Overview

Inextricably linked to the leadership and supervisory work of the PA is staff personal development, which in turn has a subsequent impact for quality improvement and enhancement initiatives. The assessment is a written 3,000-word portfolio of evidence, comprising of part one, aligned to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment criteria and part two how learners demonstrate and apply the A-EQUIP model in practice. Teaching is supported by Professional Advocate Leads and Quality Improvement expert.

Module aims

• To equip registered health and social care professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate restorative supervision to colleagues and teams within their services.
• To intrinsically link restorative supervision to quality improvement approaches in practice.

Entry requirements

The criteria for the training programme requires that applicants:

• Are a registered practitioner
• Are in a patient facing role
• Are Band 5 or above
• EITHER: Hold a diploma or advanced diploma (with the addition of a top-up accredited Level 6 qualification) - certificate/transcript will need to be uploaded to the application. · OR: Already hold an accredited Level 6 qualification (degree or degree equivalent/ top-up accredited Level 6 CPD course) - certificate/transcript will need to be uploaded to the application
• Have line manager approval to be released. Applicants must be in a position to attend all taught sessions and complete the assessment requirements for the module.
• Applicants must be in a position to attend all taught sessions and complete the assessment requirements for the module.

Module content

• Professional Advocate Role
• Critical Thinking
• A-EQUIP Model
• Restorative Supervision
• Ethical Issues
• Resilience
• Self-awareness
• Assertiveness
• Compassionate Leadership
• Quality Improvement
• Advocacy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Health and Wellbeing

Teaching and assessment

As a 15-credit Level 7 Module, there are 150 hours of study, equating to 75 hours of active learning and 75 hours of independent study. There are 10 taught sessions via MS Teams that all learners are expected to attend during the 15-week module. As learners are required to be active participants during these sessions, they will need a working camera and microphone. 

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the module may include:

• The core of each module delivery mode is a series of tutor-led or group-led seminars or workshops which are all delivered online using platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Web-based learning using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE), Blackboard.
• Group work and peer support. All modules use focused group work and class discussion facilitated online using platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Padlet etc.
• Directed independent study. Most of the study hours for each module comprise independent learning by expecting participants to add depth and breadth to their knowledge of topics, to practice skills and to reflect on critical incidents and their practice.
• Teaching is supported by Professional Advocate Leads and Quality Improvement experts.

The endpoint summative assessment is a two-part assessment including a 2,000-word academic professional assignment and a Competency Practice Placement Portfolio Document. The competency practice placement document requires learners to have access to a supervisor (a qualified PNA or PA) provided by their employing organisation. In exceptional circumstances and only if a qualified PNA or PA is not available, then supervision can be provided by a Band 6 registered professional (NMC, HCPC, SWE, etc.) with 2 years’ experience, and has completed relevant supervision training to support new starters and students. The document aligns with the four functions of the A-EQUIP and supports students to demonstrate the application of theory into practice. The students collate evidence within their portfolio, which is then signed by their supervisor and uploaded via Turnitin as a Pass/Fail if they have met all of the requirements.