The framework was developed internally and was first implemented back in 2018 by our Clinical Development Team, led by Head of Clinical Excellence, Alison Day. We have recently adapted and evolved the framework to reflect current needs and trends within healthcare.
Our Knowledge and Skills Framework is a core component of our award-winning learning and development package, and provides physiotherapists at Ascenti with clear guidance on the specific skills and competencies they need to demonstrate in order to progress in their career.
The revised framework includes a greater emphasis on enhancing the patient experience, and provides improved support for newly qualified physiotherapists who are looking to develop skills around leadership and healthcare citizenship .
Physiotherapists who are committed to continual learning and development can quickly progress through our tailored clinical grading structure, by providing evidence of the key competencies within the KSF during an annual promotion window.
Throughout the year, our physios work closely with their dedicated clinical mentor and regional development lead to set personal SMART objectives and identify specific topics for further study. All training and development activities are carried out alongside patient-facing duties which is facilitated through weekly ringfenced continued professional development (CPD) time.
The framework has played a huge part in fostering a culture of clinical excellence throughout Ascenti, and in promoting internal talent. Area Manager, Greta Kallander, shared feedback on how the KSF has helped shape her career:
"The Knowledge and Skills Framework at Ascenti has given me many opportunities in my career and has facilitated my clinical and professional development into a leadership position. Beginning as a junior physiotherapist, through to a Physiotherapy Development Lead for London, and now to an Area Manager for a large NHS contract in the North of England.
"I’ve been able to hold myself accountable to my own development and have therefore progressed into other areas of the business."
Head of Clinical Excellence, Alison Day, said: "Our KSF really sets us apart - it defines what excellent practice looks like, broken down into 20 core competencies each with a list of behaviours you would see someone display who has competency in any particular area. The framework supports our team of fabulous mentors to give constructive feedback to their teams, and allows individuals to reflect on their own practice and how it compares to what 'good' looks like.
"The recent changes to the framework are designed to recognise more than just clinical excellence, and acknowledge all that people do behind the scenes to support at a local, regional and national level. I’m always blown away by the promotion presentations, how hard people work and how brilliant they are. It makes rewarding our staff who successfully apply for promotion each year an absolute pleasure."
On the back of significant growth in 2022, Ascenti is further expanding its physiotherapy network and currently has a range of MSK Physiotherapist roles available nationwide.
For more information about physio careers at Ascenti and to browse our current vacancies, please click here.
