An evaluation of a public health practitioner registration programme: lessons learned for workforce development

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Workforce Development
• Professional Regulation

Background:

• The UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) aims to assure the fitness to practise of public health professionals.
• A regional program in Wessex, England, was evaluated to understand its impact on practitioner assessment and registration.
• The evolving role of public health practitioners necessitates robust professional development and recognition frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a regional program supporting public health practitioner registration with the UKPHR.
• To identify lessons learned for workforce development in public health.

Main Methods:

• A summative and process evaluation approach was employed.
• Data collected through online surveys (n=32) and semi-structured interviews (n=53) with practitioners, support staff, employers, and system leaders in the Wessex region.

Main Results:

• Respondents overwhelmingly viewed regulation of the public health workforce as important.
• Managers and leaders recognized the value of a register for public assurance, but voluntary registration was perceived as less critical than a master's qualification.
• Current portfolio-based evidence compilation for registration was found to inadequately support ongoing learning and senior practitioner needs.

Conclusions:

• Statutory regulation is vital for public protection by ensuring fitness to practise, especially given the expanding roles of public health practitioners.
• The lack of regulation poses risks of inappropriate interventions and erroneous advice.
• There is a need for regulators, policymakers, and leaders to develop supportive frameworks for professional recognition and career progression for all public health practitioners.