Vetpol only accepts SQPs from another register onto the Vetpol register when they can demonstrate that they are up-to-date with their CPD requirements or they go through a re-validation process and pass.
Re-validation of an existing SQP qualification may take place when the SQP has not accrued the required amount of CPD dictated by Vetpol or another register, on which they sit; this situation may arise for a variety of legitimate reasons including taking a career break.
Vetpol will re-validate SQPs who wish to switch from another register to the Vetpol register, but who have not met their CPD requirements for a period that is consistent with the Register they are leaving. In most cases this will be for a period of 24 months or less.
Vetpol will re-validate SQPs who have been off any of the SQP Registers for a period of more than 6 months.
This policy does not necessarily include any SQPs who may have been removed from another register for mis-conduct or other forms of wrong-doing; such people will not automatically be offered re-validation and these cases will be decided by the Directors.
The purpose of re-validation is to assess whether or not a SQP is fit to practice. The re-validation interview therefore focuses on the Code of Practice for SQPs and tests understanding of the legislation and how to apply it.
The Process
- The SQP or the business employing the SQP requests re-validation of an existing qualification, giving the reasons behind the situation they find themselves in.
- A qualified person appointed by Vetpol as an assessor, contacts the SQP to set up a Zoom call and informs them of what to expect during the re-validation interview.
- The re-validation interview takes place between the SQP and the assessor, usually lasting about 15 minutes. The assessor asks a range of questions taken from an approved list of re-validation questions around the Code of Practice for SQPs and records the answers.
- At the start of the interview, the assessor will ask the interviewee to identify themselves with photo ID or confirm their identity and this will be recorded or screenshot.
- In accordance with anti-discrimination legislation, age (>18 years), sex or sexual orientation, race and religion are not to be taken account of during the assessment. In order to practice effectively as a SQP in the UK in most cases the SQP must have good written and spoken English in order to understand a SPC. If candidates have special needs more time can be requested for the assessment but this needs to be requested at the time of booking the assessment.
- The assessor makes a decision as to whether the person being assessed is “fit to practice as a SQP”; the decision is based on the answers given along with a personal judgment from the way in which they are answered.
- The external assessor’s conclusion is either:
- Yes, they are fit to practice
- No, they are not fit to practice
- I am unsure if they are fit to practice or not
- Where the assessor is unsure (option C), their evidence is passed onto the Directors for discussion and the likelihood of a second interview. Option C is included as some people may be fit to practice but may be unduly nervous about the face-to-face re-validation interview; this is why the assessor’s judgment is of value, in addition to the answers given.
- The SQP is informed of the decision by Vetpol within seven days of the interview (usually sooner) or offered a second interview, where appropriate. Where a second re-validation interview is carried out, this will be by another assessor, usually a Director, and not the same assessor who carried out the first interview)
Re-validation has no appeals process in place as the Directors decision is final. However, an SQP who has failed a re-validation interview can apply for a second re-validation interview providing they pay the full fee.
Last updated August 2022