Statement of Equivalence
Please note that this programme is now closed for new applicants.
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 was also possible for Clinical Psychologists who qualified outside the UK to apply for a 'Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology' (SoE) through the BPS. This option was terminated in March 2009 when the BPS stopped offering the SoE to new applicants.
Psychologists from the European Economic Area (the EEA)
Psychologists who are EEA nationals and are fully qualified to practice in any EEA member state were eligible to apply to the BPS for a set of individualised adaptation requirements. In the process of completing these requirements, EEA psychologists needed to demonstrate the range of competencies required of clinical psychologists trained in the UK. Psychologists from EEA countries were not asked to do case reports, essays, dissertations, or other academic work that would normally be expected of people in training. Those still completing their BPS requirements are 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 has 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 have in the past applied to the BPS for a set of individualised training requirements. Those still completing their BPS requirements complete 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.
Future Challenges to the SoE Process
a) Compulsory Registration of Clinical Psychologists in the UK
The Health Professions Council (HPC) took over as the competent authority for statutory registration of clinical psychologists on 01 July 2009.
b) Update on the future of SoE and what will happen under HPC
Now that the HPC has become the regulator, the BPS no longer offers the Statement of Equivalence. Candidates who are already enrolled with the BPS will be able to finishtheir Statement of Equivalence because the BPS will continue the process until 2013, by which time all current SoE candidates should have completed. The HPC has agreed to accept the SoE as evidence of meeting the required criteria for entry to their register.
The closure of the SoE route is a particular problem for candidates from other branches of psychology wanting to make a lateral transfer into Clinical Psychology, as this option will no longer be available via the HPC. Overseas-qualified Clinical Psychologists from EEA countries who apply to the HPC for registration but do not meet the criteria imposed by the HPC will have the option of undertaking a 'period of adaptation'. Those from non-EEA countries will also be able to apply to the HPC but will either be registered directly or be told how they fall short of meeting the HPC standards of proficiency. An adaptation period will not be available to them, although a re-application to the HPC following the completion of further work will be an option. Application to the HPC via the grandparenting route may be an option for some. It is not clear as yet what role the Salomons SoE programme may play in relation to those overseas-trained Clinical Psychologists from EEA and non-EEA countries who are not directly registered following an application to the HPC.
Contact us: deborah.chadwick@canterbury.ac.uk|