Knowledge and Skills Framework

The Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) is a key part of the NHS Agenda for Change pay system. It applies to all staff employed on Agenda for Change terms and conditions.

The Knowledge and Skills Framework:

• is an organisational tool for describing the knowledge and skills staff need to apply at work in order to deliver high quality services
• includes an annual system of review and development for staff to ensure effective working for patients and the public
• provides a single agreed system of pay progression and as such is an integral and mandatory strand of Agenda for Change
• was developed in partnership by management and staff representatives and enjoys the active support of staff side partners
• applies to all staff employed in the NHS across the UK on Agenda for Change terms and conditions, and meets equal pay requirements.

The NHS KSF offers development to staff and facilitates career development through:

• post outlines which clearly describe the knowledge and skills that need to be applied in different posts in the NHS
• annual development reviews - where every member of staff has the opportunity to discuss how they have applied their knowledge and skills and to identify their learning and development needs
• personal development plans these are agreed between each staff member and their reviewer and set out how the learning and development needs will be met
• learning and development opportunities that are focused on the needs of the individual in their post
• a commitment - from NHS organisations that staff will be supported to develop in their posts and are given opportunities to do so.

The KSF is also the mechanism through which pay progression operates. There are two pay 'gateways' in each pay band. To progress up the pay scale, staff must demonstrate that they can effectively apply the required knowledge and skills set out in their KSF post outline.

The NHS KSF process has been developed in partnership between management and staff side representatives. This partnership approach is intended to continue as the NHS KSF is used in development review, with managers working with individual members of staff to plan their training and development and review their work.

The KSF must be implemented to achieve the full personal and organisational benefits of Agenda for Change and for the NHS to have a workforce that is fit for the future.

The KSF Group

The operation of the KSF is overseen by the NHS Staff Council through the KSF Group (KSFG). This group is responsible for the operation of the KSF, including monitoring its use across the NHS.