What Do NRCPD Do?

So I mentioned this organisation a few times in the previous post, but what exactly is NRCPD?

nrcpd

What Do They Do?

 

NRCPD exists to protect those who need or book support by holding a register of communication and language professionals who work with deaf and deafblind people. They do this by ensuring that those who register are fully qualified and meet the full criteria.

The benefit of using a communication professional who is registered is:

  • You can be sure they have attained a high level of training and qualifications
  • They are abiding by a Code of Conduct
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance cover  which allows deaf and hearing people to feel safe should they need to bring about a complaint or litigation
  • A complaints procedure that, if upheld, could lead to a suspension or removal from the Register
  • An enhanced DBS clearance
  • The need to undergo Continual Professional Development (CPD)

NRCPD hold Registers of:

  • Interpreters for Deafblind people
  • Notetakers (Manual and Electronic)
  • Lipspeakers
  • Sign Language Interpreters (Trainee Sign Language Interpreters (TSLIs) + Registered Sign Language Interpreters (RSLIs)
  • Sign Language Translators
  • Speech To Text Reporters (STTR)

In 2009 Signature created NRCPD to allow for the registration of communication and language professionals. NRCPD is governed by a board which sets policy, spending priorities and strategic direction. The Board derives its authority from the Signature Board of Trustees.

NRCPD publish the information about their:

  • Internal/External Meetings
  • Key correspondence With Other Organisations/Individuals

As they believe it is important to have access to information and display a good precedent.

What Do Communication Professionals Do?

Registrants and regulated Trainers have standards they must meet. As well as the right training, Registrants and regulated Trainers must abide by NRCPD’s Code of Conduct. It states that all Registrants and regulated Trainees must have up-to-date knowledge of practice theory and its application.

The Code of Conduct implemented by NRCPD indicates the desired behaviours that should be abided by and gives organisations and individuals the opportunity to make a complaint if they believe a Communication Professional is not acting in an appropriate manner. This gives NRCPD credibility and shows the importance of registration.

You can see here the card that Registrants hold. Deaf people should always ask to see the NRCPD card before working with the Interpreter or Communication Professional to check they are working with someone who is registered. To check whether a Communication Professional is registered with NRCPD, click here –http://portal.nrcpd.org.uk/search/results


Continual Professional Development (CPD)

Registrants must continue their professional development, which ensures that they are of the highest level and credibility. The current requirement is 24 hours per year, and at least 12 of those hours must be structured activity.

Structured activities are usually easy to identify. They are organised by associations, employers, training providers or other organisations, and they have stated learning outcomes.

Unstructured activity is anything without a stated learning outcome that helps you achieve your CPD objectives and develop your professional practice.

Ethical principles are also implemented to further install the notion of good when operating under NRCPD. The Code of Conduct is as follows:

  1. Act in the best interests of the people and organisations that use your services
  2. Treat information as confidential
  3. Work within the limits of your training, skills and experience
  4. Maintain and develop your practice in line with the recognised standards of your profession
  5. Not allow your health to interfere with your work
  6. Behave with professionalism and integrity
  7. Provide important information about conduct and competence

NRCPD have a number of professional standard advisors with expertise, experience and status in:

  • The professions they regulate
  • The training, assessment, use and employment of communication and language professionals working with deaf and deafblind people.

They help to ensure NRCPD’s policies and procedures are upheld by providing them with advice and other support, such as:

  • Improving NRCPD’s registration system
  • Managing a complaint
  • Apply and promote NRCPD’s Code of Conduct
  • Monitor approved programmes
  • Confirm applications to join the Register
  • Oversee approved course applications

NRCPD approves courses that meet agreed professional standards. Only people who have successfully completed an approved course can join a Register.

Before they approve a course, they assess its content to ensure it meets agreed on professional standards and to make sure graduates are appropriately trained. A list of approved courses for various communication professionals can be found here http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/training.


You may register online at any time. To register, you will need to:


  • Have enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that is less than 3 years old or be subscribed to the DBS update service
  • Successfully completed an approved course
  • Hold valid professional indemnity insurance
  • Pay a fee (The various fees can be found here

http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/fees)


To find out more about NRCPD, visit their website here www.nrcpd.org.uk/.

We hope you have found this post informative and beneficial to you. Have a great day!