The Open University-Royal College of Nursing Strategic Alliance: what can it deliver for you?

1. The Open University-Royal College of Nursing Strategic Alliance: what can it deliver for you? Prof. Linda Jones Director, OU-RCN Strategic Alliance The Open University

2. Context of health sector change • Patient safety – ‘to do no harm’ • Quality must be systemic – taking personal responsibility • Patient experience – ‘look at not up’ • Leadership at all levels, sectors, services Effectiveness –independence and inclusion • Innovation – find, nurture, mobilise

3. Education and training agenda • A skills escalator – train for new and enhanced roles • Focus on existing workforce • Promote lifelong learning • Prepare staff to deliver high quality, patient-centred, flexible care that values people

4. Building our response: the strategic alliance • Shared values, shared goals • Complementary strengths and capabilities • Harnessing the power of learning for individuals • Shared commitment to health sector workforce development

5. Widening access to learning across all groups and the whole sector Enhancing and transforming services Evaluating and influencing policy and practice Shared values, shared goals

6. Robust and sustainable quality Global and local reach Flexible provision Work-based delivery Partnership Complementary strengths and capabilities

7. Accessible, just-in-time, flexible, applicable learning Preparation and support to progress and succeed Partnership approach Harnessing eLearning for educational advantage Certificate to doctorate Harnessing the power of learning

8. Preparing to study Building skills and deepening your understanding Developing your career Being all you can be! Learning Zone; Open Learn; Openings courses Understanding Health and Social Care (K101) Introducing Health Sciences (SDK125) Foundation degree; Pre-registration Nursing; LBR Degree and beyond A staged learning offer

9. Healthcare assistant -career beginner Understanding Health (Y158) Introduction to Health and Social Care (K101) Certificate in Health and Social Care (D34) OR Introducing Health Sciences (SDK125) + 2 or 3 short courses Certificate in Health Sciences (C78) Healthcare assistant -career developer Understanding Health (K101) Introducing Professional Practice (K114) Working for Health (K203) Extending Professional Practice (K214) Foundation degree in Health and Social Care (G05) For details see pages 4-6 Existing pathways

10. HCA career pathway via work-based, flexible, pre-registration nursing programme in partnership with employers (p7) “fills a big gap in our current provision...for many (HCAs) would not have been an option through any other route” (Kath Hinchcliff, Head of Education Commissioning, NHS Yorkshire and Humberside) Pre-registration nursing

11. Just-in-time learning: through CPLD and RCN Learning Zone (p8-9) Top up to honours BSc Nursing Practice (p12) Advancing Healthcare Practice Masters programme (p13) Management, teaching, leadership, finance and the rest (p18) Learning beyond registration

12. “Openings courses are like learning to drive. When you pass your driving test there’s still a lot more to learn but it gives you the skills and the confidence to move on to the next stage.” “I have had an amazing amount of support. Everyone is keen to see me succeed, which helps keep me motivated. Tutors are always available and have given helpful advice. I think every area of my practice has been affected but particularly the way I approach and communicate…” Some typical comments

13. Shared commitment to workforce development • Organisational change programmes • Bespoke training solutions • Learning escalators • Tailored services and support • Professional and academic accreditation

14. Joint design and delivery of change through: RCN Consultancy Service (p10-11) On-line OU Centre for Learning and Professional Development (p9) Adapting existing courses and programmes Organisational change – how?

15. Skills-focused course for health care assistants - joint RCN and OU project underway Skills for commissioning – just-in-time short courses being planned Clinical leadership work Joint accreditation Developing resources What’s new from the Alliance?

16. RCN skills workshops OU learning resources and tutor support Assessment Progression HCA uses sessions to develop skills eg. nutrition, dignity, communication HCA enrols with OU; extends RCN learning in chosen areas HCA takes formative assessment HCA passes summative assessment (10 HE points) Joint response to HCAs

17. RCN ‘Enhancing patient safety’ initiative designed by RCN Learning and Development OU Exploring Practice (K316) a project-based course designed by OU Department of Nursing Progression Staff successfully complete programme which carries RCN accreditation Staff use learning from RCN programme to help them complete OU course Staff complete RCN accredited programme and gain 60 HE points at level 3 (final ug year) Joint accreditation

18. What else do we need to do for you? • What help can you give us? • How can we best build a relationship between Learning Representatives ad the Strategic Alliance? Keeping in touch about learning: www.openuniversity.co.uk/rcn or call 0845 300 60 90