Learning disability, including people who are autistic

Developing and retaining the advanced practice workforce is a strategic priority for the NHS, with advanced practitioners playing a critical role in addressing both immediate and long-term workforce needs. The NHS Long-Term Plan highlights their potential to meet these demands, while the NHS People Plan champions the expansion of advanced practice roles and innovative care models.

NHS England is driving this agenda through the Centre for Advancing Practice, which focuses on building advanced practice capability and capacity to support new models of care. A key initiative is the development of multi-professional, area-specific capability frameworks to address high-priority workforce needs.

These frameworks are integral to Centre-accredited advanced practice Master’s degrees and are also accessible to practitioners who demonstrate equivalent education through the Centre’s ePortfolio (supported) route. Designed to enhance prior learning, they align with workforce development and service delivery priorities.

By clearly defining the advanced practice capabilities required for safe and effective care within specific areas, these frameworks not only strengthen clinical career pathways but also promote workforce transformation. This approach aims to retain skilled practitioners, drive innovation, and ultimately deliver meaningful benefits for patients and the public.