Staff Development Resources

Four Pillars of Practice Toolkit (HCS)

This resource was developed to help provide information and practical guidance as well as scenarios showcasing how the four pillars of practice can be used to support ongoing personal and career development. The toolkit is intended to be a flexible resource which can be used for self-directed learning or as part of taught training provision. The toolkit can be used to support existing learning programmes or activities or used in its entirety to plan specific programmes depending on local or individual needs. The four pillars of practice set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to safely and effectively carry out your role. The emphasis on each pillar may vary according to the level of practice and the specific role. This resource is available at Four Pillars of Practice Toolkit (HCS).

Reflective Self-Assessment Tool

This 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. Find out about the Reflective Template Assessment tool available by selecting the following link: Reflective Self-Assesment Tool template.

Development Needs Analysis Tool (DNAT)

The Development Needs Analysis Tool (DNAT) is designed to help you reflect on your current job role and identify areas where further training, education, and development could enhance or advance your skills. It utilises the knowledge, skills, and behaviour (KSB) statements from the framework, organised under the pillars of practice, to assess your level of practice. A DNAT template is available for each level of the framework:

Level 2 DNAT template (Word version)
Level 3 DNAT template (Word version)
Level 4 DNAT template (Word version)

To assist with your assessment, a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating scale is employed to evaluate your current knowledge and skills. You can also customise the DNAT by adding additional role or profession specific KSBs from relevant competency frameworks using the provided blank template. Upon completion of the DNAT, you will have a list of specific KSBs you wish to develop, along with evidence statements to demonstrate your competence.

Sign Off

It is recommended that you discuss your DNAT with your line manager to jointly agree on your learning and development needs, as well as to update your Personal Development Plan (PDP). This tool is designed to support you in your appraisal and Personal Development Plan & Review (PDPR) process, while also providing evidence of your ongoing CPD. There is an Action Planning and Priority Rating Tool at the end of the templates to enable this.

Interactive CPD Resource Tool

We have developed an interactive CPD resource tool which enables you to identify appropriate CPD resources for each of the four pillars of practice with learning activities that can support your personal development. Why not try these out – you can dip in and out and there is no need to complete all the activities, just choose the ones which suit you best.

We have chosen the resources which are appropriate for all support worker staff who work within HCS, the tool currently only features resources applicable for the Level 2-4 framework but will be developed for higher levels in future. This tool can also be used by managers, team/service leads, educators and anyone involved in supporting the learning and development of support workforce staff. This resource is available at the bottom of the Resources and Learning Activities page.

Multi-Source Feedback

This is an online tool available in Turas Learn for individuals within the HCS community to obtain constructive, anonymous, amalgamated feedback, from those they work with, about their practice. The questions are based on Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) Good Scientific Practice, AHCS Standards of Proficiency for Higher Specialist Scientists and HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance, and Ethics. They are suitable for all career stages, levels of responsibility and disciplines. This can also be used as a useful tool for CPD reflection on working practice. Further information is available on our training website at Multi-Source Feedback.

Turas Professional Portfolio

Turas Professional Portfolio was developed by NES as an e-portfolio application for trainees undertaking training within Scotland. However, it can be used by anyone to record and share their learning, reflection and achievements as part of their career journey in the NHS in Scotland. Please visit the Turas professional portfolio page on Turas Learn for further information including interactive guides and a series of ‘how to’ videos.