New framework to support transformation of care for people with learning disabilities

A new Learning Disabilities Core Skills Education and Training Framework has been launched today (July 28) to help improve the care health and social care staff deliver to people with learning disabilities.

Developed in partnership by Health Education England (HEE), Skills for Health and Skills for Care, the framework set out the core skills and knowledge that are common and transferable across different types of service provision. It also provides guidance and standards for the delivery of training to develop required skills and knowledge, and achieve desired learning outcomes.

Professor Lisa Bayliss Pratt, director of nursing and deputy director of education and quality at HEE said:

With often complex health needs, the lives of people with learning disabilities are greatly impacted by those who work in health and social care and it is our responsibility to ensure the workforce of today and tomorrow, have the right skills and values to meet these needs.

The Learning Disabilities Core Skills Education and Training Framework will help provide a consistent level of education and ensure that everyone working in health and social care have the core skills required to deliver appropriate, person centred care and support to people with learning disabilities.

Sharon Allen OBE, Chief Executive of Skills for Care said:

Providing excellent care and support for people with learning disabilities and their families and carers requires a diverse and highly skilled workforce. This framework will provide clarity about the specific outcomes required from staff learning and development activities. It will help managers to feel confident that learning and development has been planned and delivered in accordance with a nationally recognised framework. It will also support the integration agenda by focusing on areas such as improved communication and collaborative working and providing the potential for cross-sector learning and development.

John Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Health said:

The key to the wellbeing of people affected by a learning disability is the quality of care and commitment provided by those who work with them. The framework outlines the learning and education training for the learning disabilities workforce at an assured standard. Employers and/or commissioners of education are encouraged to use the framework as guidance for the development and delivery of appropriate and consistent education and training.  We believe that use of the framework will result in an increased quality of care for people and their families.

The Core Skills Education and Training Framework is available to download from the Skills for Health website.

The Core Skills Education and Training Framework complements the Generic Service Interventions Pathway Skills and Competency Framework, which was released in March 2016 and describes the specific skills and competences required to effectively undertake the most frequently delivered health and care interventions.