Commencing September 2026 | 24-month fixed-term programme
2 vacancies available
About the Programme
Our Regulatory Graduate Programme is a 24-month structured development programme designed to build the next generation of regulatory professionals. It offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full breadth of regulatory activity, develop specialist skills, and build a strong foundation for a long-term career in regulation.
Throughout the programme, graduates will rotate across key regulatory functions, gaining insight into how regulation protects the public, supports professionals, and maintains confidence in regulated professions.
Programme Structure
The programme will run for 24 months and includes rotational placements across the following departments:
Education
Policy
Registration
Fitness to Practise
Each rotation is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience, exposure to real regulatory decision-making, and opportunities to contribute to live projects and casework.
Graduates will gain a holistic understanding of the regulatory lifecycle, from setting standards and policy, through registration and education oversight, to managing fitness to practise concerns.
Learning, Development and Support
We are committed to supporting your development throughout the programme. You will receive:
A named mentor in each department to provide guidance, feedback, and support during every rotation
A structured induction and clear learning objectives for each placement
Ongoing performance reviews and development conversations
Exposure to senior leaders and subject matter experts across the organisation
The programme will be assessed against set criteria, ensuring transparency, consistency, and clarity around expectations and progression.
Who We’re Looking For
This programme is ideal for candidates who are:
Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) with a strong interest in regulation, law, public policy, governance, or public service
Curious, analytical, and motivated to understand complex systems and decision-making
Strong communicators, with the ability to write clearly and engage confidently with a range of stakeholders
Organised, resilient, and comfortable working with sensitive or high-impact information
Committed to public protection, fairness, and high professional standards
What you can expect
Purpose driven work: Work on real regulatory projects that directly support public protection and professional standards. Take ownership of key initiatives and make a tangible difference from day one.
Consistent performance support: 1-1’s, personal development plans, one-point contact throughout, regular managerial support and a buddy.
Unlock your leadership potential: Develop through dedicated mentorship, hands-on experience, and tailored learning opportunities designed to build future leaders in healthcare regulation.
Comprehensive training and development: On-the-job learning through exposure to live projects, regulatory systems, and case management processes, dedicated mentorship and structured career support and involvement in strategic projects that directly impact service delivery.
Grow your professional network: Build connections across the healthcare regulatory landscape including registrants, professional bodies, education providers, and partner regulators through conferences and events.
Career advancement: You'll leave the programme with a versatile skill set and regulatory expertise that opens doors to diverse career opportunities in regulation, policy, healthcare, and the public sector — including potential opportunities at the HCPC.
Rotational exposure: Gain broad experience across HCPC directorates including Registration, Fitness to Practise, Policy and Standards, and Education.
What You’ll Gain
Broad regulatory experience across multiple specialist areas
Practical skills in policy development, case management, quality assurance, and decision-making
A strong professional network across the organisation
Mentorship and structured development to support your career progression
Vacancies and Key Dates
Number of vacancies: 2
Programme start date: October 2026
Application closing date: 29th May 2026
Assessment day: 30th June 2026
Further Information and How to Apply
Further Information
If you would like to learn more about the Regulatory Graduate Programme, including the structure of the rotations, the assessment process, and what it’s like to work in a regulatory environment, we encourage you to attend our upcoming information webinar.
The webinar will provide:
A detailed overview of the programme and departmental rotations
Insight into the skills and qualities we look for in graduates
An opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from colleagues working in regulatory roles
Details of the webinar, including date and joining instructions, will be published shortly.
How to Apply
To apply for the Regulatory Graduate Programme, please submit your application via our online recruitment portal.
Applications will require:
An up-to-date CV
A supporting statement outlining your interest in regulation and your suitability for the programme
Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment day, which will assess candidates against the programme’s set criteria.
Application closing date: 29th May 2026
Assessment day:30th June 2026
We are committed to fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment practices and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.