Frequently asked questions
Appointment of the Chair of Council
Is the position open to both registrant and lay candidates?
The role is open to all HCPC registrants and lay candidates. Please review the eligibility and disqualification requirements on this website. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email emma.clark@gatenbysanderson.com
Is the position open to applicants across the four countries of the UK?
Yes, the position is open to people in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Do I have to be a UK national to apply?
You must be free to remain and take up this role in the UK.
Is there an upper or lower age limit for applicants?
No, there is no age limit.
I’ve previously been investigated by the HCPC. Can I still apply?
Yes. You can apply, even if we’ve previously investigated your fitness to practise. However, you won’t be able to apply or will be disqualified from being appointed if this investigation led to a suspension or striking off order, or at the time of appointment, you still have conditions on your practice.
You will not be eligible for appointment if you are currently the subject of any allegation, investigation or proceedings concerning your fitness to practise in the HCPC.
You would also be disqualified if the Privy Council decide that your appointment would undermine public confidence in our regulatory functions.
Can I apply for this role if I’m currently a Chair or non-executive of an organisation within the health sector?
Yes. The nature of your role and any potential conflict of interest would need to be further explored during the selection process and you may be required to stand down as a condition of your appointment.
Can I apply for this role if I’m currently a HCPC Partner?
Yes, but if you are successful in being appointed to the role, you would be required to relinquish your partner role.
When will you confirm who has been appointed as your new Chair?
We expect the selection panel to make a recommendation to the Privy Council in late October 2026 and it is expected that the Privy Council will confirm the appointment in early December 2026.
When is the appointment due to start?
The appointment will commence on 1 March 2027.
What is the time commitment for the appointment?
A time commitment of approximately 3 days per week will be required. If you apply you will be expected to confirm that you are able and willing to meet the time commitment for what is considered to be a primary role.
How long will the new Chair be in post for?
The initial appointment will be for a period not exceeding four years. The term of office will be determined by the Privy Council on appointment. Council members (including the Chair) can serve for a maximum period of eight years in any 20-year period.
How much will the Chair be paid?
The Chair will receive an annual fee of £80,000. This remuneration covers attendance at Council and other HCPC meetings, including preparation and travelling time.
Remuneration is paid through the HCPC’s payroll and subject to tax and National Insurance deductions at source. It is not pensionable.
You will also be reimbursed for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred on HCPC business, in accordance with the Council’s travel and expenses policy.
Who is on the selection panel?
The selection panel is made up of the following individuals:
- Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen, Chair of the General Medical Council and Chair of the panel
- Lianne Patterson, HCPC Lay member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
- Dr David Stirling, HCPC Registrant member and Senior Council member
- Jacqui Francis, Independent Panel Member
What is the Privy Council?
The Privy Council is a collection of senior politicians who are or have been members of the House of Commons or House of Lords. It’s responsible for approving appointments to around 400 institutions, charities and companies – including the HCPC. There’s more information about the Privy Council’s work on their website.
Why does the Privy Council have the ultimate responsibility for appointing the HCPC Chair?
Section 227 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 sets out our legal responsibility to run a suitable process to select candidates to recommend to the Privy Council.
The PSA check our process to make sure it is fair, transparent and that all selection decisions are based on evidence of merit. There’s more information about the process on the PSA’s website.