Knowledge Mobilisation Framework

The NHS Knowledge Mobilisation Framework is a practical programme designed to help individuals and teams develop the skills needed to mobilise knowledge effectively within their organisation. It introduces eleven evidence-based techniques that support learning before, during and after work activities, ensuring that teams can identify knowledge gaps early, share insights throughout a project, and capture learning at completion to improve future practice. The framework draws on a concept originally devised by the Department of Health Connecting for Health Knowledge Management Team and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Library and Knowledge Services Team, and continues to evolve in response to organisational learning needs across the NHS. It is supported by a set of quick reference cards to help learners apply techniques in day-to-day work.

This programme is suitable for staff across health and care settings who are involved in project delivery, service improvement, knowledge management or organisational learning. It is designed for a broad, multi-professional audience and can be used equally by individuals, teams and leaders seeking to embed systematic learning practices within their services.

Across the programme, learners are introduced to core concepts of learning before, learning during and learning after. These techniques help teams explore what they already know, identify uncertainties, and access relevant explicit and tacit knowledge at the start of a task. Learners will also develop confidence in using structured methods to share insights while work is ongoing, ensuring that emerging learning shapes decision-making in real time. The framework additionally supports users to reflect at the end of a work activity to capture key outcomes, avoid repeating mistakes, encourage the replication of best practice and build a reusable organisational knowledge base. Collectively, these approaches help drive improvement, reduce avoidable pitfalls and strengthen the consistency and quality of project delivery.

The Knowledge Mobilisation Framework responds to an identified need for practical, accessible tools that help NHS staff learn more systematically from their own work and from others. Its development has been informed by contributions from regional and national library and knowledge services teams, who continue to offer support to teams wishing to adopt the techniques. Learners seeking further guidance are encouraged to contact their regional library lead.

By supporting systematic learning across projects and services, the programme aligns with wider NHS priorities focused on quality improvement, service transformation and workforce development. Its emphasis on capturing and reusing learning contributes to long-term ambitions for a more efficient, knowledge-enabled health and care system. Further supporting materials and reference resources can be accessed through the programme’s catalogue page and accompanying guidance.