NHS Forth Valley - Once for Scotland Workforce Policies Training Programme

Following the launch of Phase 1 of the Once for Scotland Workforce Policies, the Operational HR Team responded to the implementation of the policies swiftly to support managers to implement the policies appropriately.  A suite of online training was developed in-house during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic and was made available via HR Connect.  This facilitated the urgent need of additional support for managers and allowed them to undertake training within their work environment at a time suitable for them and the ability to stop and start the training as required.

In preparing for our recovery from the Pandemic in 2022, it was identified that there was a need to review the training packages, firstly to ensure that they continued to be fit for purpose and secondly to address any anomalies as the policies had been in practice for some time.  To further improve the development of the training and to work in partnership, a total of six Short Life Working Groups (SLWG) were established to cover each Policy.  Staff side colleagues were invited to join each group.  This work was completed in August 2022. 

The Once for Scotland Programme Board devised basic online training, which is now available via TURAS for three of the policies implemented in Phase 1, which consist of 1) Attendance Policy; 2) Bullying and Harassment Policy; and 3) Grievance Policy.  National training on the remaining policies is anticipated in due.

We have now established a process where managers are required to undertake the basic national training on policies via TURAS as a pre-requisite to enrolling in the advanced training developed by the Operational HR Team.  The advanced training delivered by the team will provide managers with a more interactive training experience providing the opportunity to engage in case studies and role play.   The team will deliver these training sessions via MS Teams to maximise the number of staff who can attend and will roll out a training schedule through HR Connect shortly.

The impact of having appropriate training in place will ensure that there is adequate support for managers interpretation and application of the policies, supporting employees appropriately and will ensure good governance.  

Elaine Macdonald

Operational HR Service Manager

NHS Forth Valley