A national competency framework has launched to strengthen and develop people professionals working across NHS Wales.
The new People Professions Map has been developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) in collaboration with Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) Cymru, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), NHS England and people professionals across NHS Wales.
It outlines the knowledge, behaviours and values that people professionals working across workforce and organisational development, human resources, people analytics, learning and development and workforce planning, are expected to demonstrate to create positive impact within their health boards and trusts.
These roles are regularly referred to as “people professionals” because they focus on supporting staff, improving workplace culture, and enabling health and care teams across Wales to deliver the best possible care for patients.
Accredited by the CIPD, the Map has been tailored specifically for NHS Wales. It provides a comprehensive framework that supports professional development, sets clear standards for ethical and effective practice and ensures that people professionals are equipped and supported to respond to changing needs and complexities across NHS Wales.
By defining what 'good' looks like at every stage of a people professional’s career, the Map will help to build credibility, support a shared language for professional development, continuous learning and reinforce the central role of people functions in organisational success.
The NHS Wales people profession is the backbone of patient care. By giving people professionals a clear roadmap for their own development, the Map will ensure that they develop the skills and confidence to:
The launch of the Map aligns with HEIW’s statutory duty to develop the NHS Wales people profession and support the transformation of leadership and culture across health and care services. The initiative helps create a stronger, more resilient workforce by aligning skills and behaviours with NHS Wales’ strategic priorities. When people professionals are equipped to lead change and foster positive working environments, everyone, from frontline staff to patients, experiences the benefits. The map was
Helen Watkins, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development at HEIW, said:
“The People Professions Map is more than a framework, it’s a catalyst for NHS Wales workforce transformation, digital innovation and leadership. This map will enable us to align the skills and behaviours of our profession with emerging strategic priorities across NHS Wales, enabling our people professionals to lead change and innovate across the system."
The new People Professions Map is available to view here.