Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) are at the heart of social prescribing. They take a holistic and person-centred approach and give people time to develop a practical way forward that supports and addresses their health and wellbeing needs.
Through consultations with SPLWs, including our first national survey, the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has identified a need for greater clarity around training and development requirements. The Workforce Development Framework published by NHS England outlines the recommended core competencies for the workforce, which include competencies to:
- Engage and connect with people
- Enable and support people
- Enable community development
- Utilise safe and effective practice
The results of our national survey have demonstrated that, overall, SPLWs feel confident in their ability to meet these competencies.
However, 36% said that they were not aware of the training and development opportunities in their role; 41% do not have access to a training budget; and 47% do not know whether there is one available for their development. 70% of SPLWs would like to develop their skills to improve in their role.
NASP has a commitment to helping equip and empower link workers in their role. That is why we are pleased to launch the first ever Social Prescribing Link Worker Training Roadmap, which has been developed in collaboration with the Royal Society of Public Health, Connexus, The Social Prescribing Network and members of our Link Worker Advisory Group.
This roadmap is intended to help SPLWs understand how they can meet the competencies outlined in the Workforce Development Framework. It is also intended to support national training providers, SPLW employers and commissioners to establish a consistent training offer.
This roadmap builds on and complements our existing Link Worker Induction Guide. All elements of the roadmap have been co-produced with practitioners, trainers and experienced leaders to ensure that this is useful and relevant for SPLWs, regardless of setting, context or specialty.
This roadmap does not include all the training and development information that you need as a Link Worker, but aims to highlight the recommended skills required for you to feel able to succeed in your role. It will need to be aligned with your organisation’s own induction and training requirements.
It is worth noting that this is an evolving document, which we aim to update as other national guidance and policy further develops.
