HCSW framework and pillars of practice

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NES NMAHP Development Framework is the overarching resource comprising of two linked components - the Healthcare Support Workers Development and Education Framework and the NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework.

The Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) recognises how complex NMAHP HCSW 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 in the four pillars of practice and enables profession specific and specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours to be added for all NMAHP HCSWs working at Levels 2–4.  The information presented in each of the Four 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 in our toolkit.

Find out more about:

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 generic aspects of each level of practice are then explained in detail, including the sphere of responsibility / role associated with each level, and the key knowledge and skills required. The consolidation of existing knowledge and skills, and the acquisition of new ones, are reflected in the incremental nature of the Framework levels.

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 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

Delegation

The following resource re tools to support safe and effective decisions to delegate or accept delegated tasks and duties:

Support and supervision

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

Implementation toolkit

NES have collaborated with a short life working group comprising representatives from practice to identify resources that would support health boards to implement the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 NMAHP HCSWs.   

The PPT with notes and the lesson plan will support the delivery of an information session (approximately 60-70 minutes) for HCSWs, Managers, Educators.

A suite of resources to support local implementation has been developed for use and these can be downloaded from the links below:

You can watch the recording from the launch event held on 23.02.2023, avalable on the events page.

We would appreciate your feedback on the implementation toolkit resources. Please take a few moments to complete the short online feedback form.

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

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.