HCSW framework and pillars of practice
The NES NMAHP Development Framework spans career levels 2 to 8 covering the Healthcare Support Workers Development and Education Framework and the NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework.
The framework recognises how complex roles have become and helps to explain the difference in expectations and learning for NMAHP HCSWs in Career Framework Levels 2, 3 and 4.
The framework supports the development of core knowledge, skills, and behaviours across the four pillars of practice. The information presented in each of the pillars of practice is relevant for any NMAHP HCSW role and should be applied to the setting that the HCSW is working within. More information about the pillars of practice is available in our toolkit.
Find out more about:
- The framework structure
- Tools to support development needs analysis and reflective self assessment
- Delegation, support and supervision
- Implementation toolkit
- Supporting resources
For further information and to access the Development and Education Framework for Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers visit the dedicated website.
Framework structure
An overview page is provided for each level of practice (2–4) which explains the broad sphere of responsibility / role, recommended educational / professional requirements that might be expected.
The aspects of each level of practice and the key knowledge and skills required are explained in detail within each level. The consolidation of existing knowledge and skills, and the acquisition of new ones, are reflected in the incremental nature of the Framework levels.
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Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs)
Download the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 NMAHP HCSWs as an accessible Word version
Tools to support development needs analysis and reflective self assessment
Development Needs Analysis Tool
This tool is available as a work document or an online form for each level of the Framework. It support you to identify your learning and development needs and uses the KSB statements and a self-assessment rating process.
Framework Reflective Self-assessment Tool
The reflective self-assessment tool is designed to help you evaluate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in the Framework for your level of practice. It encourages you to reflect on your job role, identify areas for potential growth, and recognise opportunities for further development.
You can access both these tools on the NMAHP Development Framework website. Select your level of practice from the left hand menu, then self assessment.
Delegation, support and supervision
The following resource supports safe and effective decisions to delegate or accept delegated tasks and duties:
It is important to know the skills and competence of all members in a team, so that tasks can be delegated appropriately and safely to the right person.
Regular appraisal meetings or personal development reviews will help support the development of individuals. It is important that all staff know the limits of their own competence and have the confidence to say “no” if asked to carry out a task out with their competence, or that they feel is inappropriate or unsafe.
Supervision and feedback must be provided appropriate to the task being delegated and HCSWs should adhere to the HCSW Code of Conduct at all times
Supporting resources
You will find learning activities to support the four pillars of practice which HCSWs can use to support work-based learning and career development. More information about the pillars of practice can be found in our toolkit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) supports the use of evidence of work-based experience and learning to support personal and career development. You can find out more about RPL on Turas Learn
Turas Professional Portfolio is available to all HCSWs who wish to use an electronic portfolio to record evidence of their learning and development. Find out more on the Turas Professional Portfolio page.