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.
Current position
The Social Partnership Forum (SPF) were pleased to hear at their October meeting that the work on the simplification of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and subsequent guidance were complete. This was an issue initially raised at the SPF before being referred to the NHS Staff Council for action. The chairs of the SPF have written to every NHS Board to encourage them to make use of the new guidance and the simplified KSF, which can now be tailored to meet local needs.
The full copy of the letter is available here.
The NHS Staff Council has simplified the KSF to make it easier to use and to give trusts the flexibility to tailor KSF to meet local needs. A guide to the simplified KSF is available online via the NHS Employers' website.
The new approach KSF was developed following an independent review, commissioned by the NHS Staff Council, which found that take-up of the KSF is still variable and that some trusts feel KSF is too complex and difficult to link to appraisals.
The approach has several new features, including:
Six core dimensions, which cover the key areas that apply to every job. These have been re-written so they are shorter, simpler and easier to understand. They now have examples of behaviours and actions to support appraisal discussions, that indicate whether the dimension is being met or not.
Options for developing post outlines to identify the skills, knowledge and behaviours for roles. For example, producing summary post outlines or generic post outlines for different bands, or just using existing job descriptions or person specifications.
Trusts can still continue to use all or parts of the full KSF if it is helpful. For example, the specific dimensions may be useful for staff with on-going professional development needs.