Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I complete a Degree/Masters Programme ?

A: You can apply for individual modules via the study leave policy.  However, you need to be mindful that these may not lead to a top up degree. As any modules studied need to fit into a defined University programme structure and are bound by strict APL processes (Accreditation of Prior learning). You must complete a study leave form which must be approved first before you book any programmes. There are only specific modules funded by HEE. Therefore alternative funding routes may have to be sought, including the study leave budget, your directorate or various charity and fellowship routes. These must be agreed before securing a place on programmes. Unless you are self-funding. If self-funding you may still have to complete a study form if requesting study leave during a normal working week.

Q: What CWD modules are available as part of the HEE funding stream ?

A: There are a number of modules available that are funded by Health Education England. These change every year . Please discuss this at your appraisal/ with you line manager. Then to obtain details of the current list of programmes contact the CPD team.  It is important that any agreements for Educational  funding must go through CPD team and not directly to University or funding will not be authorised stsft.cpd@nhs.net   

Q: Which Universities can I apply for ?
A: If it is a HEE funded module then only specific Universities are part of the contract.  It is best to discuss this with your staff member during the appraisal process then your Directorate Manager, so that the study leave policy is distributed equitably, meeting service needs as well as the staff member`s individual development.      

Q: I have a query about study leave or funding, who should I contact ? 

A: You need to read through the Trust study leave policy and discuss any potential leave and funding with your manager, who must agree this before contacting the CPD team. Workforce Development team handle initial queries about study leave and/or central funding for education and development programmes. Expression of interest forms for corporately funded programmes, and to book places on Trust commissioned development programmes. They arrange payment from the centralised budget for programmes funded through this, and advise employees of enrolment and recording processes. They can be contacted on stsft.cpd@nhs.net   

Q: I have post registration credits gained in the last 5 years can I use these to gain my degree/ masters ?

A: it may be possible to APL credits in to a validated University Programme. However, this depends on that programme of study regulations and generally only if you studied them in the last  5 years these may be used towards the Professional Practice degree, which will be offered (subject to validation) in the late spring of 2021. 

Q: What Healthcare Apprenticeships are available?

A: The Trust supports a number of Apprenticeship Programmes. 

• Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship – Adult (level 6)
• Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)  (level 6)
• Apprenticeship Programme - District Nursing (level 7)
• Apprenticeship Programme – Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Level 7)
• Leadership Apprenticeship Degree (level 6) 
• Leadership  Apprenticeship Masters (level 7) 

In a leadership role the Trust may support further development. See the hyperlink for more information.  Leadership Apprenticeships :: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Intranet (stsft.nhs.uk)

Q: I`m currently a Health Care Assistant -how can I progress to become a Registered Nurse ?

A: If employed the Trust may fund applications at key points of the year for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice programme. Applicants should have been employed in their substantive post within the Trust for a minimum of 2 years. Applicants must have successfully completed the Care Certificate. Applicants must have Level 2 Maths AND English grade C GCSE or equivalent. Applicants must have a level 3 Health related qualification for more information on gaining a level 3 qualification click on Work force Development  (stsft.nhs.uk) Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice programme for more information on this see the hyperlink  Work force Development  (stsft.nhs.uk)

Q: I already have some credits gained at level 6 can I use these towards a top up degree ?

A: If studied in the last 5 years and if studied at the University of Sunderland it may be possible to APL these towards a Professional Practice degree. 

Q: I am a newly qualified staff nurse what does the Trust offer in terms of preceptorship ?

A: The Trust offers a mandatory 6 month development programme, no funding required. This programme is provided by the Trust for newly qualified nurses and AHPs. For more information please see the see the Hyperlink Link to Preceptorship staff Intranet Preceptorship :: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Intranet (stsft.nhs.uk)

Q: I have a staff member who is already a registered nurse but they don`t have a nursing degree ? 

A: There are some options. Top up degrees are offered at our partner University. For eligibility please discuss with workforce about an expression of interest stsft.cpd@nhs.net  

There will be two top up routes. A 16 month online programme from May 2021 (evidence of a UK Diploma is required) for those nurses who hold a Diploma or advanced diploma it may be possible to APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) level 5 credits into this programme. There is also a 12 month face-to-face delivery (level 5 modules are covered in this programme) from September 2021. This route is more appropriate for staff who do not have any level 5 credits or for those staff whose Nursing qualification.     

Q: Where do I start in accessing educational development for my team ?

A: All Nurses and AHPs will have an annual appraisal and within this a Personal Development Plan. This appraisal process will identify individual training/ development needs. From this discussion staff and their line manager agree the PDP. This will indicate if any educational needs/ requirements have been identified. For any internal (or in house training) the Organisational development team can be contacted (a training portal is in production and hoped to be launched on the Staff Intranet in Summer 2021.) AT various times of the year the workforce team will send out communications to Matrons and Clinical Managers. In this email will be an expression of interest form expression this by the line manager and sent to the workforce development team at stsft.cpd@nhs.net