NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework

The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) is the career and pay progression strand of the NHS pay system, Agenda for Change (AfC). It is mandatory for all Agenda for Change staff and should be fully implemented by all NHS organisations.

Scope of the work

The Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) is part of the collective agreement overseen by the NHS Staff Council. The Social Partnership Forum has taken a specific interest in the progress of KSF implementation over the last two years.

The Social Partnership Forum has a sub-group of representatives. The group meets on an ad hoc basis to discuss how to raise the profile of the NHS KSF, particularly considering how it can work in partnership to promote more effective and widespread use of the KSF.

Progress

At the most recent meeting of the group (February 2009) it was agreed that the following actions would be taken forward through the staff council KSF sub-group, with regular updates to the Social Partnership Forum:

to commission an independent academic review of the KSF, to consider KSF processes and barriers to implementation and make proposals as to how to maximise the benefits
to convene a reference group of independent representatives (from NHS management and NHS trades unions) to oversee this work
to renew efforts to encourage and identify board level champions - through the SHA KSF networks
to refresh the 'Essential Guidance for Boards' document, making high level links with the Operating Framework - this will be posted on the Social Partnership Forum website.

Other work that has been produced and supported in relation to implementing NHS KSF includes:

producing The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework - essential guide for NHS staff
producing The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework - essential guide for NHS boards
producing a DVD entitled 'Embedding the NHS KSF'. The DVD includes a ministerial introduction from Ann Keen and features a range of NHS organisations from across the country talking about their experience of using the KSF
as part of the work to raise the profile of the KSF, ten regional events took place in 2007, hosted by each strategic health authority. The events aimed to help trusts learn how to make the most of the KSF
following the above events, all NHS chief executives were encouraged to apply the learning gained from the events. The full text of the letter can be found on the Department of Health's website.

For further information on NHS KSF visit the NHS Employers website.