Scottish Government commissions PSA to conduct Right-touch assurance assessment for Healthcare Science

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to carry out a Right-touch assurance (RTA) assessment for Healthcare Science in Scotland.  

In Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining Our Strategic Approach, the Scottish Government set out its intention to redefine the Healthcare Science NHS workforce in Scotland to ensure its expertise is fully utilised to meet the evolving needs of the population. To support that work, this RTA assessment will consider whether current regulatory and employer controls are sufficient to manage the risk of harm arising from these roles.  

The RTA assessment will explore the risks and make recommendations for addressing any gaps in assurance. This will include considering whether there is a need to bolster current controls or use existing regulatory frameworks in new ways. As well as gathering and analysing evidence, the assessment will include seeking the views of relevant stakeholders. 

Alan Clamp, PSA Chief Executive said: 

“We welcome this commission from the Scottish Government. Healthcare Scientists play a key role in health services across the UK, and it is vital to ensure that regulation of these professions supports safe and effective practice, whilst not creating unnecessary barriers.  

Our evidence-based Right-touch assurance approach will allow us to develop workable recommendations, which strike the right balance between too much and too little regulation, and to consider the full range of options for strengthening regulation where it is needed.” 

The work is expected to be completed in Spring 2027. A report of the findings and recommendations will be published. 

ENDS 

Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care 

Contact: media@professionalstandards.org.uk 

Notes to the editor 

1. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) is the UK’s oversight body for the regulation of people working in health and social care. Our statutory remit, independence and expertise underpin our commitment to the safety of patients and service-users, and to the protection of the public. There are 10 organisations that regulate health professionals in the UK and social workers in England by law. We audit their performance and review their decisions on practitioners’ fitness to practise. We also accredit and set standards for organisations holding registers of health and care practitioners not regulated by law. We collaborate with all of these organisations to improve standards. We share good practice, knowledge and our right-touch regulation expertise.  
2. We also conduct and promote research on regulation. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally, providing guidance to governments and stakeholders. Through our UK and international consultancy, we share our expertise and broaden our regulatory insights. 
3. Our values are – integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork – and we strive to ensure that they are at the core of our work.  
4. More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk