HCSW framework and pillars of practice
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:
- The framework structure
- Delegation, support and supervision
- Implementation toolkit
- Supporting resources
- How the framework aligns with the NMAHP Development Framework
For further information and to access the Development and Education Framework for Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers visit https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/74162
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.
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Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs)
Delegation, support and supervision
The following resource re tools to support safe and effective decisions to delegate or accept delegated tasks and duties:
- Making Delegation Safe and Effective; A Learning Resource for Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Support Workers
- Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC) Decision Framework for Delegation of Nursing and Midwifery 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.
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Frequently asked questions about the Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 nursing midwifery and allied health professional healthcare support workers.
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Lesson plan for health board information sessions to support implementation of the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 nursing, midwifery and allied health profession healthcare support workers
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Presentation for use in health board information sessions in respect of implementation of the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 NMAHP Healthcare Support Workers
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Facilitator guidance for pillars of practice activity as part of information sessions held by health boards to support implementation of the Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 nursing midwifery and allied health professional...
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Handout for a healthcare support worker in respect of the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 Nursing midwifery and allied health professions healthcare support workers
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Handout for managers and educators of support workers in respect of the Development and Education Framework for Level 2-4 Nursing midwifery and allied health professions healthcare support workers
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Information session flyer to support health boards in the implementation of the Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 nursing midwifery and allied health professional healthcare support workers.
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Information session flyer to support health boards in the implementation of the Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 nursing midwifery and allied health professional healthcare support workers.
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This video highlights Gemma’s career journey and how the development and education framework supported her.
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Margot shares her organisation's perspective on how they have used the HCSW Development and Education Framework to support career pathways and service developments
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Fiona shares an educational perspective on how the HCSW Development and Education Framework can be used to support HCSW personal development and career journeys
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
Reflective template can help HCSWs to reflect on their current job role and to identify areas where they may benefit from further training, education and development. This may be used to enhance or develop in their current role, or to support them in gathering evidence to access a degree programme to become a healthcare practitioner.
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 (RPL) 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.
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Learning activities to support each pillar of practice
Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) learning activities to support the four pillars of practice
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Turas Professional Portfolio
Turas Professional Portfolio is available to all Support Workers who wish to use as an individual educational Portfolio to record evidence of their learning.
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The reflective template is designed to help you reflect on your current role and to identify areas where you may benefit from further training, education and development to enhance or develop in your current role.
NMAHP Development Framework
The NES NMAHP Development Framework is an overarching resource comprising of two linked components - the Healthcare Support Workers Development and Education Framework and the NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework.
The NMAHP Development Framework outlines the expectations of roles at practice levels 2–8 of the Career Framework for Health and provides all nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers with a framework for their learning and development
You can find more information on the NMAHP Development Framework website.
