Island & Portsmouth Health ICT Service
ECDL
BCS Level 1 & 2 for IT Users
Information Pack
E-Mail:
Telephone:
Website Address:
Department Address:
ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk
023 9228 6000 ext 5867
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
ICT Training Department, Flat 1 Connaught House,
Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 3LY
Island & Portsmouth Health ICT Service
ICT Training Department
Flat 1, Connaught House
Queen Alexandra Hospital
Southwick Hill Road
Cosham
Portsmouth
PO6 3LY
Telephone: 023 9228 6000 ext 5867
Internal: (7700) 5867
E-mail: ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
Dear Student
You have recently contacted The ICT Training Team regarding the European
Computer Driving Licence course; please find enclosed an “ECDL information
pack” that explains the study methods and venues that are currently available
to NHS employees.
In order for us to place you on the waiting list, you will need to complete and
return the following two forms:
 Request for ECDL Place
 Learning Agreement (fully completed with manager’s signature)
On receipt of your application form, we will process the details and send you
confirmation of acceptance onto the wait list. You are contacted by your
chosen venue when places become available.
Enclosed is a list of frequently asked questions from students which you may
find useful, in the meantime If you have any further queries, please do not
hesitate to contact ICT Training Team ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk or call us
on 023 9228 6000 or Ext 5867.
Regards
ICT Training Team
Queen Alexandra Hospital
ECDL
Essential IT skills (ECDL)
The standard for the NHS
Why do I need IT skills?
The NHS Connecting for Health Programme is creating a multi-billion
pound information infrastructure for the NHS, which will give healthcare
professionals access to patient information safely and easily, whenever
and wherever it is needed. Key developments include creating an
electronic NHS Care Records Service, providing facilities for the
electronic booking of appointments and the electronic transmission of
prescriptions.
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is an internationally
recognised qualification, adopted by the NHS as the referenced standard
for IT training. Enabling staff to achieve a basic standard of IT is
recognised as an important step towards exploiting the full power of the
new systems.
Once you have basic IT skills you should find that you are working with
technology more quickly and efficiently. There is currently no charge for
NHS staff who wish to study any module/s of the ECDL provided you
enrol through the ICT Training Department.
What qualifications are offered?
Pre-assessment - This is a short informal test to check if you have the
essential ‘getting started’ skills needed to start ECDL training.
Getting Started - If you have few existing IT skills we offer training
materials to help you start your learning. For some, this could be all that
you need to be able to use IT systems.
BCS Level 1 - Passing modules 1 (Basic Concepts of IT), 2 (Using a
Computer and Managing Files) and 7 (Information & Communication)
This is suitable for learners needing to take full advantage of the new IT
systems being implemented in the NHS.
ECDL – Having passed the 3 BCS Level 1 modules, passing a further 4
modules 3 (Word Processing), 4 (Spreadsheets) 5 (Databases) and 6
(Presentations) will give you the full ECDL qualification. This can support
your professional development and increase your efficiency.
BCS Level 2 – Having passed the ECDL, passing a further module
(Module E) which demonstrates knowledge and understanding of a
series of theoretical elements to IT you can gain a BCS Level 2
qualification.
ICT Training, Connaught House, QAH
Internal telephone (7700) 5867
External 023 9228 6000 ext 5867
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
e-mail ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk
Available Study Methods
BCS Level 1
Tutor Lead
Find it difficult to self motivate or inexperienced in the use of IT?
Classroom setting with the tutor leading you through lessons and
exercises. Tutor-Led courses are available at various locations and
times with Portsmouth College.
This is approximately 15 weeks @ 3 hours once a week.
! Homework may be provided for students to do outside the course.
! Weekly attendance required.
Supported
Learning
Confident to work without full time supervision?
Self study in a classroom setting with a tutor in attendance to help you
when you need it. With supported learning, you are able to go at a
slower or faster pace than a traditional tutor-led class. Supported
learning is available at:



Portsmouth College, Tangiers Road, Portsmouth
Gosport War Memorial, Bury Road, Gosport
QA Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth
! Flexible – up to a 15-week course, weekly attendance required
E-Learning/
Guided Learning
Are you confident to work alone or unable to attend regularly?
Learn via the Internet from home or in the workplace. Once ICT
Training have received your application forms, you will be sent an ELearn pack and login that will enable you to log-on to the ECDL NHS
Portal and begin studying. Guided learning sessions are held at St
James Hospital only on Friday mornings for students wanting to sit
mock/exams or just need assistance on a particular subject.
St James Hospital (Every Friday* from 09:30 – 12:30)
Queen Alexandra Hospital (Every Tuesday* from 17:00 – 19:30)
! You must contact ICT Training to book a place before attending
02392 286000 ext 5867
* Except bank holidays. Sessions may occasionally have to be cancelled if no
invigilator/trainer or room is available.
How do I access the portal?
E-Learning/
Guided Learning
We provide access to the national ECDL portal which has all the training
materials you need to study and prepare for your exams.
Once
registered, you can access the portal from home** or work at any time.
You must be registered onto the Essential IT Skills (ECDL) portal (the
National ECDL learning management system) to access the learning
materials and practice tests. Contact ICT Training.
(**you will need an internet connection to study at home)
You can also book familiarisation session, where a trainer will take you
through logging in to your learning materials and guidance on how to
use the portal.
ICT Training, Connaught House, QAH
Internal telephone (7700) 5867
External 023 9228 6000 ext 5867
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
e-mail ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk
Island & Portsmouth Health ICT Service
ICT Training Department
Queen Alexandra Hospital
Request for ECDL Place
(BCS Level 1)
Your Details
Name:
DOB
----/----/----
Job Title:
Work Address:
Contact Tel No:
Manager Name:
Employer:
Portsmouth
Hospitals
Portsmouth
City PCT
East Hants
PCT
Hampshire
Shared
Services
Fareham &
Gosport PCT
GP Practice
Your Preferred Course Locations & Times (Please Tick)
(Shaded areas are unavailable)
Portsmouth College
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
AM
PM
Evening
Gosport War Memorial Hospital
Monday
Tuesday
AM
PM
Evening
QA Hospital (The QuAD)
Tuesday
AM
PM
Evening
St James Hospital
Friday
AM
PM
Evening
Computer Usage (Please Tick)
How Regularly Do You Use Computers
At Home
At Work
Never
Occasional
For Office Use Only
G0
G1
G2
G3
Often
Learning Agreement
Course Title:
Method of Learning:
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
BCS Level 1
Tutor-Led
Time Requirement:
15 Weeks
Cost:
FREE*
Supported
E-Learning
Course Details
The European Computer Driving Licence (BCS Level 1) is an internationally recognised Information
Technology qualification.
The European Computer Driving Licence (BCS Level 1) consists of the following three modules:
 Basic Concepts of Information Technology
 Using the Computer and Managing Files
 Information and Communication
This training package has been identified as providing the level of competence required of
employees in both public and private sector organisations and will equip the candidate with the
skills necessary for the Information Technology developments drawn up in “Information for Health”.
The Candidate
Line Manager/Supervisor
I understand the nature of the course and the
commitment required for its completion.
I understand the benefits of this training to the
candidate and agree to provide protected time per
week to enable the candidate to complete the course
(3 hours per week recommended).
I am aware of the support
individuals I can contact
structure
and
the
I undertake to complete the course (3 modules) in
accordance with the timetable determined by
Portsmouth NHS (SJH) ECDL Test Centre Manager.
*I understand that charges may be levied if:
*I accept that a charge (£25) may be levied on the
department if the employee does not attend for the
Course Induction or subsequently withdraws without
the prior agreement of the ECDL Test Centre
Manager (except cases of certified sickness or other
exceptional circumstances agreed by consultation
with you).
1) I do not attend for Course Induction without
prior notice
2) I withdraw from the course without the prior
agreement of the ECDL Test Centre Manager
Signed
______________________________________
Signed
_____________________________________
Print
__________________________________
Name
Print
_________________________________
Name
Date
______________________________________
Date
______________________________________
I am aware that my contact details will be forwarded onto my chosen venue
! FORMS WITHOUT CANDIDATE AND MANAGERS SIGNATURES WILL NOT BE PROCESSED
**This Learning Agreement only applies to ECDL BCS Level 1. Any candidates
wishing to take ECDL and/or ECDL BCS Level 2 must request an additional Learning
Agreement.
Please return to: ICT Training Administrator, Flat1 Connaught House, Queen Alexandra
Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Portsmouth. PO6 3LY
ICT Training, Connaught House, QAH
Internal telephone (7700) 5867
External 023 9228 6000 ext 5867
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
e-mail ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk
ECDL Procedure
What happens once I receive my information pack?
Complete the following Paperwork:
Request for ECDL Place & Learning Agreement
Return to:
ICT Training Team, Queen Alexandra Hospital.
On receipt of your application you will be sent a
letter from the ICT Training Team, confirming
that you have been placed on a waiting list
Student details are then logged onto a database with the
ICT Training Team
Student details are then forwarded to the
appropriate college
You will be contacted once places become available at
your chosen venue.
! The venue you have chosen will inform you of both start
dates and times, once places become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ECDL? The ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) BCS Level 1
for IT Users is an IT qualification that demonstrates a good all round working
knowledge of IT at a foundation level. It is a suitable course for beginners.
ECDL BCS Level 1 consists of 3 modules; Basic Concepts of IT, Using the
Computer & Managing Files and Information & Communication.
Are there any tests? At the end of each module, you’ll sit an assessment.
Although this must be conducted under ‘exam conditions’, it should not be a
stressful experience – you will be well prepared and more than capable of
completing the tasks required from the assessment paper.
What does it cost? Just your time! There are no course fees. However,
please note that you and your line manager/supervisor will need to sign a
Learning Agreement before course commencement and this commits you to
completing the course. If you fail to turn up for a course without prior notice
or justification, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
When do I start? The first step is to return your completed Skills
Assessment and Application Form. The Training Team will then place you on
the waiting list for the most suitable combination of Learning Style and Venue.
In most cases, we aim to place you within six months of receiving your
application although the waiting time may be longer for the most popular
venues.
How do I know my name is on the waiting list? Once your application
has been processed with ICT Training Team, we will send you a letter
confirming that your name has been added to the waiting list at your chosen
venue and you will contact by the provider and offered a place as soon as
places become available.
! Please note that Supported Learning can take longer because as one student
finished another student is then enrolled.
Once I’ve completed the ECDL course, when do I receive my
certificate? ECDL certificates are issued by the BCS (British Computer
Society) and are sent to the venue where you completed the ECDL course.
This can take up to 12 weeks from the date of completion. Once your
certificate has been received, you will be contacted and asked to make
collection arrangements.
ICT Training, Connaught House, QAH
Internal telephone (7700) 5867
External 023 9228 6000 ext 5867
www.training.iphis.nhs.uk
e-mail ict.training@porthosp.nhs.uk