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HCPC workshop to help produce social media guide

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is to hold an online workshop during which registrants and stakeholders will be able to share their views on what should be included in its guidance on the use of social media.

The Council believes that social media guidance is needed because an increasing number of registrants using these platforms to communicate with their clients, potential clients and fellow professionals.  It says that whilst it recognises this as an effective tool in a professional setting where users can engage in dialogue with other professionals to aid learning and development, it can also present a number of challenges. Some registrants are seeking clarification about how the use of social media and networking websites interacts with its standards of conduct, performance and ethics.

The online workshop opens on May 10th and participants will be able to respond to questions until 24 May. The will be asked about the use of social media and networking websites and also have the opportunity to input their ideas and opinions as to what should be included within the guidance.  The feedback will help the HCPC to produce a draft document that presents clear guidelines and advice for registrants using social media and networking websites which will then go out to public consultation.

Michael Guthrie, Director of Policy and Standards, says: “A large number of our registrants are now using social media and networking websites in both their personal and professional lives. Registrants have told us these platforms can bring great benefits but also some challenges. As a result of these conversations we intend to produce social media guidance to give advice to our registrants who want to operate more confidently in this area whilst meeting the standards we set.

“The online workshop is a unique opportunity to take part in shaping the development of our social media guidance as we believe our registrants and stakeholders know best as to what should be included.”

To participate in the online workshop, visit https://hcpc.clevertogether.com from 10 May 2016.

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