Using two different names - Statutory Declaration

shortcrust

Not strictly job related, but it causing job related problems so perhaps someone here can help!:)

I have a double barrelled surname (say Powell-Smith), but generally just use the last part (i.e. John Smith). I've finished a uni course under my 'short' name, but I have to register with the Health and Care Professions Council under my official name (i.e. John Powell-Smith). Because they need to check my qualification they've told me I need to provide a statutory declaration so they can link the two names. I've done some searching, but all the info I've found is around change of name. I don't want to change my name. I'm quite happy being known as John Smith for most purposes (I intend to practice under that name) whilst being John Powell-Smith for official purposes.

So, the question is, can you make a statutory declaration that you use two names? If so, can I do it myself using a template or do I need to see a solicitor?

Galaxy1987

As far as i know any registration with any professional bodies requires full names and short names cannot be used and if you are using name on websites etc it must be your full name. I used to work with a psychotherapist and her name was pretty long but on any assessments, websites or publications she had to use her full name as that is what she is registered with.

Hope this helps.

shortcrust

Jayt1987 wrote: »

As far as i know any registration with any professional bodies requires full names and short names cannot be used and if you are using name on websites etc it must be your full name. I used to work with a psychotherapist and her name was pretty long but on any assessments, websites or publications she had to use her full name as that is what she is registered with.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for that. Yes, of course you're right - thinking about it I will need to practice under the name I'm registered with. It would rather defeat the point otherwise I guess!

I would however still like to use my short name for some purposes so I can't put my name to a change of name declaration, so chip in if you know anything about being known by two names.

Galaxy1987

There is only 2 ways I know:

Official change of name decleration, which means you announce the use of your full name and use your short name.

You use your full name for all official times and use your shorter name on non official. i.e. full name with bank, HCPC, Medical etc and short name on face book etc.

Would you not think about changing your name to the short one which will allow everything to be put in that name.

shortcrust

It seems a statutory declaration saying I'll use the long name is the best thing for now as I need my HCPC reg in place asap.

Can anyone tell me what would be a reasonable sum for a solicitor to witness a statutory declaration?

theoretica

I don't think a declaration saying I'll use the long name is what is needed - as that is your name. I think they need a declaration that the short name is an alias you have used and the qualifications are yours. Perhaps you could get that clarified?

shortcrust

theoretica wrote: »

I don't think a declaration saying I'll use the long name is what is needed - as that is your name. I think they need a declaration that the short name is an alias you have used and the qualifications are yours. Perhaps you could get that clarified?

Thanks, I know exactly what you mean and I'll check with the solicitor when I take it in. I think though that the short name, rather than being an alias, has essentially been my name for most of my life regardless of what my passport says, so the statutory declaration of change of name may be appropriate. The advantage of doing it that way is that I can do it with a template and just pay small change for a signature. Anything more complex and I might be faced with a bill I could do without.

Will let you know!:)

CFC

You ought to speak to the Uni, take in your birth certificate. Could be a lot less hassle to get a document linking the two names for professional purposes.

shortcrust

CFC wrote: »

You ought to speak to the Uni, take in your birth certificate. Could be a lot less hassle to get a document linking the two names for professional purposes.

Too late unfortunately. It can't be changed once it's been awarded, and would undoubtedly be too slow even if it could.

All my own stupid fault - it's been on my neglected to do list for ages.

scooby088

why not change your name by deed poll to the shortened one?

clairec79

I'm a midwife and one of my colleagues only uses one half of her surname in practice, but is registered on the NMC as the full thing