12 | P a g e
Name of Reviewer
Caroline McGonigle
Organisation
Northern Trust
Contact Details
caroline.mcgonigle@northerntrust.hscni.net
Findings
Analysis of studies within the synthesis indicated that overall
professional regulation has a positive contribution on the Health and Social
Care Workforce.
Benefits evidenced include:
Enhanced professional status and identity.
Professional competence, increased training and skills
Development.
Accountable practice, agreed Codes of Conduct and Practice to
govern practice and behaviours.
Safeguarding the public through removal of unsuitable persons from
the profession.
Dilemmas were however noted in respect of accountable practice and the
associated potential for defensive practice and vexatious reporting. Further
qualitative research was recommended to attain an understanding of why
staff engage in miss-conduct and the impact of related organisational
issues, this would inform training and ethical practice. The importance of
employer assurance systems such as induction, supervision and training
was considered imperative to support best practice.
Conclusions
On-going collaborative evaluation and measurement is essential to ensure
professional regulation continues to be effective, supporting the workforce
and contributing to positive outcomes for Service Users and Carers. Further
developments or improvements in regulatory practice must be shaped
through collaboration and informed by evidence based practice. Further
research is therefore recommended with Service Users and Carers as
co-researchers, fully involved in field work, analysis, discussion and
dissemination of findings.