Flying Start NHS® Frequently Asked Questions
Flying Start Frequently asked questions
Welcome to the Flying Start NHS FAQ Page
Below you will find answers to some of the common questions practitioners have about Flying Start NHS®.
Do I have to undertake Flying Start NHS?
The Chief Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Professions Officers in the Chief Nursing Department, at Scottish Government, recommend all NQPs complete the Flying Start Programme to support you in your first post.
In some NHS Scotland settings NQPs must complete Flying Start NHS to be able to progress to a higher grade. To find out if this applies to your post speak to your line manager, local Flying Start NHS Lead or Practice Education Staff.
Flying Start NHS is available to all NQPs working in any sector or setting across Scotland. Speak to your employer to discuss how you can make it work for you.
Completing Flying Start NHS will support your career progression. Employers often favour applications from practitioners who have completed the programme, as this demonstrates commitment to CPD, shows ability to self-direct your learning and manage your time, all of which are important skills needed to progress your career.
How do I register for Flying Start?
This link provides a guide to register and get started with Flying Start.
Can a staff member register out with the 3 month period, or is there a strict cut off at that time?
We strongly recommend that you register within the initial 3 month period, however we do understand that certain pressures may make this very difficult. If you register after the 3 month recommended period, the 12 month target to complete the programme begins at time of registration.
Who is my Flying Start Facilitator, or how do I find out?
Your line manager is responsible for allocating a Flying Start Facilitator to you.
If you work for the staff bank or in a rotational post, then speak with your line manager (or staff bank department) to get guidance and advice about how you can best be supported by a Flying Start Facilitator. Your local Flying Start Lead or Practice Education Staff will also be able to offer advice on this.
If you change jobs, you can continue the programme. However, you may need to be assigned a new Flying Start Facilitator, unless your new job is in the same organisation and it works for you both to keep your current arrangement.
Do I need to work alongside my Flying Start Facilitator on a regular basis?
No, you do not necessarily need to work alongside each other. However, you and your facilitator should discuss and agree at the start of the programme how to work together to get the best from the programme e.g. decide how often to meet to discuss progress.
Can anyone become a Flying Start Facilitator? Are there any specific requirements or training?
Any experienced Nurse, Midwife or AHP can become a Flying Start Facilitator. There are no formal training requirements, and facilitators do not need to register with the programme.
There is however, supporting material in The Definitive Guide to the Programme and a Facilitators information sheet:
Flying Start NHS : definitive guide to the programme | Turas | Learn
Facilitators Information Guide
We strongly recommend making yourself familiar with the content of these resources to ensure the best experience and learning for yourself and the NQP. Flying Start Facilitators should also find out about local support and updates on the Flying Start NHS programme, this can be found from the Flying Start NHS Lead or Practice Education Staff.
Are there local Flying Start NHS support sessions to help me complete the Programme?
Your local Practice Education Facilitators (PEF), Leaders (PEL) and Care home Education Facilitators (CHEF) will offer support to you and your facilitator during the first year as an NQP. If you are unsure who the PEF/PEL/CHEF for your area is, please check with your line manager.
How much time will I be expected to spend on Flying Start?
Flying Start NHS is a developmental learning programme that is intended to be completed across your first year of practice, allowing you time to take your new knowledge and apply it in practice. It is not intended to be completed within a compressed time period, for example, any less than 6 months. As a minimum, it is recommended that you are allocated one day protected learning time per outcome. NQPs should discuss and negotiate time to learn with their line manager and Flying Start Facilitator.
There are no notional hours ascribed to Flying Start NHS. The reason for this is that each practitioner and local area use the programme differently.
Flying Start NHS is designed to be flexible so that it can be tailored to meet individual and local needs. As a result, the number of hours undertaken to complete Flying Start NHS varies from practitioner to practitioner.
When considering using Flying Start NHS as part of the NMC CPD log you may wish to consider:
- Time developing your reflections and building your portfolio
- Time spent planning and discussing your learning with your facilitator/colleagues
- Any face to face or virtual Flying Start study events or peer support sessions you have attended
Flying Start NHS is a developmental learning programme that is intended to be completed across your first year of practice, allowing you time to take your new knowledge and apply it in practice. It is not intended to be completed within a compressed time period, for example, any less than 6 months. As a minimum, it is recommended that you are allocated one day protected learning time per outcome. NQPs should discuss and negotiate time to learn with their line manager and Flying Start Facilitator.
There are no notional hours ascribed to Flying Start NHS. The reason for this is that each practitioner and local area use the programme differently.
Flying Start NHS is designed to be flexible so that it can be tailored to meet individual and local needs. As a result, the number of hours undertaken to complete Flying Start NHS varies from practitioner to practitioner.
When considering using Flying Start NHS as part of the NMC CPD log you may wish to consider:
- Time developing your reflections and building your portfolio
- Time spent planning and discussing your learning with your facilitator/colleagues
- Any face to face or virtual Flying Start study events or peer support sessions you have attended
What happens if I don't complete the Programme within my first year of practice?
The programme should be completed within the first year of practice. Any difficulties with completion should be discussed with your Flying Start Facilitator and line manager. If there are extenuating circumstances these will be taken into consideration and in collaboration with your line manager you may be able to negotiate additional time. Each case will be looked at on an individual basis. If, however, there are no extenuating circumstances and you simply do not complete the programme, this could affect your career progression. Employers often favour applications from practitioners who have completed Flying Start NHS.
How do I complete the sign off process?
This link provides detailed guidance on the signing off process, for individual pillars and on completion of the programme.
Is there a portfolio in Flying Start? How do I upload my document?
There is no portfolio within Flying Start, however there is a professional portfolio on TURAS which can be used for recording your learning.
https://turasnmportfolio.nes.nhs.scot/
Once you have signed in, use the drop down menu to select AHP, this will take you to the AHP specific portfolio.
What's next after Flying Start NHS?
Flying Start NHS is designed to help you to make a positive start to your professional and career development. As a registered professional, you have a duty (to your professional regulator, employer and patients) to keep your knowledge and skills up to date through a continuous process of learning and reflection throughout your career. For more information on how to develop yourself on the next stage of your career visit Effective Practitioner.