Knowledge and skills framework
NHS Education for Scotland has developed this Knowledge and Skills Framework in conjunction with key stakeholders to support Scottish Government priorities in the provision of safe healthcare facilities.
Framework overview
The aim of the Knowledge and Skills Framework is to support the educational development of NHS staff and external partners in acquiring the knowledge and skills to prevent and control the potential risks of harm posed by healthcare facilities. More specifically, to provide an educational framework that:
- Supports staff, and external NHS partners, in developing knowledge and skills to make risk aware decisions
- Encourages the sharing of knowledge on the assessment and management of risk
- Encourages positive approaches to managing risk
- Supports the development of a communicative, collaborative and safety driven culture.
The intention of the framework is not to be prescriptive but to provide support and guidance.
The framework has three areas:
Design safe
Build safe
Keep safe
Importantly, this Framework also has the potential for wider utilisation by organisations that work in partnership with the NHS, for example, building contractors and suppliers, to support collaborative working practice. For the purpose of this Framework, reference to risks means those known risks commonly associated with service systems, that is the provision of water and drainage, air ventilation, electricity, fire prevention and medical gases
The framework articulates the knowledge and skills required across 4 levels of practice:
4 Level of practice | |
1 | Informed level Describes the essential knowledge and skills required by all staff to contribute to preventing and controlling risks to individuals within the HBE. This includes individuals from external organisations who work within NHS settings and need to be aware of their contribution to maintaining a safe environment. |
2 | Skilled level Describes the more in-depth knowledge and skills required by ‘front line’ staff who have direct and/or substantial role(s) in preventing and controlling risks. |
3 | Enhanced level Reflects the extensive knowledge and skills required of specialist staff with increasingly complex and explicit roles (professional/technical) which directly or substantially contribute to strategies/interventions that prevent and control the emergence of risks. |
4 | Expert level Describes the advanced knowledge and skills required of staff, who have specialist/defined roles in developing, overseeing and directing governance measures designed to prevent and control risk. |
The framework
Knowledge and skills framework
Access the Preventing and reducing infection and other risks in the healthcare built environment knowledge and skills framework.
By completing this feedback survey, you’ll help us improve and better meet your needs. Please take a moment to share your experience, suggestions, or any ideas you have. Thank you for helping us grow!
How to use the framework
For my development |
Use the framework to assess your level of knowledge and your practice skills. It will help you to: + Identify areas to develop your knowledge and skills further Example: A Healthcare support worker could use the framework to plan training before their appraisal. |
As a line manager |
Use the framework to assess your level of knowledge and your practice skills. It will help you to: + Assess if there is a need for individual or perhaps team development Example: A Lead IPC nurse could use the framework to plan training for her their team and care providers. |
Within your organisation |
At an organisational level the framework will help and support you to: + Identify key required skills and knowledge during recruitment Example: A Head of Engineering, uses the framework to enhance job adverts and onboard new staff for a refurbishment project. |
As education and training providers |
Education teams or training providers can use the framework to: + Review existing training resources to identify gaps and areas where healthcare built environment can be included Example: An L&D Manager in construction, uses the framework to train new hospital build staff. |
Resource feedback
To help us improve our resources, we would like to ask you a few questions about your experience with using our TURAS pages today. This will only take a few minutes to complete and your answers will help us improve our future communication and resources.
Thank you
Alternative Formats
If you require this resource to be made available in alternative formats, please email HAI@nes.scot.nhs.uk or altformats@nes.scot.nhs.uk to discuss how we can best meet your requirements.