Clinical
Psychology
The Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology
What is the Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology?
In order to be registered as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist in the UK, practitioners must satisfy the British Psychological Society (BPS) that they have completed an appropriate period of study and supervised practice. This usually amounts to the satisfactory completion of a three-year full time UK Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, accredited by the BPS. However, it is also possible for Clinical Psychologists who qualified outside the UK to apply for a ‘Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology’ (SoE) through the BPS. In addition, Psychologists qualified in another field of applied psychology in the UK or overseas (e.g. Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology) can make a ‘lateral transfer’ into Clinical Psychology by applying for the SoE.
Although applicants for the Statement of Equivalence are often highly skilled and qualified, they are usually asked to complete a period of further training or adaptation to ensure that they have comparable competence and experience across all the components of clinical psychology training required in the UK. To gain the necessary placement experience, SoE candidates usually seek employment within Clinical Psychology services in the NHS. Between 30 and 50 individuals a year complete the procedure, many in London and the South East.
Psychologists from the European Economic Area (the EEA)
Psychologists who are EEA nationals and are fully qualified to practice in any EEA member state are eligible to apply to the BPS for a set of individualised adaptation requirements. In the process of completing these requirements, EEA psychologists should demonstrate the range of competencies required of clinical psychologists trained in the UK. Psychologists from EEA countries are not asked to do case reports, essays, dissertations, or other academic work that would normally be expected of people in training. They are however asked to complete a period of adaptation which usually consists of a number of supervised practice placements, which may include specific requirements, at the end of which the supervisor writes an assessment of the EEA psychologist. A diary of work undertaken, a CPD log book and a portfolio of workplace products also need to submitted to a BPS verifier at the end of each placement. Each EEA psychologist needs to have a Co-ordinating Supervisor who will co-ordinate the different aspects of their adaptation period.
Psychologists from outside the EEA and lateral transfer candidates
Psychologists in this group apply to the BPS for a set of individualized training requirements. This usually means completing a number of supervised practice placements and some academic submissions such as essays, case reports and research projects. These are submitted to the BPS to be assessed together with the placement supervisor’s assessment which is carried out at the end of each placement. Each SoE candidate must have a Co-ordinator of Training who will guide them through the process and organise support for their academic work.
Challenges Presented by the SoE Process
Many candidates have experienced the Statement of Equivalence process as unfair, complex and unsupported. The training or adaptation requirements set by CSICQ (Committee for the Scrutiny of Individual Clinical Qualifications) may well not fit with candidates’ own perception of what they need to learn about or do. Finding employment and finding people to act as Co-ordinators of Training/Adaptation can be problematic. Overall, many candidates experience the process of doing the Statement of Equivalence on their own as very negative and a poor entry into the NHS.
There have also been challenges for employers. In employing SoE candidates, NHS Trusts have had to put time and resources into training issues that they do not see as a main part of their business. The complexity and relative isolation of the SoE process have often led to delay or candidates dropping out before completion. Some Clinical Psychology training programmes offer co-ordinated support for SoE candidates, paid for by the NHS training commissioners (Workforce Development Confederations) or individual candidates. However, many programmes cannot offer this support as they have no resources available with which to provide it.
The Future – Compulsory Registration of Clinical Psychologists in the UK
Registration as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist in the UK is currently a voluntary process although most employers require that Clinical Psychology staff are eligible for registration or working towards it through the SoE. The registration process is administered entirely by the BPS but this role is due to move to the Health Professions Council (HPC) in 2008. It will then become a legal requirement for clinical psychologists in the UK to be registered with the HPC. It is currently unclear exactly how this will impact on new applicants for the SoE, although it seems likely that those already engaged in the SoE process under current arrangements will be able to continue with similar expectations under the HPC regulations. For up to date information on developments, see the BPS website at www.bps.org.uk and the HPC website at www.hpc-uk.org.
Contact us: deborah.chadwick@canterbury.ac.uk
