Overview
What is the NMAHP development framework?
The NES NMAHP Development Framework is an overarching resource comprising of two linked components.
- The Healthcare Support Workers Learning Framework
- The NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework
Here is a helpful introductory video about the framework opens a new window.
The Healthcare Support Workers Learning Framework
The Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Learning Framework recognises the complexity of clinical support worker roles and helps to explain the difference in expectations and learning for clinical support workers in Band 2, 3 and 4 roles.
The Framework can be used to assist support workers to:
- fully develop in their current role
- understand and prepare for a higher banded post
- make informed choices about the right learning for them
- support meaningful conversations in Personal Development Planning
The NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework
The NMAHP Post-Registration Framework supports the development of core knowledge, skills and behaviours in four pillars of practice for NMAHPs working at Levels 5-8 of the Career Framework for Health. It also enables profession specific and specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours to be added.
Both components of the framework are based on the four pillars of practice opens a new window:
- Clinical Practice
- Evidence, research and development
- Facilitating learning
- Leadership
What are some of the learning and development resources available for my level on the career framework?
- Support Worker Central – Learning Resources opens a new window – Career Framework levels 2-4
- Flying Start opens a new window– Career Framework level 5
- Effective Practitioner opens a new window– Career Framework levels 5 & 6
Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Resources
HCSW resources
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has developed the Support Worker Central site opens a new window.
The site supports role development and learning and development of nursing, midwifery and allied health professions support workers in Scotland working across all care settings.
The site also provides a “one stop shop” for information for HCSWs. This includes:
- Induction standards and codes
- HCSW Learning Framework
- Career Pathways and Qualifications
- Events, networks and newsletters
- Learning resources
- Information for managers and educators
Educational Developments
A range of educational programmes exist for AHP support workers. We are working with local partners in NHS Lothian to explore exciting opportunities for HCSW and will provide more detail as soon as possible.
Other helpful resources for AHP Healthcare
A series of 14 CORE AHP workbooks opens a new windowhave been designed for all AHP support workers to use in the workplace. These standardised workbooks follow consistent learning outcomes that underpin the core areas of practice for AHP support workers. Completion of these workbooks enables learning and demonstration of practice for new support workers as well as those established in their role and can be used as evidence to support their PDPR (intranet link) opens a new window. Further workbooks are available:
Flying Start
Flying Start NHS opens a new window is a programme of learning designed to support newly qualified Nurses, Midwives and AHPs (NMAHPs) in their first year of practice.
There is an expectation that all newly qualified NMAHPs within NHS Lothian will undertake the Flying Start NHS programme.
The programme has been revised (September, 2017) based on feedback from learners, mentor and managers. A brief introductory video is available to summarise the changes opens a new window.
A Definitive Guide to Flying Start NHS opens a new window has been developed and is the ideal starting point for newly qualified staff or those supporting learners whether directly as a Flying Start Facilitator or as a Manager. This resource highlights the requirements to support flying start and their recommended timeframes.
The programme is now more manageable and easier to navigate as it now uses the 4 Pillars of Practice as the basis for learning
- Clinical opens a new window
- Leadership opens a new window
- Facilitation of Learning opens a new window
- Research and evidence based practice opens a new window
Within each pillar or section there are two learning outcomes which you will be expected to meet through learning within the work place, learning for work, at work. This can be through reflection on work activities or discussions with others to guide you through a reflective cycle but can be any form of learning. Examples of learning activities are provided in each section to give you an idea of what is expected
It is important that newly qualified practitioners register for Flying Start within their first 3 months in post. Flying Start is now hosted on TURAS opens a new window which is the NHS Education for Scotland digital platform. This requires you to register with the site and then you can access learning including adding Flying Start to your learning profile opens a new window. TURAS is a mobile enabled platform so accessible any day and time on any type of device.
Effective Practitioner
Effective Practitioner opens a new window is a national initiative providing work-based learning resources and support for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals across NHS Scotland.
It is not a programme, but is a helpful resource which practitioners can dip in and out to help them in their practice. It is for practitioners (level 5) and senior practitioners (level 6) as described on the Career Framework and it recognises and values the critical role this large group of staff play in the day-to-day delivery of care in NHS Scotland.
It assists practitioners to meet the three Quality Ambitions within the Healthcare Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland opens a new windowthrough the delivery of person-centred, safe and effective care. It will also enable practitioners to evidence their ongoing development for NHS KSF reviews, professional revalidation, and continuing professional development purposes.
Effective Practitioner contains a series of resource which can help you identify your learning and development needs and plan how you can use the work based learning resources to meet these. This includes the self-assessment tool which uses a series of reflective questions to identify learning priorities that can be translated into an action plan highlighting how you will get to where you need to be. Both of these resources can then be used as evidence within your KSF PDP (intranet link) opens a new window review.
AHP Career Fellowship Scheme
What is the AHP Careers Fellowship Scheme?
The AHP Careers Fellowship scheme funds learning and development opportunities for the AHP workforce across the public sector in Scotland.
From Summer 2018 a new mode of delivery was introduced.
Instead of funding individual learning, funding is now available to:
a) Participate in a learning programme delivered by NES (7 days in total over 10 months covering leadership, improvement, project management, evaluation and action learning)
b) Lead your own work-based project to improve , change or develop AHP services. This can be in your own team, service, locality, organisation or region. We will also consider national projects.
To see previous projects visit: https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/our-work/ahp-careers-fellowship-scheme/#examplesofpreviousprojects5 opens a new window
Who can apply to the AHP Careers Fellowship Scheme?
Applications are welcomed from AHPs employed in NHS Scotland and Local Authorities in Scotland. This encompasses AHPs, AHP Health Care Support Workers (HCSW) and AHP Assistant Practitioners.
Applications are also welcome from AHPs working in the third sector, further and higher education where they are submitted in partnership with NHS AHP colleagues and where there is anticipated benefit to NHS service users and staff.
Further information on the AHP Career Fellowship Scheme is available here opens a new window
Useful Resources
NES e-learning modules to support staff with their CPD and career development including ‘Writing Great Applications for Learning and Development Opportunities opens a new window’. These modules are available at: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/1828/identifying-and-supporting-your-cpd-and-career-development opens a new window.
For further support and information please contact Loth.AHPPracticeEducation@nhs.scot
