Appendix 8

Appendix 8

DClinPsy Entry Agreement 

All psychology trainees who study for a university degree that prepares them to work as a clinical psychologist are directly exposed within their training to aspects of the clinical environment.

It is therefore essential that clinical psychology trainees fulfil the requirements of Health Care Professions Council outlined in their Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

(standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics-2024.pdf) and the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (Guidelines and documents | BPS . These apply for clinical psychologists at all levels including trainees and therefore, before accepting the offer of a place to train as a clinical psychologist at the University of Sheffield, we wish you to be aware of their expectations of trainees as regards their professional behaviour.

We ask you to agree to the following, as derived from the HCPC/BPS requirements to guide you as you become a competent practitioner. These standards expected of you (both inside and outside of the University) are in the following HCPC domains: 

• Domain 1: Promote and protect the interests of service users and carers 

• Domain 2: Communicate appropriately and effectively

• Domain 3: Work within the limits of your knowledge and skills

• Domain 4: Delegate appropriately

• Domain 5: Respect confidentiality

• Domain 6: Manage risk

• Domain 7: Report concerns about safety

• Domain 8: Be open when things go wrong

• Domain 9: Be honest and trustworthy

• Domain 10: Keep records of your work

Please read the following statements and sign to confirm that you understand them and will conform to them:

1. When I meet service users and listen to them, I will respect their views, treat them politely and considerately, respect their privacy and dignity and respect their right to refuse to take part in my learning. (Domain 1)

2. I will not allow my views about a person’s lifestyle, culture, beliefs, race, colour, gender, sexuality, age, social status or perceived economic worth to prejudice my interaction with service users, teachers or colleagues. (Domain 1)

3. I will challenge colleagues if I think that they have discriminated against, or are discriminating against, service users, carers and colleagues. (Domain 1)

4. I will not abuse the trust of a service user or other vulnerable person, and I will not enter an unprofessional relationship with another person in the clinical context, for example, a service user with whom I have come into contact. (Domain 1)

5. I will not discriminate against service users, carers or colleagues by allowing my personal views to affect my professional relationships or the care, treatment or other services that I provide. (Domain 1)

6. I will obtain permission from the service user or appropriate other where this is impossible because of age or competence before undertaking any psychological work. (Domain 1)

7. I will communicate effectively and appropriately with patients, supervisors, programme staff and peers in a timely way. (Domain 2)

8. I will ensure I use social media with consideration and professionalism and follow the HCPC and BPS guidance. (Domain 2)

9. I will work within the limits of my knowledge and skills (Domain 3)

10. I will delegate appropriately and continue to provide necessary supervision and support (Domain 4)

11. I will respect the confidentiality of patient information and disclose confidential information only if I have permission, the law allows this, or it is in the public or patient’s best interests. (Domain 5)

12. I understand, accept and agree to be bound by the principle of confidentiality of service user records and service user data. I will not discuss patients with other trainees or others outside of the clinical setting except anonymously. I will respect all clinical and other records of service users. (Domain 5)

13. I will carefully evaluate and take action to minimise risk to others and myself. (Domain 6)

14. I will manage my own health and inform my manager if my health may affect my performance of judgement (Domain 6)

15. I will report concerns about the safety of service users and follow these up if necessary (Domain 7)

16. I will be open when things go wrong with the care or other services that I provide and deal appropriately with concerns or complaints (Domain 8).

17. I will be honest and trustworthy in my dealings with others, including service users, teachers and colleagues and in my professional and personal behaviour. I will also make clear to others that I am a trainee clinical psychologist and not a qualified practitioner. (Domain 9)

18. I will keep full, clear, and accurate records for everyone I care for, treat, or provide other services to. (Domain 10)

19. I will attend all placements, classes and other teaching sessions, meetings and supervision as required by the regulations of the DClinPsy programme. I will travel as required to the designated placements. (CAPU)

20. I recognise that successful completion of the programme may require study outside of contracted hours. (CAPU)

21. I will participate in practising clinical skills with other trainees, for the purpose of learning skills. (CAPU)

22. I will be honest in completing course work for assessment and will never plagiarise material from other sources and submit it as my own work. In addition, I will ensure that all assessments are completed without the use of Unfair means (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/unfair-means) (CAPU)

23. I will inform the Clinical and Applied Psychology Unit if I am arrested, charged, convicted, cautioned, or reprimanded in relation to any offence prior to or during my time as a trainee. (CAPU)

24. I will take responsibility for my own learning and be proactive in finding learning opportunities. (CAPU)

25. I will complete all Occupational Health appointments as required by the DClinPsy programme and provide any authenticated reports of laboratory tests as may be required. (CAPU)

26. I will inform the CAPU if there is any significant change to my health that might affect my fitness to practise as a trainee or subsequently as a clinical psychologist. (CAPU)

27. I confirm that I have been truthful in my application to the Clearing House for Clinical Psychology Courses, and that I did not omit any important or relevant information on my application. I understand that if the CAPU discovers that I have been untruthful in my application, it reserves the right to withdraw an offer or terminate the course of study. (CAPU)

I confirm that I have read and understood the above statements and will conform to them whilst a trainee clinical psychologist.

I also confirm that I have read the Health Care Professions Council’s Document, Standards of conduct, performance and ethics and the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

I will inform the Programme Director if, at any stage or the programme, I am no longer able to meet the standards and requirements listed above 

Name: ................................................................................................................................. 

Signed: ................................................................................................................................. 

Date: ................................................................................................................................