Clinical Psychologist Education Funding Review

Health Education England has announced the outcome of its review into the funding of clinical psychologists. The main outcomes are:

• Trainees will be funded at 100 per cent of salary cost at AfC band 6
• Travel and accommodation costs necessary to support trainees will also be met.

These funding decisions will apply for intakes commencing their training from September 2020 onwards. Existing arrangements will remain in place for trainees in post before September 2020. HEE has worked with a number of stakeholders including the British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology and the Association of Clinical Psychologists to reach this decision.

Calum Pallister, Director of Finance, Health Education England said:

‘As a public funder of education and training, Health Education England reviews its funding decisions to ensure they are consistent, transparent and are helping to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. As part of our ongoing processes, a HEE-led cross-sector review of the funding provided for the clinical psychologist role recently concluded and made recommendations which we have accepted. We believe these recommendations will support the sustainable supply of high-quality clinical psychologists to the NHS.’

Dr Adrian Whittington, National Lead for Psychological Professions, NHS England and Improvement, and Health Education England said:

'It is vital to safeguard the future supply of clinical psychologists to support the NHS Long Term Plan and the expansion of mental health and other psychological healthcare services to help improve care for patients, their carers and families. Alongside this funding decision a review is underway to ensure best possible alignment of clinical psychology training to the Long Term Plan priorities. The decision to continue with 100% salary funding will also support wider action on inclusion to enable the clinical psychology workforce to become fully representative of the communities it serves".

Education funding further info