Verifier Tips to help you with your Application

The following top tips have been put together by Verifiers to help you do the best job on your applications. Consider the following advice before you start to apply;

Firstly, do you need to do this? If you are already on an AHP professional register, and intend to remain on the register, then you do not need to have CRP Registration. CRP registration has been developed to recognise staff working in the field that do not have professional registration.

Secondly, have you done the competency package? - the CRNEM is one that is recognised as helpful for all staff, across the UK. You can find a direct link to the competency framework on the Workforce Development Site on the CRP pages - https://crnemwfd.nihr.ac.uk/.

Tell the full story so the verifier can understand what you are talking about, otherwise the application may be returned. Use your experiences and the best examples to demonstrate your reflective account using the STAR method;

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

You could also consider using the Gibb’s Model, also known as the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, is a model for reflective learning that helps people learn from their experiences. It's often used in education and professional development to help people develop critical thinking and self-awareness. The model consists of six stages:

• Description: What happened?
• Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling?
• Evaluation: What was good and bad about the experience? What went well and what went badly?
• Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation?
• Conclusion: What else could you have done?
• Action plan: If it arose again, what would you do?

Using the Gibbs model is a great way to think through the stages above, your feelings of the situation, analysis and your evaluation and any changes it has made to your practice. A lot of applications that are received have the what but they don’t include feelings and analysis which is important in reflective practice.

Remember the Research – Use clinical examples to support your reflections about studies you are part of but always remember, to link them back to the Research and your role in Research as a CRP.

Be concise but detailed – You have a limit of 2 sides of A4 for each of the 3 reflective pieces. Try to utilise this with detailed examples that are short and to the point.

Make it clear why you did something, how it worked, did it work well, or would you do something differently.  Did you share it with your colleagues in order to either prevent a recurrence or promote new practice? Communication is really key but sometimes although applicants say they are good at communication, examples of good communication are missing from the application.

Proofreading – Have someone read your application before submission and be open to feedback on improvements. This could be another CRP who has already completed registration, a CRP Verifier or another colleague.

If possible get your line manager or another trusted colleague to proof-read it for you, to just check that you haven't missed something out, such as Trust permissions being necessary to access some data etc.  Please write in full sentences, and remember to use capitals where they are necessary - it makes the application easier and therefore quicker to read.  Ensure your application is signed by your line manager.

Limit Abbreviations – Abbreviations are a common thing in Research but try to limit them in your reflections, especially if they relate to your clinical setting. Assume that the verifier does not know what they mean and write them in full at least once in your application. Do not assume your verifier works in your Trust or your specialty.

Don’t Rush – Verifiers can tell if an application has been rushed to completion. Take your time to build your reflections and ensure your application is high quality before submission.

Read the questions, and take some time to consider your experiences and the best examples you can use in order to demonstrate what is required.