Health and care support worker development

Background

NES was commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake a review of career pathways for Health Care Support workers (HCSW) working at levels 2-4 of the NHS Career Framework for Health in health and social care within NHS Scotland. The aim of the commission was to scope and recommend a nationally agreed framework to support definition of Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) roles, career progression and development through education and training, with a focus on how HCSWs support registered staff.

The commission will be developed in 3 phases:

Phase one: HCSW bands 3-4 practising within acute and community nursing teams. This phase was completed on schedule and a report submitted to Scottish Government which can be accessed under supporting documents . The report includes a number of recommendations which are now being considered in phase 2.
Phase two: HCSW band 2 nursing, band 2-4 nursing, midwifery and allied health professions (NMAHPs) and band 4 Ambulance Technician
Phase three – HCSW bands 2 – 4 for Healthcare Science

FAQs

Since the Scottish Government commissioned NHS Education for Scotland to take forward work on education and development of Level 2-4 Healthcare Support Workers, several questions have arisen from stakeholders. This set of frequently asked questions and answers is designed to address some of the common enquiries.

Frequently asked questions (PDF)

Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 NMAHP Healthcare Support Workers

Following stakeholder consultation which closed 29.07.2022, the framework has been updated to reflect the feedback received. Please note that the framework will in due course be incorporated into the NMAHP Development Framework. In the meantime we do not want to delay the use of the framework by health boards. Please download the framework from the link below.

Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 NMAHP Healthcare Support Workers (DOCX)

Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 NMAHP Healthcare Support Workers (PDF)

Associate Practice Educator Scoping Study

NHS Education for Scotland commissioned a review of the Associate Practice Educator role, which had been introduced in two NHS Health Boards (NHS Tayside and NHS Grampian). The research seeks to understand best practice related to the role and how it can overcome challenges around access to learning and development at work for Healthcare Support Worker (HCSWs). The full report and executive summary can be accessed via the links below:

Associate Practice Educator Scoping Study Executive Summary (PDF)

Associate Practice Educator Scoping Study Full Report including Executive Summary (PDF)

NMAHP Professional Workforce Needs Analysis Tool

This workforce needs analysis can be used by Health Boards to strategically plan future workforce solutions or, at a more local level, to plan staffing for a single unit or specific field of clinical practice. The document is divided into three sections:

Section A – Patient / Client Needs
Section B – Service / Speciality Skills Needs
Section C – Healthcare Support Worker / Assistant Practitioner Role

Download the workforce needs analysis tool from the link below

NMAHP Professional Workforce Needs Analysis Tool (DOC)

Supporting documents

Summary of the Healthcare Support Worker commission (PDF)

HCSW Education and Development Programme Phase 1 Report (PDF)

HCSW Education and Development Programme Phase 1 Letter from CNOD/NES (PDF)

Contact

HCSW@nes.scot.nhs.uk