Knowledge and Skills Framework

The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) is the career and pay progression strand of the NHS pay system, Agenda for Change (AfC). It is mandatory for all Agenda for Change staff and should be fully implemented by all NHS organisations.

The KSF:

• defines and describes the knowledge and skills that staff need to apply in their work, to deliver quality services
• provides a single consistent, comprehensive and explicit framework for staff reviews and development
• allows the operation of the AfC pay progression system, without which the contractual commitment to an equitable pay system cannot be met
• is a generic competency framework developed from existing best practice

The KSF is applied by identifying the knowledge and skill requirements for each NHS post (the KSF outline) and ensuring that each post holder has an annual review against their KSF outline, to identify any development needs.

A personal development plan is then agreed and carried out. At two points on each of the AfC pay bands, incremental progression is dependent on fulfilling the appropriate KSF outline for the post.

The KSF is part of the national Agenda for Change agreement and was developed in partnership by the Department of Health and management and staff side representatives. This partnership approach should be maintained KSF through implementation.