In action: Six Steps case studies

To understand and describe WHAT challenges in services/systems/teams have been addressed with 6 steps

To understand and explain WHY service/teams choose the 6 steps approach 

To understand and illustrate HOW services/teams have used 6 steps in practice 

To summarise LESSONS LEARNT and next steps for improvement 

Overview of Six Steps Case studies

• Demonstrate how AHPs across Scotland have applied the Six Steps Methodology® to address workforce and service challenge
• Cover a range of teams, services, and professions  
• Support learning and implementation across AHP professions 

Structure of the Case studies

Each case study includes introductory slides that provide a high-level overview to help you decide if you would like to explore the more detailed step by step application that follows.

Case study one: 

• Introductory example of getting started with Six Steps
• Includes video, slides, and resources covering Steps 1–4  

Case studies two and three 

• Demonstrate full application of all Six Steps 
• Slides 1–3: high-level overview 
• Slides 4 onwards: detailed step-by-step application 

Supporting resources

Examples provided alongside each case study, include:

• Completed Six Steps workbooks/toolkits 
• Service specifications, Learning and education plans 
• An example of a National Workforce Plan using Six Steps

When to use the case studies:

1. At the start of learning

• Build understanding of how Six Steps is applied in practice
• Explore examples of workforce and service challenges  

2. During learning (applying the methodology)

• Support understanding of how to apply each step 
• Complement webinars, workbooks, and tools 
• See how methodology is used in practice (e.g., orthotics, dietetics, podiatry) 

3. After completing the learning

• Reinforce learning through real-world examples 
  • Explore how Six Steps addresses:
  • Different service and team challenges 
• Various AHP professions 

Case study 1

Nikki Munro
Orthotic Clinical
Lead/Manager
NHS GC&C

Getting started with Six Steps for an orthotics service

• To define a clear vision for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde orthotic service workforce by assessing current staffing levels against existing demand and analysing service data to identify future workforce requirement

Watch the case study video 

Download video transcript (doc)

Supporting resources

Completed Six Steps workbook for Steps 1-5 

For further information on what a service specification is and guidance on how to complete one, please refer to the Transforming Roles Needs page. 

Completed orthotics service specification 

For further information on learning and education plans and guidance on how to complete one, please refer to the Transforming Roles Learning and Education page.

Completed orthotics learning and development plan 

Case study 2 - Team level workforce planning & transformation

• To address a capacity and demand issue for a dietetic team in NHS Grampian

Watch the case study video (video not yet available)

Download video transcript (doc)

Completed Six Steps workbook  

Completed dietetics service specification

Completed dietetics learning and development plan

Case study 3 - Service re-design for a regional podiatry service for NHS Lothian -TBC

• To address X which includes workforce planning and transformation

Watch the case study video (video not yet available)

Download video transcript (doc)

Completed Six Steps workbook  

Completed podiatry service specification

Completed podiatry learning and development plan