In January 2019 the Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network (RWPN) will be launching a professional register of Vision Rehabilitation Workers. This will be a UK-wide register of the estimated 500+ workforce.  

Purpose

This register is to protect blind and partially sighted people who use the services provided by Vision Rehabilitation Officers, irrespective of who they are employed by.  In joining a register all registrants will be able to demonstrate that a) they have the requisite qualification to practice and b) that they undertake mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) which is to a level already specified by RWPN and which is to a  level similar to that undertaken by allied professions such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Social Workers.

Rationale

• ·        Vision rehabilitation work is frequently undertaken with vulnerable people. 
• ·        It is almost exclusively undertaken on a 1-to-1 basis. 
• ·        The majority of people receiving such services will have additional disabilities. 
• ·        Vision rehabilitation work covers areas of practice that are frequently hazardous, that involve risk and can lead to harm. 

Public and employers need to be assured that the people working with them are professional and continue to demonstrate their professionalism.

Status of the register

We will be applying for registration with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), the government-backed organisation that regulates all health and social care professions.   

To join the register you need to be a member of RWPN.  If you are not already a member go to the Join Now tab on this website.