Useful resources
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These RCN guides are for health care assistants and assistant practitioners who may be applying for their first job, or moving to a senior position. The RCN is here to help you get that perfect role.
Useful websites
NHS Education for Scotland launch the HCSW toolkit
This toolkit is available for all NHS staff and partner organisations with an interest in the development of health care support workers. The toolkit will provide support and guidance on role development and learning, together with information of key policy drivers and impact on practice.
Website: www.hcswtoolkit.nes.scot.nhs.uk
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
This non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills, maintains and develops the national curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations; and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work.
Website: www.qca.org.uk
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
The SCQF was set up to bring together all Scottish mainstream qualifications into a single unified framework. It helps people to understand and access appropriate education and training and covers all Scottish qualifications.
Website: www.scqf.org.uk
Health Professions Council (HPC)
A regulatory body that protects the health and wellbeing of people who use the services of the health professionals registered with the organisation. Professions currently registered include arts therapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, radiographers and speech and language therapists. A full listing is available on the HPC website.
Website: www.hpc-uk.org
The British Paramedic Association
The British Paramedic Association is the professional body for ambulance care workers. It focuses on self-regulation of professional standards and education.
Website: www.britishparamedic.org
The Department of Health (DH)
This site for the government department covering health care in England offers a range of information on current policy and legislation, consultations and proposals, plus health care news, advice, publications and statistics.
Website: www.dh.gov.uk
The Working in Partnership Programme (WiPP)
Established under the new General Medical Services contract to support general practice with workload and capacity issues, WiPP identifies, develops and signposts effective ways to manage workload in general practice.
Website: www.wipp.nhs.uk