Specialist
The UKPHR was established following calls by employers and employees to create a standards framework to which specialists in public health can adhere. By registering, the UKPHR recognise that you are competent to practise in your professional area of expertise. The primary reason for the UKPHR is for the protection of the general public, professional accreditation and registrants may gain the benefit of improved access to employment.
The routes for specialist registration with the UK Public Health Register are as follows:
1. Standard
The main route to registration is through approved prospective education and training programmes run by appropriate qualifying bodies. The Board currently recognises two programmes: (1) the Faculty of Public Health and (2) the Royal College of Surgeons training programme in dental public health. Following satisfactory completion of training, trainees can apply for admission to the register without further assessment.
Application forms for registration via this route are normally sent by the appropriate body on completion of training.
2. Assessment for Defined Specialists. (Retrospective Portfolio Assessment)
People who register via the defined route are public health specialists who have chosen to specialise more highly in a narrower area of public health practice at some stage during their career. Defined specialists are required to show evidence of knowledge across the full breadth of public health to the same standard as generalists. In addition defined specialists will demonstrate current competencies in some particular areas of practice at a higher level than that required to be demonstrated by generalists, usually reflecting their highly specialised professional experience in service or academic environments.
The UKPHR ensures that the level of registration for defined specialists is equal to that of generalists. Defined specialists are equally eligible to apply, and to be appointed to, public health consultant and director posts in the NHS, subject to the employer being satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements of the job specification, exactly as for any other post
It is anticipated that as there are as yet no prospective standard training programmes, this will remain as an important route to the Defined arm of the Register for some time.
To apply for this route click here to download the briefing pack.
3. Recognition of Specialist Status: Exceptional Route (Retrospective Portfolio
Assessment)
This route is for those already in senior positions who for reasons have been unable to avail themselves of a standard training and education programme. The Board requires that those who wish to apply for Recognition of Specialist Status have to justify submissions via this route. An applicant must have held a senior public health post for several years, have worked for at least three years at senior strategic level, and for at least three years in a public health consultant post.
For the full eligibility criteria email register@cieh.org
4. Developmental Portfolio Route – for Defined Areas of Public Health Specialist Practice
The Developmental Portfolio Route was approved by the Register Board in January 2009. It is managed, and run, by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and is open to applicants for defined areas of specialist practice, in recognition of the absence of approved specialist training programmes. Applicants are able to build their portfolio of evidence over a number of years, while banking a series of interim portfolio submissions to cover specific competencies. These submissions will allow the applicant ultimately to demonstrate all the required competencies of a defined specialist, in order to apply for registration with UKPHR.
For more information regarding the Developmental route visit the CIEH website.
5. Dual Registration
The opportunity of entirely optional dual registration is available for those who are already on the Specialist Register of either the General Medical Council or General Dental Council in Public Health Medicine or Dental Public Health, respectively. Upon receipt of an application, verification of entry on the relevant specialist register is undertaken by UKPHR, with no further assessment being required for registration to be granted.
It should be noted that simultaneous registration as a generalist and defined specialist is possible. The two arms of the Register are of equal status. Candidates can submit the appropriate portfolio for assessment to convert either way.