A national campaign has been launched to promote and support learning in the NHS.
The Learning for Life campaign aims to help staff maintain their general skills in maths, English and IT.
Research shows that a strong learning culture could improve health outcomes for patients, while helping employeers with personal development, career progression and job satisfaction.
The Social Partnership Forum, which runs the campaign, has a Learning for Life Toolkit available to NHS organisations in England.
The toolkit provides advice and tools to develop high quality local learning programmes with an emphasis on support staff (pay bands 1-4).
Case studies, business case summaries and posters are also available to boost awareness and access among staff.
Health Minister and chair of the national Social Partnership Forum, Dr Dan Poulter said: “Workplace learning is hugely important – it helps NHS staff gain valuable skills and experience. We know making sure the right development opportunities are available also helps staff stay motivated to provide the very best care for patients.
“Employers should use these campaign materials to help support a stronger culture of learning and ongoing personal and professional development in our NHS, which will benefit both patients and staff.”
Dean Royles, chief executive of the NHS Employers organisation, said: “The NHS faces a number of challenges and here is just one way we can really make a difference for staff and for patients.
“Workplace learning clearly plays an important role in improving staff skills and experience, supports staff engagement and motivation and helps improve patient care.”
The Learning for Life Toolkit and other resources are available online.
