New guidance on the use of psychological professions titles
NHS England has published new guidance to bring greater consistency and clarity for patients and the public on the use of psychological professions titles across NHS commissioned healthcare in England.
Developed in partnership with professional bodies, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the guidance sets out NHS England’s expected approach to the use of psychological profession titles across NHS commissioned services.
Professional registration requirements remain unchanged for roles that require HCPC registration. There is no legal requirement for employers to use accredited registers, unless this is set out in a local role requirement. However, NHS England is strongly advising employers to follow the guidance and make use of accredited registers where relevant, because they support safer recruitment, clearer workforce governance and greater public confidence. Employers are encouraged to align with the guidance by 31 March 2027.
The guidance asks employers and individuals to use specific psychological profession titles consistently, and to adopt accredited registers for NHS commissioned services where these apply.
The guidance does not create any additional legal obligations for employers. It should be used alongside any specific workforce or service pathway requirements, and the professional registration and qualification check standards.
What this means for employers
Inconsistent use of professional titles can create confusion for employers, staff, patients and the public, particularly where some titles are not legally protected. Using accredited registers consistently where relevant can help employers make informed recruitment decisions, support workforce governance, and provide reassurance to patients that practitioners have met recognised professional standards.
Employers may find it helpful to consider the guidance in two parts: what it means for new recruitment, and how it should be managed for existing staff.
New recruitment
For new recruitment, NHS England is asking employers to review person specifications and recruitment processes to make sure registration requirements align with the guidance. Where a role uses a psychological profession title covered by the guidance, employers must check that applicants hold the appropriate statutory registration where this is required. Employers are strongly advised to check that applicants hold the appropriate accredited registration before appointment where this applies.
Existing staff
For existing staff, NHS England is asking employers to work with local psychological professions leaders to review how the guidance applies to their current workforce. Most of the existing psychological workforce in the NHS is understood to already be on a professional register, either statutory or voluntary. Where staff are not on the relevant accredited register, employers should encourage them to obtain the recognised registration for their role voluntarily and consider appropriate transitional arrangements, including support to obtain registration,
Read the full guidance on the NHS England website.
