Step 1

02

Step 1: Define the Plan

Establish scope, objectives, and key stakeholders

Checklist

Purpose

  • What is the problem you are trying to solve?
  • What will a good plan enable you to do?
  • Who initiated the plan and why?
  • Who will the plan impact upon?

Scope

  • What geographical area is covered by the plan?
  • What services, departments or sites does it cover?
  • What types of staff are covered?
  • What user groups does the plan cover?
  • Timeframe - Is this a short term or long term problem and solution?

Ownership

  • Who owns the workforce plan?
  • Who needs to be influenced if the plan is to be successful? (consider internally and externally)
  • Is everyone involved signed up to achieving the plan and do they understand their role?

NES and Skills for Health (the providers of Six Steps training) have jointly developed webinars and resources that introduce the Six Steps methodology, explain each step in detail, and show how to apply to workforce and service challenges.

How to use Six Steps introduction and Step 1 resource

To start—watch the Six Steps introduction and Step 1 video below, and review the Six Steps slides in the Accompanying resources section further down this page. 
Six Steps introduction
Six Steps Step one

Download video transcript (doc)

Accompanying resources

Six Steps introduction slides and step one slides 

 

Six Step planning toolkit

 

How to apply in practice

Consider the below resources to help support you.

View:
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Decide:

Complete the Skills for Health workbook for Step 1: (pages 7-9) applying the questions to your AHP context/area/service challenge.

OR Complete the Six Steps toolkit - start by completing Step 1, applying the questions to your AHP context/area/service challenge.

 

How to apply in practice: Case study with completed workbook

Aim: 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 requirements. 

Download video transcript (doc)

Access the completed Six Steps workbook

Further information and resources used for this case study can be found on the In action: Six Steps case studies page.  

Example of a completed toolkit:   

Workforce planning toolkit WFP Toolkit.xlsx for NHS Scotland (adapted from Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) with permission)

 

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