1.1 Departmental staff, including senior grades, contribute to maintaining the quality of education and training
Item 1
It is helpful to provide outline charts showing trust directorate, however the one we need to see is the immediate department. It should show the structure with a name and title against each post. It should also identify the training officer, the trainee and show the trainee’s line of management and who in the department is a registered clinical scientist.
If you are in a consortium, please provide the structure of the consortium and the structure of the departments within the consortium.
1.1 Department has clear quality standards
Item 2
The department training policy should show the arrangements for all trainees. For the Scientist Training Programme, we will be looking to confirm that the policy embodies the particular requirements of the programme such as supernumerary status, rotations, the online portfolio, the assessments, the university component, the protected study time, progression reviews, the final year assessment and the roles and responsibilities of the various individuals responsible for delivering the training.
Training policy identifying how the trust/department supports healthcare science training. If you do not have a policy we have a template that can be used. Please let us know if you require this.
Item 3
Don’t forget to attach your training plan showing:
- all 3 tabs on the template are completed providing an overview of the 3 years
- the staff involved; training officer, other trainers/supervisors/assessors
- rotation arrangements are planned and confirmed
- supervision arrangements including actual or proposed supervision for the research project, including arrangements for research sponsorship
- preparation of colleagues to support training
- induction/orientation pack for your department
Please be aware that you will need to allow time for the online portfolio, the workplace assessments and regular time for 1:2:1 progress review meetings to provide feedback to your STP trainee(s). More detailed information is available in the Training Plan section.
Item 4
If you are not UKAS accredited, please provide information on quality manuals and/or statements/standards that the department adheres to in running your service.
1.2 Training programmes reflect relevant national guidance
Item 5
All new training officers are required to participate in the mandatory NSHCS ‘STP Induction for new trainers‘.
Please provide certificate(s) of participation and the names of those who have completed it.
All training officers will also have access to a suite of non-mandatory training modules on the NHS Learning Hub to support them in meeting the training standards. As a training officer, you will also be expected to keep up to date by accessing the relevant monthly memos and by attending any relevant NSHCS event either live or via recordings.
Confirmation that learning has been cascaded to colleagues in the department making everyone aware of the role and responsibilities of the trainee in the department whether the trainee is direct entry or in-service, the trainee should be treated as a trainee.
1.3 Department can deliver professional training to high standard. Staff development includes supervision and delivery of training.
Item 6
Completion of the document ‘evidence of meeting requirements for STP Training Officer role’ form is a requirement for accreditation. You can include CVs as additional evidence.
Item 7
For all other staff involved in any significant extent in training, please use the ‘education and training qualifications’ form. For example, if a different member of staff will be supporting the MSc research project, this individual will need to complete the ‘education and training qualifications form. You can include CVs as additional evidence.
Item 8
For example, courses available in supporting and mentoring trainees, providing feedback, and having difficult conversations. This information should be available from your trust’s Education and Training/Learning and Development team.
1.4 There are opportunities for learners to take an active role in quality improvement initiatives, including participation in improving evidence led practice activities. Clinical supervisors are supported to understand the education, training and any other support needs of their learners.
Item 9
Ensure that your trainee actively participates in any trainee networks/meetings with other STP trainees externally. If this has not been arranged, please plan to do so.
Item 10
Demonstrate that you are aware of, or do actively participate in, any training officer networks/meetings with other STP training officers externally. If not, that there is a plan to do so.
Item 11
Please provide a statement of how the department reviews and makes continual improvements to education and training. Show how the department links with the organisation’s Education and Training leads (for example, placement education lead, learning and development lead) to ensure quality in education and training. You will need to provide a statement on the application form.
1.5 Staff contribute to national training initiatives
Item 12
Identify staff actively involved in Schools events such as recruitment shortlisting or interviewing, final year assessment, attendance at any national groups, participation in other NSHCS activities such as accreditation visits. You can find out how more in our Get Involved section.
1.6 Practice placements must enable the delivery of relevant parts of curricula and contribute as expected to training programmes
Item 13
Details of trainees accepted on rotation or placement; this can include trainees on programmes other than the STP. We want to be assured that you have the capacity to do this.
Item 14
Expectation of the employer to liaise with the STP trainee’s university. For example, exchange of emails with the course leader in preparation for trainees starting on the programme, attendance to HEI events organised for training officers.