The HCPC has published analysis of retention rates among registrants who joined the HCPC Register via the international registration route, making up 15% of the HCPC register.

Key findings of the analysis include:

  • 34.2% (equivalent to just over 1 in 3) of all new international registrants left the HCPC Register within four years of joining.
  • Retention rates varied considerably between professions.
  • Retention rates varied considerably within professions, depending on the age, sex and country income group of registrants.
  • Registrants from low and middle income countries (LMIC) had the highest retention rates. Registrants from high income countries (HIC) outside of Europe had the lowest retention rates. Registrants from HIC within Europe had medium to high retention rates.
  • Younger registrants had lower retention rates than older registrants.
  • Female registrants had lower retention rates than male registrants.
  • The biggest single group of international route registrants were younger females, and almost half of the total were aged under 30. Our analysis has shown that females and younger registrants had lower retention rates.
UK Fitness to Practise News

Bernie O’Reilly, HCPC Chief Executive Officer, said on the HCPC website:

“Recruiting and retaining international health and care professionals is therefore a critical part of the workforce planning required to deliver safe and effective health and care services.  In 2023, we published analysis on the retention rates for the professionals we regulate who trained in the UK.

“We know that career transitions, such as joining the workforce as a new registrant, working in the UK for the first time or returning after a lengthy period away from the workforce, can be challenging for individuals.

“To support people during these significant moments in their careers, we have published Preceptorship Principles. High quality preceptorship improves retention and helps develop and maintain confident, safe and effective practice throughout the careers.

“Workforce planning is complex, and we hope this report (alongside the UK training route retention rate analyst’s report) provides useful information for employers, professional bodies and others responsible for workforce planning.”

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