The updated framework, which covers more than 1.8m registered professionals, is designed to strengthen the focus on patient safety, public protection and effective risk-based regulation.

Amanda Partington-Todd, interim director of regulation and accreditation at the PSA, said: ‘These standards have been developed through extensive consultation and engagement with regulators, Accredited Registers, professionals, patients and the public.

‘The result is a clearer and more focused framework that supports organisations to strengthen governance, manage risks effectively and work together to protect patients and the public and maintain confidence in the professionals who provide care.'

The PSA oversees 10 health and social care professional regulators and has accredited 28 voluntary registers for health and care practitioners through its Accredited Registers programme.