The pioneering Joint Investment Framework (JIF) is of major significance for employers and employees alike. The money will be used to address skills gaps and shortages within the health sector.
The Framework represents a new partnership between Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Skills for Health to address the priorities of the current and future health sector workforce.
Mechanisms are in place in each region to oversee the Framework and ensure investment is targeted to meet specific local needs and tackle regional skills priorities.
Over the next 12 months our plan is to carry the Joint Investment Framework forward into the longer term and evaluate its impact in providing significant benefits across the sector. As the investment targets specific areas, we expect to see direct links with better patient care, improved skills and productivity among the workforce, better job satisfaction and more people accessing learning and progressing through their career. The Agreement will help fund apprenticeships, Skills for Life and other skills development and qualifications at Level 1-4.
The Framework represents a major step towards achieving the demand-led skills system recommended in the November 2006 Leitch Review of Skills.
To make certain the Framework stays on target, it will be overseen by the Health Sector Strategic Alliance (HSSA), set up specifically to provide support and guidance to the JIF.
Coordinated by Skills for Health, the Alliance will provide the focus for advising Government departments, boards and funding bodies on strategic priorities and the effective use of funds by the LSC, sector employees and organisations.
