Foundation Degree Framework

Project update
December 2010
 
Foundation Degrees (FDs) are an excellent way for health sector employers to develop the skills of their staff. In 2006 Skills for Health published a Foundation Degree Framework for the Health Sector, setting out guidance for developers of FDs. The Framework was developed in partnership with education providers and other stakeholders.  The aim was to provide ‘a robust and agreed structure at levels 4 and 5 within the qualifications framework for the health sector... to inform and assist universities and colleges in the development of FDs that will attract and retain the support of employers’. 

Skills for Health is now working with fdf to develop an endorsement scheme for FDs in the health sector.  This will build upon the Framework and upon fdf’s existing endorsement scheme. It will also take account of such changes as the Qualifications and Credit Framework and the increased interest in apprenticeships, in particular at higher levels (4 and 5). Click here for a joint position statement about our endorsement scheme.

Endorsement will enable a health employer, considering investing in a FD for its staff, to have confidence that the FD fully meets employer and wider sector needs, and the needs of learners, including such questions as:

• Is there a sustainable level of demand for the job role for which the FD is intended?
• Are work placements available and suitable?
• Are there appropriate learning and career pathways associated with the FD?
• Have professional body requirements, where they exist, been met?

Endorsements will be awarded jointly by Skills for Health and fdf.  We will publish a list of FDs which have been endorsed.

For further details of the endorsement scheme for Foundation Degrees contact foundationdegrees@skillsforhealth.org.uk