New email addresses
We are switching over to NHS.NET email addresses. Any emails sent to HEE.NHS addresses will be re-directed. Our new email addresses are:
- EPA: england.nshcsepa@nhs.net
- Accreditation: england.nshcs.accreditation@nhs.net
- Assessment & Progression: england.nshcs.assessment@nhs.net
- Curriculum: england.nshcs.curriculum@nhs.net
- EDI: england.nshcs.edi@nhs.net
- Events: england.nshcs.events@nhs.net
- Programme Support: england.nshcs@nhs.net
- HCSApplicants: england.hcsapplicants@nhs.net
The Digital Servicedesk will remain as nshcs.digital@hee.nhs.uk for the foreseeable future. Servicedesk addresses will be changed at a later date.
Click here to find all the email addresses for the National School
Information for all trainees
New training management panel dates for Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances requests
Trainees can apply for an extension of time or change to training via the Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances policy when circumstances affect their ability to continue training.
Trainees must be aware of training management panel dates if they wish to submit a request for an extension to their training.
Click here to view the training management panel dates
Information for first year trainees
Work-based assessment standards have been published
At the end of September, we published the School’s work-based assessment standards which define how work-based assessments should be conducted and the responsibilities of trainees, trainers and assessors.
For each work-based assessment type (training activities, DOPS, OCEs, CBDs) the standards provide clear definitions and expectations about:
- the purpose of the assessment
- how the assessment should be conducted
- the responsibilities of every participant in the assessment life cycle
- who can assess
- how feedback should be provided
We would strongly advise that you familiarise yourself with the standards early on so that you have a good grasp of how each of the work-based assessments should be conducted.
Click here to view the NSHCS work-based assessment standards
STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
We recently concluded a series of four short ‘explainer’ webinars about different aspects of the changes to assessment on the programme. The webinars covered:
- Progression review
- The work-based assessment standard for observed assessments
- The work-based assessment standard for case-based discussions
- The work-based assessment standard for training activities
Recordings of the webinars can be found on the School website.
Click here to view the STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
Training activity types updated
We have now updated and completed the work-based assessment training activity standard to include all of the types of training activity. There are three types of training activity: entrustable training activities, observational training activities and developmental training activities. The standard sets out how to complete training activities as well as the purpose, evidence and assessor requirements for each training activity type. Trainees who started the programme in 2023 should follow the training activity standard to complete all of their training activities.
The training activity types for all rotation modules are identified in the Curriculum Library. We’re now working with each specialty to add the training activity types for specialty modules to the Curriculum Library. The training activity types for specialty modules are now available for a number of specialties and will be available for all specialties by the end of the year.
Click here to read more about training activity types
Information for second year trainees
Work-based assessment standards published
At the end of September, we published the School’s work-based assessment standards which define how work-based assessments should be conducted and the responsibilities of trainees, trainers and assessors.
For each work-based assessment type (training activities, DOPS, OCEs, CBDs) the standards provide clear definitions and expectations about:
- the purpose of the assessment
- how the assessment should be conducted
- the responsibilities of every participant in the assessment life cycle
- who can assess
- how feedback should be provided
For trainees who began in 2022 the standards for in-person assessments (DOPS, OCEs and CBDs) apply.
Click here to view the NSHCS work-based assessment standards
STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
We recently concluded a series of short ‘explainer’ webinars about different aspects of the changes to assessment on the programme. The following two webinars are relevant for trainees who began in 2022:
- The work-based assessment standard for observed assessments.
- The work-based assessment standard for case-based discussions.
Recordings of the webinars can be found on the School website
Click here to view the STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
Information for training officers
Training standards and expectations
The training standards and expectations for the role of STP work-based trainer are now available.
Taking on the trainer role is a significant responsibility and commitment. To support you and your departmental colleagues to navigate these responsibilities we have developed this set of training standards which clearly articulate what is expected of you.
There are 5 training standards and for each one there is a suite of training materials available on the NHS Learning Hub which we encourage you to access.
Click here for the training standards and their associated support resources
Learning resources on the NHS Learning Hub
To support you to develop the knowledge and skills associated with the School’s recently published training standards, we are developing a suite of short training resources within the NHS Learning Hub. These are not mandatory and are meant to support you in your own professional development as a trainer, irrespective of the programme.
To access the NHS Learning Hub you will need to have an account with the service. The details on how to do this can be found within the training standards pages on our website, linked to below.
The following modules are already available on the NHS Learning Hub. Please click on the links to access them:
- Supporting your trainee with reflective practice
- Giving effective written and verbal feedback
- Reviewing trainee progress, including having difficult conversations and target setting
- Developing independent learners
Modules coming soon:
- Planning for learning and assessment
- Strategies for managing many trainees at once
- Motivational interviewing
- Developing coaching skills
- Developing as a mentor
- Explore opportunities in practice to embed EDI
- The principles of differentiated and adaptive practice
- Embedding the NHS values into training
- Approaches to learning
- Andragogy and pedagogy
- Motivation and learning
- Evaluating your own practice
- Supporting neurodivergent trainees with their training
- Developing evidence to demonstrate proficiency in work-based training
If you would like training on a specific topic and it does not appear amongst the NHS Learning Hub resources (already available or proposed), please contact the School’s Education Training Manager Sally Clee at s.clee@nhs.net as we are keen to ensure that the offering is responsive to the needs of trainers, assessors and educators.
Click here for the training standards and their associated support resources
STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
We recently concluded a series of four short ‘explainer’ webinars about different aspects of the changes to assessment on the programme. The webinars covered:
- Progression review
- The work-based assessment standard for observed assessments
- The work-based assessment standard for case-based discussions
- The work-based assessment standard for training activities
Recordings of the webinars can be found on the School website.
Click here to view the STP assessment strategy explainer webinars
Training activity types updated
We have now updated and completed the work-based assessment training activity standard to include all of the types of training activity. There are three types of training activity: entrustable training activities, observational training activities and developmental training activities. The standard sets out how to complete training activities as well as the purpose, evidence and assessor requirements for each training activity type. Trainees who started the programme in 2023 should follow the training activity standard to complete all of their training activities.
The training activity types for all rotation modules are identified in the Curriculum Library. We’re now working with each specialty to add the training activity types for specialty modules to the Curriculum Library. The training activity types for specialty modules are now available for a number of specialties and will be available for all specialties by the end of the year.
Click here to read more about training activity types
STP trainers drop-in sessions
We are currently running a series of monthly drop-in sessions for trainers where you will have the opportunity to ask Training Programme Directors and School staff about any aspect of the programme.
Click here to find out more about the STP trainer drop-in sessions
Healthcare Science Education and Training Collaborative meeting summary
On our website you can find copies of some of the key presentations made at the Healthcare Science Education and Training Collaborative meeting held in November 2023.
Managing your trainees
We have created a section on our website providing answers about issues ranging from study leave to funding.
This month’s featured FAQ is:
Q – Are training departments expected to give study leave to trainees on the STP?
A – We advise that employers facilitate a 80:20 split (or 1 day per week if full time) between routine workplace commitments and academic studies. 20% of the trainee’s time must be protected for private study, including university work, reflective writing, reading and portfolio completion. This applies throughout the programme, regardless of whether the trainee is in university term time.
You are advised to contact us to discuss difficulties in securing protected time for training as employers not facilitating this risk losing their accredited status as a training centre.
Click here to find FAQs on management of trainees for STP trainers.
Missed a previous edition of the STP Monthly Memo?
We’ve published copies of the Monthly Memo for STP trainees and training officers on our website.
Click here to view previous editions of the STP Monthly Memo.