| 1 December 2023
What is the Core Skills Training Framework®?
The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) was first developed in 2013 and has become widely recognised as the trusted standard for statutory and mandatory training in the health sector. It helps guide and standardise the focus and the delivery of key statutory and mandatory training skills.
It was developed in collaboration with employers, industry leading experts and professional bodies, such as the Resuscitation Council and the Infection Prevention Society.
Why is it important?
Across the UK, Healthcare staff must undertake statutory and mandatory training and healthcare organisations must be able to prove their compliance on an individual, team and organisational level.
By sharing this information, employer organisations can recognise where training delivered in other organisations is in compliance with the statutory and mandatory CSTF and thereby help to prevent unnecessary duplication of training as staff move between roles and organisations.
John Rogers, CEO, Skills for Health
In England, The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are the independent regulator of health and adult social care, formed to monitor and inspect health and social care providers. Employers must be able to evidence that they meet the CQC Fundamental Standards and that they have enough suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff to provide safe and effective care. The CSTF can support employers in evidencing to the CQC that they are meeting these obligations.
Using the CSTF offers various benefits, but the key advantage is that it promotes consistent approaches, making skills more transferable within the healthcare system.
What does it help with?
It can be used by any healthcare employer in the United Kingdom including NHS, independent and voluntary providers to help with:
- Making sure that training delivers statutory or mandatory learning outcomes
- Understanding the frequency of refresher training and/or assessments
- Guidance on training delivery
What areas of training are covered in the CSTF?
The CSTF consists of 11 core subjects for England that cover essential skills and knowledge for safe and effective working environments.
- Equality, diversity and human rights
- Health, safety and welfare
- Conflict resolution
- Fire safety
- Infection prevention and control
- Moving and handling
- Safeguarding adults
- Preventing radicalisation
- Safeguarding children
- Resuscitation
- Information governance
Is the CSTF being developed or reviewed?
It’s being reviewed, Skills for Health continues to maintain and update the framework with support from subject matter experts.
Registration of interest
The CSTF is currently under review. If you wish to receive updates on this project, please enter your details here: