Today we have opened the Pre-Registrant Pathway for applications from case managers and case managers in training who have not yet gained sufficient experience to apply to join the Register of Case Managers.
As the Register of Case Managers was introduced, questions emerged about how newer and developing case managers could build the experience needed for Registration, particularly at a time when referrers and commissioners were increasingly prioritising engagement with Registered Case Managers. The Pre-Registrant Pathway has been created in response to these concerns, providing assurance that appropriate supervision, mentoring and professional support are in place to enable less experienced practitioners to work safely and effectively.
Holding Pre-Registrant status, like Registration itself, signals a commitment to public protection, professional standards, meaningful continuing professional development and accountability through independent oversight. These principles form the foundation of safe, ethical and high-quality case management practice.
Key requirements for Pre-Registration
To be accepted onto the Pre-Registrant Pathway, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be working as a case manager or case manager in training in the UK, in accordance with IRCM’s Registration and Renewal Policies.
- Not yet meet the experience requirements for Registration, or have reached the required level of experience within the previous six months. As the Pathway is intended to support those progressing towards Registration, this additional six-month period allows flexibility when preparing an application to the Register, which will also involve completion of the Certificate of Proficiency in Case Management when it is introduced later this year.
- Have a named mentor who agrees to support professional development. Mentors should be experienced case managers, such as Registered Case Managers, and may also act as a line manager or professional supervisor. They are responsible for providing, or ensuring access to, appropriate guidance and support to enable Pre-Registrants to meet the Standards of Proficiency in Case Management.
- Practise in line with the Standards of Proficiency for Case Managers, engaging appropriately with supervision and support to maintain safe and effective practice.
- Maintain an active development plan, using the template set out in IRCM’s CPD Policy. This should include reflection on current knowledge and experience, clearly defined development objectives and a structured plan of learning activities. The plan must be reviewed and updated annually, with evidence of development and reflective learning submitted at renewal, alongside a new plan for the year ahead.
From July, all Registered Case Managers and Pre-Registrants will also be required to meet minimum expectations relating to professional supervision and safeguarding training.
Participation in the Pre-Registrant Pathway is optional and is not a requirement for becoming a Registered Case Manager. However, Pre-Registration demonstrates both an intention to apply for Registration and a commitment to developing practice within a structured framework aligned to professional standards.
Although many case managers enter the profession from other regulated health and social care backgrounds, IRCM remains the only regulatory body in the UK dedicated specifically to case management. IRCM operates as a voluntary regulator. Registrants and Pre-Registrants are encouraged to share their status with referrers, commissioners and service users and are provided with a certificate and logo to support this. They are also included in a searchable listing on the IRCM website.
The Pre-Registrant Pathway represents an initial step towards establishing a clearer and more formalised route into the case management profession, which will continue to develop over time. While many individuals may aspire to become case managers, eligibility for the Pathway is limited to those who are already working as case managers or case managers in training.
Find out more about applying to the Pre-Registrant Pathway or the Register of Case Managers here.