News release

ISO accreditation and annual report announced at Annual General Meeting

At the Health Professions Council's first AGM today, it was announced that HPC has been recommended for BSEN ISO 9001:2000 registration.

Colin Lea, Vice-president of the HPC said "ISO accreditation means that we now have an internationally recognised standard on which to develop the organisation into a truly world class regulator.

"This demonstrates an ongoing commitment from HPC to improving standards and processes. We believe HPC will be the only regulator in the UK with ISO 9001:2000 registration."

The HPC 2003/2004 Annual Report and Fitness to Practise Report were launched at the meeting. The Annual Report contains information about the HPC's work from March 2003 to March this year, including information on new professions, the Council, and the financial statements for the last financial year. The Fitness to Practise report details processes and the outcomes from hearings held so far under the new rules.

Chris Middleton, Director of Communications said "In response to feedback last year, we have made the decision to publish the reports online this year. Both reports will be available on the website and hard copies can be requested by emailing info@hpc-uk.org."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Annual Report 2004 and Fitness to Practise Report 2004 are available on the HPC website: www.hpc-uk.org/annualreport

2. The British Standards Institute's website says, 'any organisation, whatever their size or industry sector can give themselves a secure future by introducing a quality management system (QMS) such as ISO 9001.

Benefits of implementing a quality management system include:

- policies and objectives set by 'top management'

- understanding customer's requirements with a view to achieving customer satisfaction

- improved internal and external communications

- greater understanding of the organisation's processes ...

- clear responsibilities and authorities agreed for all staff

- improved use of time and resources

- reduced wastage ...

- improved morale and motivation.'

3. A copy of both reports will be posted to various stakeholder groups including professional bodies and all partners.