Advanced Practitioners at Level 7 within Vaccination Services in NHS Scotland demonstrate expert-level knowledge and critical awareness of immunisation practice, public health strategy, and the broader healthcare landscape. Operating at the interface between clinical practice, service development, and health policy, they provide strategic leadership in the planning, delivery, and evolution of vaccination programmes in complex and often unpredictable environments.

• Responsible for developing, transforming, and leading innovative models of vaccine delivery that respond to emerging public health challenges, health inequalities, and changing population needs. This includes interpreting and applying national guidance, leading multidisciplinary teams, and influencing vaccination policy and practice both locally and nationally.
• Work autonomously to assess complex clinical and public health scenarios—for example, advising on vaccine response in outbreak situations, overseeing care for high-risk or medically complex individuals, or developing tailored interventions for underserved communities.
• Collaborate across health, social care, education, and third-sector organisations to maximise the impact of vaccination programmes.
• With a strong focus on service improvement and innovation, they lead quality assurance processes, research and evaluation projects, and the implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Responsible for the advanced education, mentorship, and professional development of the wider vaccination workforce.
• Through expert clinical practice, strategic insight, and compassionate leadership, they drive excellence and equity in vaccination services, contributing significantly to Scotland’s public health outcomes.

• Registered as a Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or registered with an appropriate regulatory body such as the Health and Care Professions Council  
• Post-registration qualification
• Evidence of operating/thinking at master's level
• Evidence of working towards relevant SCQF master's level award

• Completion of training in basic life support and anaphylaxis management, statutory and mandatory topics (e.g., infection control, public protection), safe sharps and waste handling, vaccine preparation and administration, and demonstrate understanding of legal frameworks.
• Completion of the Promoting Effective Immunisation Programme (PEIP) for registered healthcare practitioners.
• Leads and contributes to the design, evaluation, or delivery of role-specific training in specialised vaccination areas (e.g., complex risk groups, emerging vaccines).
• Provides strategic oversight and ensures workforce engagement with vaccine-specific learning and national programme updates.
• Keep up to date with immunisation knowledge through guidance like the Green Book and CMO letters and regularly engage in reflective practice and CPD to maintain competence and confidence.

• Understand how consent is obtained in line with legal and ethical principles, considering competence, parental responsibility, and appropriate decision-makers for children and adults in varied care arrangements.

Outlined below are the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) required for Level 7 practitioners, aligned to the four pillars of practice. This includes core KSBs from the NMAHP Development Framework, followed by vaccination-specific KSBs reflecting the unique needs of the vaccination workforce.

Clinical Skills

Facilitation of Learning

Leadership 

Evidence, Research and Development