What is the Core Skills Training Framework?

Dr Richard Dune

14-04-2024

What is the Core Skills Training Framework?

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The importance of an effective Core Skills Training Framework in UK healthcare

In the dynamic and demanding healthcare landscape, ensuring that staff are equipped with the right skills and knowledge is not just important - it’s essential. The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) has emerged as a trusted benchmark for statutory and mandatory training, supporting consistency, compliance, and competence across the sector.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores why the CSTF is vital for healthcare settings, examining its impact, legal underpinnings, and how it fosters a safer, more effective workforce.

What is the Core Skills Training Framework?

The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) is a standardised framework outlining the minimum learning outcomes, refresher training intervals, and links to legislation for statutory and mandatory training in healthcare.

In the context of the CSTF, statutory training is the training required by law to ensure safety and compliance in healthcare workplaces. Mandatory training is the training deemed necessary by healthcare organisations to meet regulatory standards and deliver safe care.

Why was the CSTF developed?

The CSTF was developed to standardise statutory and mandatory training across the UK’s healthcare sector. It addresses the need for consistency, ensuring that all healthcare workers meet nationally agreed training outcomes regardless of their role or organisation.

The framework was designed to:

Enhance workforce competence.
Improve patient safety.
Support compliance with key legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Care Act 2014, and the Equality Act 2010.

By aligning training with CSTF standards, organisations can reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and ensure the portability of training records, fostering a skilled, compliant, and mobile workforce equipped to deliver high-quality, safe care.

What are the benefits of the CSTF?

The CSTF provides numerous benefits, including:

Standardisation - Ensures consistent training outcomes across organisations.
Compliance - Supports adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, including Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
Workforce competence - Improves staff skills, confidence, and patient safety.
Portability - Training records are recognised across organisations, reducing duplication.
Efficiency - Streamlines training delivery, saving time and resources.
Professional development - Meets revalidation and CPD requirements for healthcare professionals.
Quality assurance - Aligns with best practices from NICE and other bodies, enhancing care standards.
Flexibility - Offers tailored training for diverse roles and responsibilities.

These benefits collectively enhance safety, compliance, and care quality in the healthcare sector.

Relevant legislation, regulations, and best practices

Below are some of the key legislation, regulations, and best practice recommendations related to the CSTF.

Legislation

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - Mandates employers to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients, underpinned by statutory training like manual handling and fire safety.
Equality Act 2010 - Protects against discrimination, forming the basis for equality, diversity, and human rights training.
Care Act 2014 - Establishes duties for safeguarding adults, reflected in safeguarding training.
Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) - Governs information governance and data security training.

Regulatory standards

Care Quality Commission (CQC) - Requires compliance with Fundamental Standards, including safe care and effective governance.
Intercollegiate safeguarding guidance - Defines competency requirements for safeguarding adults and children.
Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines - Provide evidence-based standards for life support training.

Best practices

Training aligned with the CSTF ensures consistency, reduces duplication, and promotes staff portability across organisations.
Incorporating evidence-based practices, such as NICE guidelines, enhances the relevance and efficacy of training.

Policies and procedures

Organisations must establish clear policies outlining the mandatory and statutory training required for all roles.
Procedures should ensure compliance with CSTF standards, including regular audits, competency assessments, and updates to reflect legislative changes.

The importance of CSTF in healthcare settings

Below are the main reasons why CSTF is crucial in healthcare settings.

Promoting standardisation across the sector

The CSTF provides a unified approach to training, ensuring consistency across diverse organisations.

Example - A locum nurse moving between hospitals can rely on CSTF-aligned training being recognised universally.

Enhancing patient and workforce safety

Training topics such as infection prevention, safeguarding, and resuscitation directly impact patient safety and staff well-being.

Case study - An organisation that implemented CSTF-aligned safeguarding training saw a 40% improvement in early abuse detection rates.

Supporting legal and regulatory compliance

Failure to comply with statutory training requirements can result in penalties, reputational damage, or loss of CQC registration.

Key example - The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework evaluates training as part of assessing whether a service is safe, effective, and well-led.

Fostering professional development

The CSTF supports ongoing learning, allowing staff to maintain competencies and meet professional revalidation requirements.

Highlight - Training on information governance equips staff to handle data securely, meeting both regulatory and patient expectations.

Implementing CSTF-aligned training

Here are tips and guidelines for implementing CSTF-aligned training.

Key steps for organisations

Needs assessment - Identify the statutory and mandatory training needs for each role.
Customised delivery - Use a mix of e-learning, practical workshops, and scenario-based training.
Monitoring and review - Regularly audit training records and update content to reflect the latest regulations.

Leveraging technology

Learning Management Systems (LMS) streamline the delivery and tracking of CSTF-aligned training, making it accessible and efficient.

Ensuring inclusivity

Provide accessible training options, considering the needs of diverse learners, including those with disabilities or language barriers.

Challenges and solutions

Challenge 1 - Resource constraints

Solution - Invest in e-learning platforms which are cost-effective and scalable.

Challenge 2 - Ensuring engagement

Solution - Incorporate interactive elements like videos, quizzes, and real-world case studies.

Challenge 3 - Keeping training up-to-date

Solution - Appoint a compliance officer to monitor legislative changes and update training content accordingly.

Conclusion

The Core Skills Training Framework is a cornerstone of effective healthcare in the UK, fostering a safe, competent, and compliant workforce. By aligning with CSTF, organisations can not only meet regulatory requirements but also improve outcomes for patients, staff, and stakeholders.

Elevate your training standards with ComplyPlus™

At The Mandatory Training Group, we understand the unique challenges faced by healthcare organisations in meeting statutory and mandatory training requirements.

How we can help

CSTF-aligned training courses - Comprehensive e-learning and onsite options accredited by the CPD Certification Service tailored to meet your organisation’s needs.
ComplyPlus™ compliance software - Monitor training records, track compliance, and generate reports effortlessly.
Custom solutions - Bespoke training programmes and policies designed for your specific requirements.

Fill in the form below and take the next step towards excellence in training and compliance, or explore our online CSTF-aligned statutory and mandatory training courses to learn more.

Last updated on 09-12-24

Understanding the Core Skills Training Framework - ComplyPlus™ - Dr Richard Dune -

References and resources

Skills for Health (2024) - CSTF guide

Care Quality Commission (2024) - Care Quality Commission standards

Resuscitation Council UK (2024) - Resuscitation Council UK guidelines

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024) - NICE guidelines

HM Government (2024) - Data Protection Act 2018.

References and resources

Skills for Health (2024) - CSTF guide

Care Quality Commission (2024) - Care Quality Commission standards

Resuscitation Council UK (2024) - Resuscitation Council UK guidelines

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024) - NICE guidelines

HM Government (2024) - Data Protection Act 2018.

About the author

Dr Richard Dune

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Richard Dune blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.