New standards of practice for vocational rehabilitation practitioners [return-to-work specialists] aim to ensure those providing services are of a high enough standard.
The standards were launched this week by the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA), a voluntary body promoting good practice at a conference hosted by the Department for Work and Pensions in London.
The aim is to develop further standards and accredited qualifications to make sure those offering return-to-work services are properly trained, and the move supports the government’s strategy to get people of incapacity benefits and into work.
At the launch chair of the VRA Tim Dawson said that the standards would protect the public from bad practice and protect rehabilitation professionals from complaints, disciplinary action and lawsuits.
The standards cover service delivery, client protection, professional development and maintenance, professional knowledge, transferable skills, governance and business development.
Over the next two years, the VRA will develop “a formal process for deomonstrating compliance with the new standards and for addressing those who do not comply”.
