Glossary

Preceptorship

A period of structured support provided to AHPs at key moments of career transition. This includes joining the workforce for the first time, returning to work after a long period away (including being re-admitted to the register), working in the UK for the first time, taking up a new role, or moving to a new organisation, to give them confidence to act as an autonomous practitioner.

Preceptee

An individual accessing a period of preceptorship.

Preceptor

An individual providing one-to-one support to someone undertaking preceptorship.

Preceptorship Champion

Promotes the value and benefit of preceptorship within organisations and systems.

Preceptorship Lead

Acts as a central point of contact within the organisation or system, and is responsible for the co-ordination, evaluation, and monitoring of the preceptorship programme.

Continuing Professional Development or ‘CPD’ 

The way in which AHPs continue to learn and develop throughout their careers so they keep their skills and knowledge up to date and are able to practise safely and effectively.

Competence

The abilities and knowledge that enable an AHP to safely and effectively manage tasks required by their role.

Induction

Processes used by organisations and teams to introduce someone into a new organisation or role.

Integrated Care System (ICS)

Comprises of a network of organisations, working together in a geographically defined area, to plan and deliver integrated health and care services.

Multi-professional

Learning that brings together health and care professionals from a range of different professional groups.

Profession-specific

Learning that is focused on the knowledge and capabilities required for that  profession.

Programme/s

The supporting structure underpinning the delivery of preceptorship for AHPs, including the support for preceptors.

Protected time

Designated time to complete preceptorship activities.

System

An Integrated Care System (ICS).

System challenges

Internal and external factors, such as funding or staffing shortages, that may impact on the day-to-day delivery of preceptorship. 

Tailored

Support that is adapted to an AHP’s needs as required.

Transition/s

Changes in an AHP’s situation that can benefit from support, such as being a newly qualified trainee, returning to work after parental leave, coming to work in the UK from abroad, taking up a new role, or moving to a new organisation.

Uni-profession

Support provided by the same profession and focused on profession specific issues.