KSF Core Dimension 2: Personal and People Development
Ready4work aims to help you to understand the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) and its role in developing the NHS workforce. It is the main development framework for all staff covered by the Agenda for Change agreement. Find out more information about Agenda for Change and the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
KSF Core Dimensions:
There are six Core dimensions within the NHS KSF and every member of staff will have all six Core dimensions as part of their KSF post outline.
These are:
In addition there are 24 specific dimensions, a selection of which will be added to the individual’s post outline depending on the type of job or setting. When apply for a new post within NHS Scotland, it is useful to ask for the NHS KSF post outline, if one is available. Alongside the job description, the KSF post outline should let you see which skills are required for the post both at entry level and as you become fully developed within that post.
Development Needs and the KSF:
You may find it useful to identify your development needs for the post you would like to work in by comparing the KSF outlines for different dimensions with:
- Your current role
- A self assessment of your previous role or KSF outline for a similar post (if you are a returner)
- As a basis to prepare for a new role you aspire to
You might be able to find KSF outlines that are similar to your previous post, for your current post and for the post you would like to work in, in the National Library of Post outlines (eKSF login needed) or NHS Employers Agenda for Change National Job Profiles.
Within Personal and People Development Core dimension 2 there are 4 levels these are:
- Level 1 Contributes to own personal development
- Level 2 Develops own skills and knowledge and provides information to others to help their development
- Level 3 Develop oneself and contribute to the development of others
- Level 4 Develop oneself and others in areas of practice
About Personal and People Development
Personal and People Development is about developing oneself using a variety of means and contributing to the development of others during ongoing work activities. This may be through structured approaches such as development reviews or professional/ clinical supervision or informal methods such as work shadowing or reflective practice.
For every post holder in NHS Scotland who is covered by the Agenda for Change agreement, personal and people development will be part of their NHS KSF outline and they will be expected to provide evidence of development at their annual development review when they will agree their personal development plan (PDP) for the coming year.
For Graduates
For graduates joining NHS Scotland for their first post as a registered practitioner, you will find that the Flying Start NHS development programme and the NHS KSF are closely linked, as they both focus on developing and applying skills in the workplace. The relationship between them allows practitioners to develop a single portfolio of evidence of their developing competence and capability.
Flying Start acts as a framework and set of resources to work towards the NHS KSF Foundation gateway review. It does not guarantee progression, as this decision is based on application of the learning to the work setting.
You can find out more about how Flying Start can offer learning opportunities to support this NHS KSF dimension.
For Returners
In addition to thinking about KSF, if you are a returner and were previously registered with HPC, but have not practised (in the UK or elsewhere) in the last two years then you will need to meet their returners to practice requirements.
You can find out more about other returner’s experiences in the Returners’ Stories pages.