Education Standards
Individuals arrive in their roles through a variety of routes and may also practice their role to different levels. The Education Standards aims to identify the minimum level of knowledge and skills we expect link workers to practice confidently and independently that all training programmes for Link Workers should aim to deliver and which providers should embed in their curriculums. We wish to highlight that the standards are a minimum requirement. Further learning needs will be dependent on the local social prescribing model and statutory guidance.
How to use the Education Standards
Commissioners of education and training, workforce planners
- Use it to develop a future workforce with the skills, knowledge and experience needed by employers to transform services. In addition, the educational standards are designed to enhance the confidence of the workforce in translating knowledge into action.
Educational Institutions
- Use it as a blueprint for learning objectives and outcomes for link workers. It can be used to design and accredit an effective training program for Social Prescribing Link Workers.
Employers
- Use it to develop and use suitable recruitment and selection processes and documentation, helping to encourage consistency in Link Worker roles and levels of practice. It can be used to refer to and conform to the NALW Code of Practice for Employers of Social Prescribing Link Workers.
Social Prescribing Link Workers
- Use it as guidance on the level of knowledge and skills required to practice confidently and independently as a Link Worker. It can guide personal and professional development and conform with the NALW Code of Practice for Social Prescribing Link Workers.
