New funding for Technology Enabled Care learning

New funding for Technology Enabled Care learning

During 2021-2022 NES provided funding for 30 candidates to study the Professional Development Award in Technology Enabled Care.

Following the successful uptake of the funding across health and social care, during 2022-23 NES will fund a further 56 candidates from health, housing and social care, in partnership with Bon Accord Support Services, Aberdeen, an SQA approved delivery centre offering the qualification through online distance learning.

The application window has been open since the 7 March 2022 and so far, there has been a good response, particularly from third sector social care organisations which is great to see as these organisations can sometimes struggle to access learning opportunities due to funding constraints.

A recent poll of 45 support workers, run by NES’ Digitally Enabled Workforce Team, found a number of interested insights:

• 60% said they would be interested in undertaking the PDA in TEC with a further 35% saying they would like to know more
• 75% said that Technology Enabled Care should be available to support people with their health and wellbeing

The funding is available to candidates who agree to complete the units – Working with Technology Enabled Care - and – Using Digital Technology to Support People in Health, Housing and Care.

The funding is aimed at candidates from the public, private or third sector who are employed in a frontline role in a:

• Health and Social Care Partnership
• Health Board
• Social care organisation
• Housing service

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF level 7 is to help equip Scotland’s workforce with the knowledge and skills required to embed Technology Enabled Care into health and social care practice supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes for people.

The design and development of the award supports Scotland’s National Digital Health and Care Strategy (Scottish Government, 2021). This promotes the concept of supporting people to live, learn, work, participate and flourish in an ever-changing digital society. While preparing the workforce to deliver different types of services in different (online) ways.

Pamela Dimberline, Specialist Lead, Digital Health and Care, NES, said:

“Last year we had an unprecedent number of applicants apply for funding for the PDA in Technology Enabled Care, so this year we’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Bon Accord Support Services to offer further funding for 56 candidates from health, social care and housing organisations the opportunity to undertake this qualification. The knowledge and skills gained from completing the PDA in Technology Enabled Care will empower candidates to develop their practice to benefit citizens and services.”

Gordon Paterson, NES’ new Director of Social Care, said:

“The pandemic has accentuated and accelerated the contribution that technology can make to support us in carrying out our work and in improving access, choice, and control for those who use our social care, housing, and health services.  In my role as the new Director of Social Care I see enormous potential in advancing our use of digital solutions and using technology to enable the right care and support to be provided, in the right way and at the right time.

In this context, I would commend the Professional Development Award in Technology Enabled Care.  This provides an excellent opportunity for colleagues in social care, health, and housing services to develop their knowledge of the potential for using technology to support the delivery of our services, and to empower service users to embrace digital solutions to improve their experience and outcomes”.

Cohort 1 candidate – Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership, said:

“I feel that I now have a recognisable qualification that I can use to help me progress in my career. It makes me feel more confident to apply for TEC related jobs knowing that I have this on my CV”.

Cohort 2 Candidate – Eildon Housing Association, said:

“With the direction that care is moving in having a qualification in Technology Enabled Care is really helpful. I think it is a skills gap in the sector and we are going to need more [opportunities] like this to upskill and be able to meet the challenges of an evolving digital environment”.

To find out more visit PDA in TEC | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot) or contact  nes.dew@nhs.scot

Completed applications must be received on Monday 4 April 2022 by 5pm.

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