For more information on this project go to https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/developing-the-orthoptic-non-registered-workforce/

Thank you for those who attended the Online event Developing the Orthoptic non-registered workforce on the 25th November. We had over 60 delegates attend- and from the feedback and comments received, I think all are in agreement that it was a very informative afternoon, allowing us to better understand the extent and wide variety of roles currently undertaken by our support workers.  This event was part of a wider BIOS project looking at our current Non-registered workforce within Orthoptics.

Following on from this event, we conducted a national survey which was emailed to all Head Orthoptists in the UK to further scope and understand more about the current support workforce including their roles, responsibilities, job titles, current use of competencies/standards and possible development and/or educational opportunities.

The replies from this questionnaire supported the findings from the online event, which further demonstrated the wide variety in roles and competencies of the non-registered support workers (over 30 clinical, along with numerous non-clinical tasks)- in addition to there currently being a significant variation in the job titles these staff hold – over 15 different titles.

There is currently a wider piece of work being undertaken looking at all of the Allied Health Profession’s support workers, with a view to developing a competency, education and career development framework. This will be very useful and BIOS are involved in contributing to this, however, it will be generic to all AHP support workers. Many of the comments/feedback from the online event demonstrated a desire for some standards/competencies that were more relevant and specific to our Orthoptic support staff.

BIOS are now looking at a competency framework relevant to our orthoptic support workers which will complement the wider AHP one. This will hopefully help guide both staff and their line managers to ensure a clearer understanding of some specific roles that such staff can safely perform at various levels. We hope this will provide clarity about how the support workforce can complement the wider workforce, in addition to providing some governance and structure by the use of such standards.

Many departments currently have in-house competencies/standards and specific checklists, some have kindly offered to share these with BIOS which is a great help. If you do have some local competencies for support staff that you would be willing to share and haven’t yet done so, these can be emailed to sueelliott1@nhs.net

Thank you also for the excellent response from Orthoptic heads and leaders who provided a very wide range of Orthoptic support worker and Assistant Job Descriptions.

We have been successful in gaining the agreement of the Job Evaluation Group that specific national profiles are needed. They are extremely busy with a range of profile development and have had to reprioritise the work because of emerging new roles related  to pandemic management but have formed a Task and Finish Group and tabled work to start on the Orthoptic jobs in April. Hopefully having specific Orthoptic support worker profiles will ensure equitable recognition and reward for this really important group of staff.

Just a reminder also that Orthoptic support staff are able to register/purchase BIOS membership , meaning that they receive trade union support dedicated to them as members, which is run by Orthoptists that understand their job role- please do mention to any support staff who may not be aware.

Many Thanks for you involvement so far.

Sue Elliott