Maximise Team Skills & Competencies

Skills & Competencies

The skills and competencies of the current workforce were utilised appropriately within existing teams, using The Lancaster Model Skills Analysis Strategy.

Roles & Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of each discipline within the team were modified to reflect the Agenda for Change banding1. All team members were given clear boundaries and role clarity and an understanding of their accountability, responsibility and areas of practice, resulting in all bands working at the appropriate level. Transparent practice boundaries helped to increase corporate working and team vision, with all team members understanding and recognising their strengths and limitations.

Staff Caseloads

Staff caseloads across the area were reallocated based on the needs of local communities and the skills of the workforce. This was achieved using a corporate team approach, to ensure the right balance between workforce skills, capacity and location2.

Leadership & Delegation

Improved team leadership and delegation of work from the Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, helped to increase team working and multiagency partnership working. The non specialist band 6 nurses adopted a special interest role linked to the health and development reviews, facilitating and organising progressive interventions within a specific area of practice. This approach enabled them to utilise their experience, knowledge and skills and practice at their band level in a leading potion.

Increased Efficiency & Effectiveness

The result of maximising team skills and competencies was an increase in team effectiveness and efficiency. This was due to a focused shared vision, improved corporate team working and heightened job satisfaction. The health needs assessment data enabled practice to become evidence based and dependent on the needs of individuals and communities. Team members began to work within their competency range and utilise their knowledge, skills and expertise appropriately. Caseload allocation and redirection of resources become structured and needs led, resulting in each individual team member knowing their role and responsibilities, understanding why they were delivering specific interventions and increasing the number of interventions they delivered without sacrificing quality.

1 Agenda For Change Final Agreement Department of Health (2004)
2 Achieving Better Outcomes: Commissioning in children`s services Department of Health (2009)