Developing and Sustaining a Competent and Confident Clinical Workforce through
Essential Clinical Competencies for Registered Practitioners
Competency Title:
Competency Leads:
Document Author
Authorised Signature
Written by:
Authorised by:
Signed:
Signed:
Date:
Date:
Job Title:
Job Title:
Effective Date:
Review Date
Approval at:
Date Approved:
Authors:
1
CC/RP/Template March 2014
How to use this Competency Framework
This Competency Framework has been developed to enable the assessment of clinical competence. In light of the Francis Report [and the move towards
Foundation Trust status], the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is required to demonstrate that clinical staff are competent to provide quality care for everyone, every time
and are all practicing to an agreed level.
Definition of Competence
A definition of competence was agreed by IOW NHS Trust clinical leaders in May 2013 and is detailed below.
“A set of specific and detailed outcomes that need to be achieved in order to a] prove immediate competence in essential skills or b] aid personal and
professional development in desirable skills. The competencies must incorporate knowledge, skill, behaviour and demonstration of how these all equate to
personal professional accountability for competent care of the patient” (Barnett 2013).
This definition focuses attention on the importance of recognising individual personal responsibility and accountability to deliver high quality care. This means
taking appropriate actions following the results of any clinical assessments to ensure the individual needs of the patient are met and this care is delivered with
care and compassion. Competency is not about performing the task in hand in a mechanistic way without patient involvement.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the competency lead to develop the competency statements using the agreed framework, present the competency pack to the competency group for
approval, develop and co-ordinate the delivery of the master classes, prioritise staff groups requiring assessment, undertake competency assessments and ensure the outcome
is forwarded to Development and Training for recording on Pro4.
It is the responsibility of the clinical lead to ensure that they are competent and that their registered staff is competent within their scope of practice. The clinical lead may
undertake competence assessments themselves or delegate to Band 6s / Nurse Educators / Nurse Mentors / Clinical Educators who have been competency assessed and who
have also attended a recognised course on assessment. The clinical lead should also monitor compliance and escalate any concerns to their line manager and ensure that the
essential competencies are reviewed annually at appraisal. The clinical leads are professionally accountable to the Executive Director of Nursing and Workforce and their
relevant Professional Body.
It is the responsibility of the individual professional to ensure that they are competent within their scope of practice and that the essential competencies are reviewed annually
at appraisal. Individuals are professionally accountable to the Executive Director of Nursing and Workforce and their relevant Professional Body.
2
CC/RP/Template March 2014
The Process of Competency Assessment - Clinical Leaders
A master class will be timetabled within the monthly clinical lead development day in addition to being accessible
electronically via the Intranet/Internet. This will provide all the relevant underpinning knowledge needed to inform
practice and prepare for the competency assessment.
The clinical lead feels prepared for the competency assessment.
Add wh
Yes
No
http://intranet/index.asp?record=4457
Contact the relevant competency
Contact the relevant competency lead to
lead to arrange further input.
organise a date for assessment. It is
recommended that the assessment takes
place within 4-6 weeks of accessing the
First Assessment
master class/gaining underpinning
 The assessor provides feedback to the
assessee, documents the outcome and
knowledge
completes PART 1 of the action plan.
 The assessor will refer the outcome to the
assessee‘s line manager.

The line manager will complete an
The outcome of the competency
No
individual learning plan in preparation for
assessment is a Pass.
the second re-assessment. A second
assessor will be identified for the second
assessment.

The line manager will consider invoking
Yes
informal capability.
The assessor provides feedback to the
assessee and completes the assessment
documentation.
The Pass outcome of the competency
assessment will be forwarded to
Development & Training within 48 hours of
the assessment.
The Clinical Lead is now competent to assess
their clinical staff.
CC/RP/Template March 2014
 Second Assessment
 The assessor provides feedback to the
assessee, documents the outcome and
completes PART 2 of the action plan.
 The assessor will refer the outcome to the
assessee‘s line manager.
 The line manager will complete an individual
learning plan and arrange an individual
tutorial led by the competency lead in
preparation for the final re-assessment.
 The line manager will consider invoking
formal capability.
Final Assessment
Referral at the final attempt may lead to further performance
management in line with Trust policy. This will be discussed in
confidence with the clinical lead and their line manager.
3
Process of Competency Assessment – Registered Practitioners
A master class will be accessible either face to face or electronically via the Intranet /Internet. This
will provide all the relevant underpinning knowledge needed to inform practice and prepare for the
competency assessment.
The registered practitioner
feels prepared for the competency assessment.
http://intranet/index.asp?record=4457
Yes
No
Contact the relevant competency
lead to arrange further input.
Contact their clinical lead to organise a date
for assessment. It is recommended that
the assessment takes place within 4-6
weeks of accessing the master class.
The outcome of the competency
assessment is a Pass.
No
Yes
First Assessment
 The first assessor provides feedback to the
assessee, documents the outcome and
completes PART 1 of the action plan.
 The assessor will refer the outcome to the
assessee‘s line manager.
 The line manager will complete an individual
learning plan in preparation for the second reassessment. A different assessor will be
identified for the second assessment.
 The line manager will consider invoking
informal capability.
The assessor provides feedback to the
assessee and completes the assessment
documentation.
The outcome of the competency assessment
will be forwarded to Development & Training
by the competency assessor within 48 hours
of the assessment being undertaken for
input onto Pro 4
 Second Assessment
 The second assessor provides feedback to the
assessee, documents the outcome and completes
PART 2 of the action plan.
 The assessor will refer the outcome to the assessee‘s
line manager.
 The line manager will complete an individual
learning plan and arrange an individual tutorial led
by the competency lead in preparation for the final
re-assessment.
 The line manager will consider invoking formal
capability.
Final Assessment
Referral at the final attempt may lead to further performance
management in line with Trust policy. This will be discussed in
confidence with the registered Practitioner and their line manager.
CC/RP/Template March 2014
4
Name:
Role:
Band:
Work Base:
First Assessor Name and Role:
Second Assessor Name and Role:
Competency Statement
(Core Competencies to be included in all
Competency Assessments)
Expected Level of Competency
Registered Practitioners deliver person centred
care with sensitivity and compassion
respecting the dignity and diversity of patients,
relatives, carers, visitors and colleagues.
During this assessment the practitioner is
observed acting with respect, kindness,
compassion and sensitivity. Demonstrates
consistent person centred care with very
good professional conduct/behaviour in line
with trust expectations. Eg Lets Show We
Care.
During this assessment the Practitioner
consistently uses helpful strategies to enable
people to understand the interventions in
order to give informed consent. They
consistently recognise the significance of
confidential information and acts in relation
to who does or does not need to know.
During this assessment the Practitioner is able
to consistently communicate safely,
sensitively and effectively using appropriate
methods according to the situation.
Registered Practitioners gain consent for all
interventions and maintain confidentiality as
per Trust policy and professional body
requirements.
Registered Practitioners provide accurate and
meaningful verbal information in a polite and
respectful manner to patients, relatives,
visitors and colleagues.
Registered Practitioners complete
documentation in accordance with
Organisational and Professional Body
standards.
Registered Practitioners demonstrate
professional accountability and act with a ‘duty
of candour’.
Level of Competency Evidenced
Signature of Assessor
During the assessment the Practitioner is
observed practicing or is able to explain the
standards for documentation applicable to
the Trust and their Professional Body. e.g.
accurately and contemporaneously with
dates, times and signatures.
During the assessment the Practitioner
consistently recognises and works within the
limitations of their knowledge, skills and
professional boundaries, understanding their
5
CC/RP/Template March 2014
responsibility and accountability for their own
actions and omissions.
Registered Practitioners demonstrate how to
safeguard vulnerable adults and children, and
when to raise identified concerns through the
appropriate channels.
Registered Practitioners demonstrate their
professional responsibility and accountability
delegating care to non-registered practitioners.
Competency Statement
Subject Specific Competencies
During the assessment the practitioner is
observed or is able to recognise and respond
correctly when people are in vulnerable
situations, at risk or in need of support and
protection.
During the assessment the practitioner is able
to explain their professional responsibility
and accountability for delegating care to nonregistered practitioners.
Expected Level of Competency
Level of Competency Evidenced
Signature of Assessor
6
CC/RP/Template March 2014
Assessment Outcome – Please sign in relevant box
Rating
Outcome
Actions
Green
Pass - All essential
competencies evidenced.
Red
Refer - One or more
competencies not evidenced.
No action required. Review
annually at appraisal. Revisit
any development learning
points listed below as
recommended by assessor.
Clinical practice in relation to
the specific competency not
evidenced is to be supervised
and reassessed within 2
weeks.
Assessor Signature and
date
Initial Assessment
Assessor Signature and
date
2nd Assessment
Assessor Signature and
date
3rd Assessment
Learning points to revisit following successful competency assessment:
First Assessors Signature:
Registered Practitioners Signature:
Date:
7
CC/RP/Template March 2014
Action Plan following referral at FIRST assessment. To be completed following this assessment in preparation for second assessment.
PART 1
First assessor to tick, initial and date once completed
 Outcome of assessment and feedback given to registered practitioner
Initial:
Date:
 Line manager informed of referral at first assessment
Initial:
Date:
 Registered Practitioner signposted to further underpinning knowledge/ Competency Lead
Initial:
Date:
First Assessors Signature:
Registered Practitioners Signature:
ACTION PLAN
PART 2
Individual Learning Plan between line manager and Registered Practitioner.
assessment.
To be completed following this assessment in preparation for second
Date for re-assessment:
Line Managers Signature:
Registered Practitioners Signature:
8
CC/RP/Template March 2014
Action Plan following referral at SECOND assessment. To be completed following this assessment in preparation for final assessment.
PART 1
Second Assessor to tick, initial and date once completed
 Outcome of assessment and feedback given to registered practitioner
Initial:
Date:
 Line manager informed of referral at first assessment
Initial:
Date:
 Registered Practitioner signposted to further underpinning knowledge / competency Lead
Initial:
Date:
Second Assessors Signature:
Registered Practitioners Signature:
ACTION PLAN
PART 2
Individual Learning Plan between line manager and Registered Practitioner.
assessment
To be completed following this assessment in preparation for final
Date for Reassessment:
Line Managers Signature:
Registered Practitioners Signature:
9
CC/RP/Template March 2014