DCP: 2.4 Employment Issues and Placement
Contents
Mandatory training
All trainees complete online mandatory training on a yearly basis which meets the requirements of the Core Skills Training Framework.
Modules covered by the mandatory training are:
- Conflict Resolution
- Health & Safety
- Fire Safety
- Infection Prevention & Control – Level 2
- Moving & Handling
- Information Governance
- Resuscitation – Level 2 Adult Life Support
- Safeguarding Adults
- Safeguarding Children – Level 2
- Prevent
Initial training and updates are provided via HEE England Wessex online training platform.
It is recognised that some placements may require additional training specific to the service. Where this is the case, it should be specified in the placement contract and training accessed via the placement provider.
Fitness to Practise
The requirements of Programmes of study leading to professional registration include a significant component governing fitness to practice. In addition to existing University procedures for academic progression and conduct, the University must ensure that the health status of students and their professional behaviour does not constitute a risk to service users, clients and their families, carers, the public, other students or the individuals themselves.
There are mechanisms in place to monitor any issues during your studies. Please ensure you are aware of the Fitness to Practise policy.
Professional Responsibility
It is essential that trainees adhere to local information governance protocols whilst on placement and expectations should be clearly stated in the placement contract. Trainees should be open about their training status on placement and work with the BPS (2018) Code of Ethics and Conduct. They should identify themselves as trainees working under supervision and service users should have the option of declining to see a trainee.
Whistleblowing
If trainees have any concern about the safety and wellbeing of clients/patients/service users then they must follow the policies and procedures of the Trust proving the placement. They must also bring this matter up as soon as possible with their Placement Supervisor and if necessary, their Personal Clinical Tutor and/or Clinical Director. Please use the Issue of Concern procedure.
In addition, it is recommended that trainees read the NHS policy – ‘Freedom to Speak Up: Whistleblowing Policy for the NHS’ and the HCPC – Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students to ensure good practice at all times.
Record Keeping
Training in, and access to electronic record keeping systems will be organised by either the local Learning Environment Lead (LEL) for the placement Trust, or the supervisor. In addition, all trainees must refer to the BPS Guidance for Good Practice with Record Keeping to ensure they are following the Profession’s expectation as well as the Trust’s policies and procedures.
Information Governance
Trainees are advised that they should observe information governance policies and procedures of the host trust in which they are undertaking placements and that they should to be aware of and adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Access to Health Records Act 1990 at all times. Trainees should not carry or send information about clients seen on placement unless it is in anonymised or encrypted form. Trainees should not store information on personal computers which could be used to identify individuals. This may be overcome by establishing a code with their supervisor which can be used to identify cases if it is necessary to store information or email from outside a secure network. Trainees and supervisors should be aware that any records kept including those intended for ‘private’ use are subject to the same information governance and disclosure may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (2000).
Placement Difficulties
Trainees in difficulty whilst on placement are encouraged to speak their Personal/Clinical Tutor as a source of support in the first instance and refer to the Issue of Concern procedure. If the concern is urgent and their Personal Clinical Tutor is not available, they should contact the Clinical Psychology administrator who will be able to identify a senior member of the team to provide support. They may also seek help and advice from the Clinical Director or Programme Director. Trainees are also able to seek help and advice from the Director of Programmes for Psychology, or the Head of Psychology.