DHSC: National Workforce Develop. Framework & Training: Nonclinical Work & Health

The Authority is seeking to appoint a supplier to develop a national workforce development framework and training curriculum for the non-clinical work and health workforce. The requirement is intended to support greater consistency in skills, competencies, training and professional development across a diverse workforce operating across health, employment and local delivery settings.

The contract will be delivered in two core phases:

Phase 1 – Workforce development framework

The supplier will develop a nationally applicable workforce development framework for the non-clinical work and health workforce. This will include:

a) a core competency framework and skills profile;

b) high-level guidance on supervision models;

c) advisory articulation of career progression routes and pathways;

d) principles and expectations for continuing professional development (CPD);

e) evidence and landscape review;

f) structured stakeholder engagement with employers, workforce representatives, clinical colleagues, programme leads and other relevant stakeholders;

g) synthesis of findings into a report setting out agreed baseline competencies and advisory recommendations.

Phase 2 – Training design and development

The supplier will design and develop a baseline national training curriculum aligned to the Phase 1 competency framework. This will include:

a) curriculum design covering core knowledge, skills and behaviours;

b) development of specialist learning content where required;

c) preparation of learning materials suitable for digital and blended delivery, including scripts, assessments, case studies and guidance;

d) collaboration with NHS England’s Technology and Enhanced Learning team to support digitisation, testing and refinement;

e) securing independent accreditation or quality review of the learning content before transfer for digitisation.

The training curriculum is expected to cover areas such as work and health, employment and employability, reasonable adjustments, fit notes, relevant employment law, common health conditions, neurodiversity, mental health, safeguarding, multidisciplinary working, referral pathways, employer engagement, coaching techniques and local support offers.

Maximum budget available: £1,600,000 including VAT

The supplier must be able to operate across complex multi-stakeholder systems and demonstrate relevant expertise in work and health, stakeholder engagement, facilitation, competency framework development, curriculum design, learning content development, project management and quality assurance.

The initial delivery period for Phases 1 and 2 is expected to be approximately 15 weeks, with Phase 1 estimated at 5 weeks and Phase 2 estimated at 10 weeks. The maximum contract term is 24 months, with an option to extend for a further period or periods up to 24 months.

The Authority may also commission optional additional activity during the contract period, including revised or additional learning content and facilitated face-to-face or blended delivery, subject to internal approval.