Clinical Skills KSBs

Core knowledge, skills and behaviours 

Has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scope of practice, job role and related activities.

Has a comprehensive skill base related to practice. Any interventions carried out will be achieved through additional, focused training and education. 

Ability to develop knowledge on how and why care provision and that of others in the multidisciplinary/multi-agency team, impacts on the person's journey. 

Ability to adhere to the HCSW Code of Conduct in relation to consent:  Telling patients and members of the public what you intend to do and listening carefully to what they say about it (HCSW Code of Conduct 3.2.8).

Demonstrate risk assessment skills in relation to the person receiving care. 

Ability to understand it is everyone’s responsibility (HCSW Code of Conduct 3.2.11) to protect individuals, members of the public and report any concerns to a supervisor, manager or make use of the whistleblowing policy to reduce risks in the future. 

Ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate appropriate understanding of core legislation and policies. 

Ability to understand and apply knowledge of legislation, and policies specific to area of practice.

Ability to understand and apply the concepts of accountability and responsibility and be confident to accept or decline delegated responsibility from a healthcare practitioner or assistant practitioner.

Demonstrate underpinning knowledge that enables integration of theory relating to practice in relevant settings. 

Demonstrate application of best practice within practice setting.

Recognise the effects and potential symptoms of trauma or vicarious trauma and respond appropriately. Practising at a minimum of Trauma Informed practice level. 

Ability to escalate concerns if unable to carry out their duty and responsibilities outlined within health and care staffing legislation. Practising at Informed level. 

Practice in ways which recognise and respond to health inequalities, respect diversity, and protect against discrimination and harassment. 

Use a range of skills to communicate with people about difficult matters or situations. 

Specific knowledge, skills and behaviours for vaccinators 

Identifies individuals or groups across age ranges and communities who may face barriers to vaccination and adapts engagement approaches to support equitable access and improved uptake.

 Uses each vaccination encounter to reinforce key messages about immunisation, adapting language to suit the individual and checking understanding.

Recognises when individuals need help navigating the healthcare system and provides clear, person-centred information or signposts to appropriate services.

Responds appropriately to common vaccine-related myths and false vaccine information, using trusted sources to support individuals’ understanding, and seeks guidance when needed. 

Identifies individuals eligible for catch-up vaccination and supports flexible delivery options to improve uptake.

Explains vaccination procedures clearly, supports the consent process using approved information, and escalates questions or concerns appropriately. 

Applies current immunisation guidance from national sources such as the Green Book and CMO letters to inform their vaccination practice, escalating any uncertainties appropriately.

Applies current guidance to vaccination delivery and communicates confidently with vaccinees, using trusted sources to address questions. 

Uses established escalation pathways confidently to refer individuals who require more complex assessment or intervention.

Uses established pathways to support individuals accessing out-of-schedule or specialist vaccinations.

Understands consent principles and recognises when documentation for adults with incapacity is missing, escalating appropriately to minimise distress and service disruption.

Acts on public protection concerns by following local procedures and knows how to escalate issues appropriately during vaccination delivery.

Delivers vaccines independently within scope of practice, using correct technique, confirming eligibility, and maintaining safety and documentation standards.

Demonstrates understanding of vaccine storage requirements, maintains cold chain integrity during handling and transport, and reports any deviations or concerns promptly.

Supports smooth operation of vaccination clinics by managing flow, preparing vaccines, and escalating issues as needed.

Accurately inputs, retrieves, and checks vaccination data using digital tools (e.g. VMT, appointment systems), and identifies any issues for escalation.