an autonomous professional,
4 professional, exercising their own professional
exercising their own professional judgement
judgement
recognise that they are personally responsible for recognise that they are personally responsible for and must be
and must be able to justify their decisions and able to justify their decisions
4.1
actions

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 be able to use their skills, knowledge and
experience, and the information available to them, to
4.2 make informed decisions and / or initiate solutions
take action where necessary

be able to make reasoned decisions to initiate, be able to make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or
continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and
4.3 techniques or procedures, and record the decisions record the decisions and reasoning appropriately
and reasoning appropriately

be able to make and receive appropriate referrals,

4.4 be able to make and receive appropriate referrals
where necessary
be able to initiate resolution of problems and be able
be able to initiate resolution of problems and be able to exercise
4.5 to exercise personal initiative
personal initiative
be able to demonstrate a logical and systematic be able to demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to
4.6
approach to problem solving problem solving
be able to use research, reasoning and problem
solving skills to when determining appropriate be able to use research, reasoning and problem solving skills to
4.7
actions determine appropriate actions

understand the importance need for of active

participation in training, supervision and mentoring
in supporting high standards of practice, and understand the importance of participation in training, supervision
4.8
personal and professional conduct, and the and mentoring
importance of demonstrating this in practice

recognise the impact of culture, equality and

be aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on
5 diversity on practice and practise in a non-
practice
discriminatory and inclusive manner

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 understand the need to adapt practice to respond
appropriately to the needs of all different groups and
individuals in practice, recognising this can be
understand the requirement to adapt practice to meet the needs of
5.1 affected by difference of any kind including, but
different groups and individuals
not limited to, protected characteristics1,
intersectional experiences and cultural
differences
understand equality legislation and apply it to their
5.2
practice
be aware of the recognise the potential impact of
their own values, and beliefs and personal biases
(which may be unconscious) on practice and take
5.3
personal action to ensure all service users and
carers are treated appropriately with respect and
dignity
5.4 understand the duty to make reasonable
adjustments in practice and be able to make and
support reasonable adjustments in theirs and
others’ practice
5.5 recognise the characteristics and consequences
of barriers to inclusion, including for socially
isolated groups
5.6 actively challenge these barriers, supporting the
implementation of change wherever possible
5.7 recognise that regard to equality, diversity and
inclusion needs to be embedded in the
application of all HCPC standards, across all
areas of practice

1
The Equality Act 2010 defines the protected characteristics as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage
and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. Equivalent equality legislation in Northern Ireland protects age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief
and sexual orientation.

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 be able to recognise the need to identify and take be able to recognise the need to identify and take account of the
5.8 account of the physical, psychological, social and physical, psychological, social and cultural needs of individuals
cultural needs of individuals and communities and communities

understand the importance of and be able to understand the importance of and be able to maintain
6.
maintain confidentiality confidentiality
be aware of the limits of the concept of adhere to
6.1 the professional duty of confidentiality and be aware of the limits of the concept of confidentiality
understand when disclosure may be required
understand the principles of information and data
governance and be aware of the safe and effective understand the principles of information governance and be aware
6.2
use of health, social care and other relevant of the safe and effective use of health and social care information
information
be able to recognise and respond appropriately in a
be able to recognise and respond appropriately to situations
timely manner to situations where it is necessary to
6.3 where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service
share information to safeguard service users,
users or the wider public
carers and / or the wider public
understand the need to ensure confidentiality is
maintained in all situations in which service
6.4
users rely on additional communication support
(such as interpreters or translators)
recognise that the concepts of confidentiality
and informed consent extend to all mediums,
6.5 including illustrative clinical records such as
photography, video and audio recordings and
digital platforms

be able to communicate effectively

7 be able to communicate effectively

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 be able to use effective and appropriate verbal and be able to demonstrate effective and appropriate verbal and non-
7.1 non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, verbal skills in communicating information, advice, instruction and
carers, colleagues and others professional opinion to service users, colleagues and others
be able to communicate in English to the required
be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to
standard for their profession (equivalent to level 7
7.2 level 7 of the International English Language Testing System, with
of the International English Language Testing
no element below 6.5
System, with no element below 6.5)2
understand the characteristics and
consequences of verbal and non-verbal
communication and recognise how these can be understand how communication skills affect assessment of, and
affected by difference of any kind including, but engagement with, service users and how the means of
7.3
not limited to, protected characteristics, communication should be modified to address and take account of
intersectional experiences and cultural factors such as age, capacity, learning ability and physical ability
differences

be able to work with service users and / or their

carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in
decision-making, and provide service users and
7.4
carers with the information they may need where
appropriate

modify their own means of communication to

address the individual communication needs and be able to select, move between and use appropriate forms of
7.5 preferences of service users and carers, and verbal and non-verbal communication with service users and
remove any barriers to communication where others
possible

2
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests competence in the English language. Applicants who have qualified outside of the UK,
whose first language is not English and who are not applying through the Swiss Mutual Recognition Route (SMR) must provide evidence that they have
reached the necessary standard. More information available here: Statement on English language proficiency requirements for internationally trained health
and care professionals | (hcpc-uk.org).

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 understand the need to support the communication
7.6 needs of service users and carers, such as through
the use of an appropriate interpreter
be able to use information, and communication and
digital technologies appropriate to their practice
7.7
understand the need to provide service users or
people acting on their behalf with the information
7.8
necessary in accessible formats to enable them to
make informed decisions
understand the need to assist the communication needs of service
users such as through the use of an appropriate interpreter,
wherever possible
be aware of the characteristics and consequences of verbal and
non-verbal communication and how this can be affected by factors
such as age, culture, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and
spiritual or religious beliefs
understand the need to provide service users or people acting on
their behalf with the information necessary to enable them to
make informed decisions

be able to work appropriately with others

8 be able to work appropriately with others
be able to work, where appropriate, in partnership
with service users, their relatives and carers, be able to work, where appropriate, in partnership with service
8.1
colleagues other professionals, support staff and users, other professionals, support staff and others
others
recognise the principles and practices of other
8.2 health and care professionals and systems and
how they interact with their profession
understand the need to build and sustain
understand the need to build and sustain professional
professional relationships as both an independent
8.3 relationships as both an independent practitioner and
autonomous practitioner and collaboratively as a
collaboratively as a member of a team
member of a team
be able to contribute effectively to work undertaken be able to contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a
8.4
as part of a multi-disciplinary team multi-disciplinary team
identify anxiety and stress in service users,
8.5 carers and colleagues, adapting their practice
and providing support where appropriate

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 understand the qualities, behaviours and benefits of
8.6 leadership and be able to apply them in the context
of your practice
recognise that leadership is a skill all
8.7
professionals can demonstrate
identify their own leadership qualities,
behaviours and approaches, taking into account
8.8
the importance of equality, diversity and
inclusion
demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate
8.9
to their practice
act as a role model for others
8.10
promote and engage in the learning of others
8.11
understand the need to engage service users and
understand the need to engage service users and carers in
carers in planning and evaluating diagnostics, and
8.12 planning and evaluating diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions
therapeutic interventions to meet their needs and
to meet their needs and goals
goals
understand the need to agree the goals, priorities
understand the need to agree the goals, priorities and methods of
8.13 and methods of physiotherapy intervention in
physiotherapy intervention in partnership with the service user
partnership with the service user

be able to maintain records appropriately

9 be able to maintain records appropriately
be able to keep full, clear and accurate,
be able to keep accurate, comprehensive and comprehensible
comprehensive and comprehensible records in
9.1 records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and
accordance with applicable legislation, protocols
guidelines
and guidelines

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 recognise the need to manage records and all other
recognise the need to manage records and all other information in
9.2 information in accordance with applicable
accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines
legislation, protocols and guidelines
9.3 use digital record keeping tools, where required

be able to reflect on and review practice

10 be able to reflect on and review practice
understand the value of reflection reflective practice
understand the value of reflection on practice and the need to
10.1 and the need to record the outcome of such
record the outcome of such reflection
reflection to support continuous improvement
recognise the value of multidisciplinary reviews,
recognise the value of case conferences, supervision and other
10.2 case conferences and other methods of review
methods of reflecting on and reviewing practice

be able to assure the quality of their practice

11
be able to engage in evidence-based practice
11.1
be able to gather and use feedback and information,
11.2 including qualitative and quantitative data, to
evaluate the responses of service users to their care
be able to monitor and systematically evaluate the
quality of practice, and maintain an effective audit
11.3 trail quality management and quality assurance
process working to work towards continual
improvement
be able to participate in audit procedures and quality
11.4
management, including quality control, quality
be able to assure the quality of their practice
be able to engage in evidence-based practice, evaluate practice
systematically and participate in audit procedures
be able to gather information, including qualitative and quantitative
data, that helps to evaluate the responses of service users to their
care
be aware of the role of audit and review in quality management,
including quality control, quality assurance and the use of
appropriate outcome measures
be able to maintain an effective audit trail and work towards
continual improvement

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 assurance, clinical governance and the use of
appropriate outcome measures
be able to evaluate care plans or intervention plans
using recognised and appropriate outcome
11.5 measures, in conjunction with the service user
where possible, and revise the plans as necessary
in conjunction with the service user
recognise the value of gathering and using
11.6 contributing to the generation of data for quality
assurance and improvement programmes
be able to evaluate intervention plans to ensure that
they meet the physiotherapy needs of service users,
11.7 informed by changes in circumstances and health
status
be able to evaluate intervention plans using recognised outcome
measures and revise the plans as necessary in conjunction with
the service user
recognise the need to monitor and evaluate the quality of practice
and the value of contributing to the generation of data for quality
assurance and improvement programmes
be able to evaluate intervention plans to ensure that they meet the
physiotherapy needs of service users, informed by changes in
circumstances and health status

engage with healthcare technologies and health

infomatics to record, audit and evaluate
11.8 decision-making, the delivery of care and its
outcomes

understand and apply the key concepts of the understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant
12
knowledge base relevant to their profession to their profession
understand the structure and function of the human
understand the structure and function of the human body, together
body, together with knowledge of physical and
12.1 with knowledge of health, disease, disorder and dysfunction
mental health, disease, disorder and dysfunction
relevant to their profession
relevant to their profession
be aware of demonstrate awareness of the
principles and applications of scientific enquiry, be aware of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry,
12.2
including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and including the evaluation of interventions and the research process
the research process

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 recognise the role(s) of other professions in health
12.3 and social care and understand how they may relate recognise the role of other professions in health and social care
to the role of physiotherapist
understand the structure and function of health,
understand the structure and function of health and social care
12.4 care and social care systems and services in the
services in the UK
UK
understand the theoretical basis of, and the variety understand the theoretical basis of, and the variety of approaches
12.5
of approaches to, assessment and intervention to, assessment and intervention
understand the following aspects of biological
science:

– normal human anatomy and physiology, including

the dynamic relationships of human structure and
function as related to the neuromuscular logical,
musculoskeletal, cardio-vascular and respiratory
systems
– the integration and interplay of other human
12.6 body systems and how they influence the
neurological, musculoskeletal, cardio-vascular
and respiratory systems
– patterns of human growth and development
across the lifespan
– factors influencing individual variations in human
ability and health status
– how the application of physiotherapy can cause
physiological and structural change
understand the following aspects of biological science:
– normal human anatomy and physiology, including the dynamic
relationships of human structure and function as related to the
neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardio-vascular and respiratory
systems
– patterns of human growth and development across the lifespan
– factors influencing individual variations in human ability and
health status
– how the application of physiotherapy can cause physiological
and structural change

understand the following aspects of physical

understand the following aspects of physical science:
12.7 science:

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 – the principles and theories from physics,
biomechanics, applied exercise science and
ergonomics that can be applied to physiotherapy
– the means by which the physical sciences can
inform the understanding and analysis of movement
and function
– the principles and application of measurement
techniques based on biomechanics or
electrophysiology
– the application of anthropometric and ergonomic
principles
understand the following aspects of clinical science:
– pathological changes and related clinical features
commonly encountered in physiotherapy practice
– physiological, structural, behavioural and
functional changes that can result from
12.8
physiotherapy intervention and disease progression
– the specific contribution that physiotherapy can
potentially make to enhancing individuals’ functional
ability, together with the evidence base for this
– the different concepts and approaches that inform
the development of physiotherapy intervention
understand the following aspects of behavioural
science:
– psychological, social and cultural factors that
12.9
influence an individual in health and illness,
including their responses to the management of
their health status and related physiotherapy
interventions
EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023
– the principles and theories from physics, biomechanics, applied
exercise science and ergonomics that can be applied to
physiotherapy
– the means by which the physical sciences can inform the
understanding and analysis of movement and function
– the principles and application of measurement techniques based
on biomechanics or electrophysiology
– the application of anthropometric and ergonomic principles
understand the following aspects of clinical science:
– pathological changes and related clinical features commonly
encountered in physiotherapy practice
– physiological, structural, behavioural and functional changes
that can result from physiotherapy intervention and disease
progression
– the specific contribution that physiotherapy can potentially make
to enhancing individuals’ functional ability, together with the
evidence base for this
– the different concepts and approaches that inform the
development of physiotherapy intervention
understand the following aspects of behavioural science:
– psychological, social and cultural factors that influence an
individual in health and illness, including their responses to the
management of their health status and related physiotherapy
interventions
– how psychology, sociology and cultural diversity inform an
understanding of health, illness and health care in the context of
 – how psychology, sociology and cultural diversity physiotherapy and the incorporation of this knowledge into
inform an understanding of health, illness and health physiotherapy practice
care in the context of physiotherapy and the – theories of communication relevant to effective interaction with
incorporation of this knowledge into physiotherapy service users, carers, colleagues, managers and other health and
practice social care professionals
– theories of communication relevant to effective – theories of team working
interaction with service users, carers, colleagues,
managers and other health and social care
professionals
– theories of health promotion and behavioural
change
– theories of team working
be able to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills be able to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to
13
to inform practice inform practice
be able to change their practice as needed to take
account of new developments, technologies and be able to change their practice as needed to take account of new
13.1
changing contexts developments or changing contexts

be able to gather appropriate information

13.2 be able to gather appropriate information
be able to analyse and critically evaluate the
13.3 information collected be able to analyse and critically evaluate the information collected

be able to select and use appropriate assessment

13.4 be able to select and use appropriate assessment techniques
techniques and equipment
be able to undertake and record a thorough,
be able to undertake and record a thorough, sensitive and detailed
13.5 sensitive and detailed assessment, using
assessment, using appropriate techniques and equipment
appropriate techniques and equipment
be able to undertake or arrange investigations as be able to undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate
13.6 appropriate

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 be able to conduct appropriate diagnostic
assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, be able to conduct appropriate diagnostic or monitoring
13.7
therapy or other actions safely and effectively procedures, treatment, therapy, or other actions safely and
effectively
recognise be aware of a range of research
13.8 methodologies relevant to their role be aware of a range of research methodologies

recognise the value of research to the critical recognise the value of research to the critical evaluation of
13.9 evaluation of practice practice

be able to critically evaluate research and other

13.10
evidence to inform their own practice
engage service users in research as appropriate
13.11
be able to construct, deliver and evaluate individual
13.12 and group physiotherapy programmes be able to deliver and evaluate physiotherapy programmes

Be able to undertake and record a thorough,

sensitive and detailed assessment, using be able to undertake and record a thorough, sensitive and detailed
13.13
appropriate techniques and equipment assessment, using appropriate techniques and equipment

be able to form a working diagnosis on the basis of

physiotherapy assessment be able to form a diagnosis on the basis of physiotherapy
13.14
assessment

be able to formulate specific and appropriate

13.15 management plans including the setting of
timescales
be able to apply problem solving and clinical
13.16 reasoning to assessment findings to plan and
prioritise appropriate physiotherapy
be able to formulate specific and appropriate management plans
including the setting of timescales
be able to apply problem solving and clinical reasoning to
assessment findings to plan and prioritise appropriate
physiotherapy

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 recognise the need to discuss, and be able to
explain the rationale for, the use of physiotherapy recognise the need to discuss, and be able to explain the rationale
13.17
interventions for, the use of physiotherapy interventions

be able to select, plan, implement and manage

be able to select, plan, implement and manage physiotherapy
physiotherapy interventions aimed at the facilitation
13.18 interventions aimed at the facilitation and restoration of movement
and restoration of movement and function
and function
know how to position or immobilise service users for
know how to position or immobilise service users for safe and
13.19 safe and effective interventions
effective interventions
be able to select and apply safe and effective
physiotherapy specific practice skills including
be able to select and apply safe and effective physiotherapy
manual therapy, exercise and movement,
13.20 specific practice skills including manual therapy, exercise and
electrotherapeutic modalities and kindred
movement, electrotherapeutic modalities and kindred approaches
approaches

evaluate data about trends in population health,

13.21 to inform their own practice

understand the need to establish and maintain a understand the need to establish and maintain a safe
14
safe practice environment practice environment
understand the need to maintain the safety of
themself and others, including both service users, understand the need to maintain the safety of both service users
14.1
carers and colleagues and those involved in their and those involved in their care
care

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 be aware of applicable demonstrate awareness of
be aware of applicable health and safety legislation, and any
relevant health and safety legislation, and any
relevant safety policies and procedures in force at the workplace,
relevant safety policies and procedures in force at
such as incident reporting, and be able to act in accordance with
14.2 the workplace, such as incident reporting, and be
these
able to act in accordance with these and comply
with all local operational procedures and
policies
be able to work safely, including being able to select be able to work safely, including being able to select appropriate
appropriate hazard control and risk management, hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination
14.3
reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and
and in accordance with health and safety legislation safety legislation
be able to select appropriate personal protective be able to select appropriate personal protective equipment and
14.4
equipment and use it correctly use it correctly
be able to establish safe environments for practice, be able to establish safe environments for practice, which
which appropriately manages risk to service users, minimise risks to service users, those treating them and others,
14.5
those treating them and others, including the use of including the use of hazard control and particularly infection
hazard control and particularly infection control control
understand and be able to apply appropriate moving
know and be able to apply appropriate moving and handling
14.6 and handling techniques
techniques

15 promote health and prevent ill health

understand the role of their profession in health
15.1 promotion, health education and preventing ill-
health
understand how social, economic and
environmental factors (wider determinants of
15.2
health) can influence a person’s health and well-
being

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

 empower and enable individuals (including
15.3 service users and colleagues) to play a part in
managing their own health
engage in occupational health, including being
15.4
aware of immunisation requirements

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