Transforming Roles paper 9: allied health professions advanced practice
Guidance for developing Allied Health Professions (AHP) advanced practice roles in Scotland. Outlines policy context, role definition, education pathways, governance, and impact metrics to support consistent, sustainable workforce transformation across health and social care.
Annex 1: Skills for Health Career Framework
Key Elements of the Career Framework
Career Framework Level 9
People working at level 9 require knowledge at the most advanced frontier of the field of work and at the interface between fields. They will have responsibility for the development and delivery of a service to a population, at the highest level of the organisation. Indicative or Reference title: Director
Career Framework Level 8
People at level 8 of the career framework require highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work, which they use as the basis for original thinking and/or research. They are leaders with considerable responsibility, and the ability to research and analyse complex processes. They have responsibility for service improvement or development. They may have considerable clinical and/or management responsibilities, be accountable for service delivery or have a leading education or commissioning role. Indicative or Reference title: Consultant
Career Framework Level 7
People at level 7 of the career framework have a critical awareness of knowledge issues in the field and at the interface between different fields. They are innovative, and have a responsibility for developing and changing practice and/or services in a complex and unpredictable environment. Indicative or Reference title: Advanced Practitioner
Career Framework Level 6
People at level 6 require a critical understanding of detailed theoretical and practical knowledge, are specialist and/or have management and leadership responsibilities. They demonstrate initiative and are creative in finding solutions to problems. They have some responsibility for team performance and service development and they consistently undertake self development. Indicative or Reference title: Specialist/Senior Practitioner
Career Framework Level 5
People at level 5 will have a comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge. They are able to use knowledge to solve problems creatively, make judgements which require analysis and interpretation, and actively contribute to service and self development. They may have responsibility for supervision of staff or training. Indicative or Reference title: Practitioner
Career Framework Level 4
People at level 4 require factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work. Work is guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work, but the worker makes judgements, plans activities, contributes to service development and demonstrates self development. They may have responsibility for supervision of some staff. Indicative or Reference title: Assistant/Associate Practitioner
Career Framework Level 3
People at level 3 require knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts in a field of work. They may carry out a wider range of duties than the person working at level 2, and will have more responsibility, with guidance and supervision available when needed. They will contribute to service development, and are responsible for self development. Indicative or Reference title: Senior Healthcare Assistants/Technicians
Career Framework Level 2
People at level 2 require basic factual knowledge of a field of work. They may carry out clinical, technical, scientific or administrative duties according to established protocols or procedures, or systems of work. Indicative or Reference title: Support Worker
Career Framework Level 1
People at level 1 are at entry level, and require basic general knowledge. They undertake a limited number of straightforward tasks under direct supervision. They could be any new starter to work in the Health sector, and progress rapidly to Level 2. Indicative or Reference title: Cadet
Contact
Email: cno@scot.gov