- Conference
- 2006 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 21 December 2005
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference notes that the Knowledge & Skills Framework will give all NHS staff employed on Agenda for Change terms and conditions, a contractual right to learning and development opportunities in their work. Under the KSF, every staff member will have an annual Development Review meeting with their line manager and jointly agree arrangements whereby they will undertake identified learning and development needs which are documented in their Personal Development Plan.
The KSF is based on the principle of equity which means it applies to every staff member, regardless of their NHS occupation. Many large groups of UNISON members, particularly those in non-clinical functions, have traditionally been denied opportunities for acquiring new skills. Under the KSF, they now have the right to learn and develop in their NHS careers. It is crucial that members understand what is involved in the KSF process and how they can make best use of the opportunities it offers. To support members through this process, Conference notes that UNISON Open College is promoting a six-hour workplace learning package on Development Review Workshops, designed to familiarise staff with the KSF and help them prepare well for their development review interview. The training is free to employers so that all they need to agree is sufficient time off with pay to enable staff to attend. The workshops have been successfully piloted and are now rolling out across all regions.
Conference calls upon the Service Group Executive Committee:
i.To encourage branches to negotiate learning agreements with employers so that staff can be given paid time off to receive training in Development Review preparation and other appropriate courses;
ii.To encourage the continuation of closer working between the Health Group and the wider union to promote a culture of lifelong learning in the NHS and persuade health branches to use the learning agenda to build union organisation;
iii. To promote UNISON Learning@Work courses when discussing workplace learning with employers;
iv. To continue to raise awareness about the Knowledge & Skills Framework among members, through the use of campaign materials, information for branches and activists, and the provision of web-based resources.