BPS responds to Professional Standards Authority report into safety in Health and Social Care

The report highlights the serious and concerning workforce shortages in health and social care which we already know are having an impact on patients, families and carers The BPS strongly believes that action on workforce shortages is an urgent priority for government and supports the recommendation that all four UK governments should work together to develop a coherent strategy for the regulation of professionals.

It is welcome to see a focus on the issue of widening health inequalities and the need to tackle this area of growing concern, ensuring that diverse user voices are heard.

With the BPS operating a PSA accredited register for the Wider Psychological Workforce, it is acutely aware of the importance of its role in supporting patients, service users and the psychological workforce.

The Psychological Workforce is a vital element of tackling the workforce crisis and ensuring people can access the care and support they need. It is also crucial that the existing workforce is well supported, particularly given the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on staff morale, wellbeing and retention and recruitment. We welcome the opportunity this report provides to highlight and strengthen regulation for the society's practitioner members regulated by the Heath and Care Professions Council.

Sarb Bajwa, Chief Executive of the BPS, said:

"This report makes for important reading and addresses a number of concerns. The BPS is committed to working with the PSA, other stakeholders and government in order to ensure patient safety is the priority, and that the workforce, in all its forms is in place with the necessary support, supervision, and funding needed to provide high quality care to those that need it."