The weaknesses of voluntary regulation for health care support workers

Update to the December 2012 briefing on the weaknesses of voluntary regulation of support workers, calling for mandatory regulation underpinned by the law.

The RCN believes that mandatory regulation enshrined in law, is the only way to ensure that HCSWs are trained and educated with consistency and working to values and behaviours that all people receiving health care in the UK should expect. No system of voluntary regulation will assure the protection of the public and risks creating confusion rather than consistency.

For further information, please email papa.ukintl.dept@rcn.org.uk