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NHS Education for Scotland NMAHP Development Framework

Support worker roles

If you are interested in starting a career in the NHS or social care sector or want to learn more about different Support Worker roles, we’ve highlighted a few options below. You can also find more information on the NHS Careers website and Support Worker Central.

Healthcare support worker commission 

In 2021, Scottish Government commissioned NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to review career pathways for Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) at levels 2-4 of the NHS Career Framework for Health. 

The aim of the HCSW Commission was to scope and recommend a nationally agreed framework to support definition of HCSW roles, career progression and development through education and training.  The Commission continues in phase 4 focusing on  Healthcare Science and Allied Health Professions (AHP) support workers.  

This section will be updated as more information becomes available.

No matter where you are in your career journey, you’ll already have lots of skills which can be transferable to a role in health and care.

Routes into support worker roles

You can enter support worker roles via several access points including:   

  • school leavers,
  • college,
  • university,
  • other NHS roles,
  • or non-NHS background

If you already have relevant work experience or qualifications, you may be able to progress onto an HNC programme or provide evidence to support recognition of prior learning (RPL). For example if you have completed:

  • Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), including access to nursing / allied health service at SCQF Level 6, you can progress onto an HNC programme (SCQF Level 7) or decide to work as a HCSW/maternity or neonatal support worker.
  • Modern Apprenticeship while in year 5 and 6 at High School or National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6 or core units of an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6 you will have gained valuable work experience which can be used as RPL. 

 

Support worker roles

The support worker roles described below are generic for nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, unless specified as otherwise. 

The role of Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) is at Level 2 of the Framework.

The Healthcare Support Worker works across health and integrated disciplines under the direction and professional accountability of healthcare practitioners. HCSWs carry out a range of activities which could include care, treatment, technical, scientific and/or administrative activities delegated from healthcare practitioners, senior HCSWs or Assistant Practitioners.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 6 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

The perinatal support worker role is at Level 2 of the Framework.

Perinatal Supports Workers (PSWs), provide support to teams who provide direct care for women, birthing people, babies, and their families throughout their perinatal journey. They work alongside registered practitioners and other members of the perinatal care team who provide direct delivery of care to women, delivering care in both hospital and community settings.

PSWs help create safe environments that enhance service delivery and promote the health and wellbeing of those within maternity services. They may carry out basic care tasks, as part of routine care for women, birthing people and their babies, provided they have received appropriate training.  When performing these tasks PSWs follow planned care programmes under the close supervision of a registered professional or Level 4 practitioner.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 6 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Senior Healthcare Support Worker role is at Level 3 of the Framework.

The Senior Healthcare Support Worker can evidence previous experience and / or consolidation of practice as a HCSW or can evidence an appropriate level of knowledge. They will have the understanding and ability to deliver delegated care under the direction and supervision of healthcare practitioners and support the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of high-quality care.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 7 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Maternity and Neonatal Support Worker role is at Level 3 of the Framework.

Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) and Neonatal Support Workers (NSWs) enhance the care provided to women, birthing people, and their families by using specialised skills within focused areas of service delivery. They work alongside and under the guidance of registered multidisciplinary practitioners from across the perinatal team.

MSWs and NSWs provide direct clinical care to all women, birthing people and babies accessing perinatal services. They act as a point of contact and support, offering physical, psychological, and emotional care. Additionally, they relevant information and, where necessary, signpost to wider support organisations. They report to registered professionals when providing planned, delegated care.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 7 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Assistant Practitioner role is at level 4 of the Framework.

The Assistant Practitioner can evidence previous experience and consolidation of practice as a Senior HCSW and/or has the appropriate skills and knowledge and demonstrates the depth of understanding and ability required to participate in the planning and carrying out of holistic, protocol-based care under the direction and supervision of healthcare practitioners*. They will assist and support the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of high-quality care.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 8 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

The role of Associate Practice Educator is at Level 4 of the Framework. They are skilled and experienced HCSWs and provide support for the educational and development activities for HCSWs within the Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Practice Education and Development teams.  

Associate Practice Educators enhance the quality of work-based learning experiences for NMAHP HCSWs and positively contribute to the future HCSW workforce through: 

  • Supporting the training and education needs of NMAHP HCSW staff. 
  • Actively supporting the planning, co-ordination, delivery and evaluation of induction programmes and employability programmes for HCSWs. 
  • Supporting practice education /development teams with the assessment of HCSWs undertaking work-based competencies and qualifications. 
  • Being involved in the planning and delivery of specific teaching sessions for NMAHP HCSWs. 
  • Acting as a HCSW learning and development link for Practice Development and Practice Education teams. 
  • Supporting the maintenance of communication networks and learning forums for HCSWs.

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 8 or equivalent. 
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Maternity Care Assistant role is at Level 4 of the development framework. 

Maternity Care Assistants (MCAs) play a key role in supporting women, birthing people, babies, and their families throughout their perinatal journey. Working under supervision and within established guidelines, they provide enhanced care and support during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period. 

This role extends the duties of the Maternity Support Worker (MSW), facilitating communication between community and hospital-based services. MCAs deliver direct care, offer support, and act as a point of contact for signposting additional resources. They are also involved in public health activities and providing care to those with more complex needs in both hospital and community settings. 

MCAs are vital members of the perinatal team, especially in supporting women, birthing people, and families with complex care requirements. Future developments at this level may include roles such as Neonatal Care Assistants (NCAs) and Nursery Nurses. 

Qualifications and training:

  • Healthcare-related qualifications at SCQF level 8 or equivalent.
  • Relevant experience and can demonstrate this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Transitioning to a healthcare student

As a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW), you have valuable experience that can help you transition into a registered healthcare role. There are several routes available that combine formal education with practical experience to help you gain the knowledge and skills required for registration. Some, such as the Open University nursing programme, allow you to stay in your current HCSW position while studying.  

Making this transition is a significant step, so it's important to seek advice from others who have taken this path. Speak with fellow HCSWs, your line manager, practice educators, and practice development teams to gather as much information as possible. Your local college or university can also provide clear guidance on your options for advancing into a registered healthcare role. 

It can also be helpful to discuss your aspirations and seek support from family and friends during this process. 

For more details, visit the Career Pathways page and choose the subsection that best aligns with your area of practice. There, you'll find information on educational pathways and programs. 

Useful resources