Most large organisations are keen to develop their staff and help them broaden their knowledge and understanding in a particular area, and the NHS is no exception. This improvement in an individual’s level of knowledge, often means that they can do their job better. In the NHS, this often translates into improved care for patients as the staff are able to undertake more responsibility in their roles and this means that the patient gets the care they need quicker. 
The NHS is one of the biggest employers in the South West and as such, it can provide many opportunities to all its staff members around career development and progression. One of the main benefits in working for the NHS is the opportunity for staff to move around, retrain or get promoted in their chosen field of expertise. This can be both in clinical and non clinical areas as it is possible for staff to move around the organisation and even change the sort of job they are doing. For example, there are case studies of NHS staff working in the domestic services department, with the right support and development, may consider working in a role involving direct healthcare work or consider moving into administration.
NHS Career Framework 
The NHS has developed a comprehensive and clearly defined Career Framework for all the different jobs that staff are employed to do in the NHS. There are 9 different bands or levels on which any job will be placed with respect to the level of responsibility that person would be expected to perform in various categories. This also gives an indication of what the pay will be for each grade. There is also a useful Careers framework Tool that describes jobs in terms of their career framework level (pay grade) and a range of competencies or responsibilities associated with the job roles.
Health Learning and Skills Advice Line for NHS Staff 
The NHS Careers website also has information about developing your career in the NHSwhich helps you understand what you can do to further your career. It also has a very useful Health Learning and Skills Advice Line for existing staff which provides advice and information on learning opportunities, funding for studies and the different types of support available to you whilst you're learning.
Appraisals 
The appraisal process is a common way in which training and development opportunities are identified for individual staff members. It is important therefore, that staff ensure that they do undergo an annual appraisal where any training needs can be discussed with your manager. Personal Development Programmes are run in some NHS organisations which are designed for staff members as a structured way of identifying and evidencing training and development issues. They usually consist of the staff member keeping a portfolio of evidence of their personal, organisational and professional developments and to maintain information about an individuals learning, experience, skills and abilities.
