“Advanced practice is delivered by accomplished registered health and care professionals. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and designated responsibility for complex decision making. This is underpinned by a post-registration master’s level award or equivalent undertaken by an experienced practitioner that encompasses all four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. 

Advanced practice embodies the ability to manage care in partnership with individuals, families, and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems, and management of clinical risk and uncertainty across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to expedite access to care, optimise people’s experiences, and improve outcomes”

NHS England

The education level of enhanced practice covers the graduate professional workforce who are delivering the majority of clinical activity, those who have moved beyond novice/competent and who are not working at the level of advanced practice.

For more information see this webinar.

Further level information of Consultant Level Practice.

1. Clinical practice
2. Leadership and management
3. Education
4. Research

NHS England

This framework offers a clear and practical guide for those developing their expertise in the 4 key areas of clinical care, leadership, research, and education and incorporates updated evidence, insights, and contributions from advanced practitioners. Whether you are an advanced practitioner yourself, aspire to be one, or are relying on or supporting the development of advanced practitioners in your area, we urge you to explore the framework and build on the vital contributions these roles make.

Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Practice 2025

The South West Faculty for Advancing Practice was established in August 2020, with the aim of providing support and guidance to aspiring and current advanced practitioners, organisations, Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) and Integrated Care Systems (ICS). We recognise the impact that advanced practitioners can have on workforce transformation, providing highly skilled care that can drive service redesign, enhance patient care, and improve outcomes. The function of our Faculty is to lead and promote advanced practitioners as part of national and regional workforce solutions and to enable practitioners to practice to their full potential.

Regional Faculty for Advancing Practice – South West

The Centre for Advancing Practice have developed a maturity matrix which health and care organisations across all settings can formatively self-assess their progress on the governance of advanced practice. Below you will find a link to Governance Matrix Information and access to the document.

Governance Maturity Matrix

BNSSG Training Hub GMM Guidance

Subscribe to the NHS England advanced practice mailing list to stay informed about the latest advanced practice updates, resources and upcoming events in the South West region.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council

NMC Principles for Advanced Practice – Employers Principles for advanced practice: employers

NMC Principles for Advanced Practice – Professionals Principles for advanced practice: professionals

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Royal Pharmaceutical Society – Advanced Pharmacy Framework

The Health and Care Professions Council

The Royal College or Nursing (RCN)

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN)

Recognising Experienced Advanced Practitioners

The ePortfolio (supported) Route is designed to enable recognition of existing, experienced advanced practitioners.

This route is ideal for those who:

• Are currently working in advanced practice roles
• Completed their advanced practice education before 2017, or through a non-accredited programme

While completing this route is voluntary, it demonstrates your commitment and plays a key role in ensuring that advanced practitioners are recognised.

 ePortfolio Supported Route

ePortfolio (Supported) Route Video Resources 

At the 2025 Advanced Practice Conference, there was a dedicated an entire section to ePortfolio (supported) Route, sharing practical guidance and resources to make the process smoother for you and your teams.

Great news! All those resources have now been uploaded and are available for your benefit. Whether you attended the conference or not, you can still access everything you need to confidently move (or guide trainees) through the ePortfolio route.

👉 Direct Access – please use your conference password

Didn’t attend the conference? No problem! You can still get full access to these resources.
👉 Apply here

Following the highly successful series of Centre for Advancing Practice Masterclasses in 2025, the national team are delighted to announce the next schedule of webinars.

They will be opening 2026 with a Masterclass on ‘Unlocking Potential: The Masterclass Series and NHS England’s Strategic Leap’. This energising and informative session takes place from 12:30-13:30 on 27^th January 2026, and will be led by Prof Beverley Harden, Katie Cooper, and Prof Julian Barratt.

📅 Date: 12:30-13:30 on 27^th January 2026

👉 Find out more – including how to register

Prof Rob Crouch, Sarah Goodhew, and Prof Kim Manley will be leading our next Masterclass from 12:30-13:30, on 10^th February 2026. This session will explore the evolving landscape and impact of Multi-professional Consultant Practice across the NHS.

📅 Date: 12:30-13:30, on 10^th February 2026

👉 Register here.

We are also arranging the following Masterclasses, and will be publishing more information soon:

• Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and Autism, 12:30-13:30, 17^thMarch 2026
• Health Inequalities, 12:30-13:30, 23^rdApril 2026

If you have any queries, please contact england.advancedpractice@nhs.net

Kerri Magnus is the dedicated Advanced Practice Lead in BNSSG Training Hub. She is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who holds a NHSE Accredited AP Digital Badge and provide specialist knowledge and expertise to individuals, supervisors and their employers to support the development of Advanced Practice in General practice.

There is a MS Teams channel specifically for AP trainees in BNSSG and resources for all Advanced Practitioners in BNSSG can be found on this webpage or via the BNSSG Education link channel. To join please contact bnssg.training.hub@nhs.net

How to apply

Please follow the steps below to apply:

• At Practice Management level identify the need for an AP in your workforce plans Is this a new role or upskilling within the team? Does it meet the NHS 10 year ‘fit for Future and 3 strategic shifts?
• Read the South West Advanced Practice Faculty Handbook – jot down some questions.
• Review employee learning plans and hold discussions with potential AP trainees – Consider an application/interview process for individuals to become official ‘AP Trainees’. See DES contract section B15.2d on page 100  for potential funding options for an ‘additional’ role
• Ask the individual to contact their NHSE Accredited MSc AP at their university of choice to understand their individual learning needs, criteria to apply for the MSc, potential start date, accredited modules, suggested MSc AP Pathway.
• Individual clinician/learner being put forward for the AP, in close collaboration with their employer to complete the ‘Readiness to become an Advanced Practitioner’ checklist
• The Supervisor readiness checklist – Guidance for supervisors – to be completed by the proposed AP supervisor. Including (if required) completing the eLearning supervisor programme found HERE
• The employer to complete the Employers Advanced Practice Supervision Action Plan
• The employer to complete the Governance Maturity Matrix (updated annually).
• The Employer to complete AP Expression of Interest form
• Once you’ve submitted the EOI online, email a copy of the three documents above (step 4/5/6/7) to the centralised BNSSG Training Hub inbox training.hub@nhs.net
• All EOIs will be reviewed by the AP Lead to quality assure that the application meets the NHSE requirements. You will be contacted to discuss further,
• Once approved, an EOI will be centrally submitted to NHSE by the BNSSG Training Hub during their annual scoping exercise (usually February/March every calendar year)

Applicants will be contacted about the result of the review/next steps via email.

Funding will be split into two payments over the year. Communications will be sent when submissions are required and tuition fees are paid directly to the individual practice from the Training Hub

If you have any queries, please email bnssg.training.hub@nhs.net and include host practice name, name of the AP and the academic year covered.

Workplace supervision is a cornerstone of advanced practice, supporting practitioners to deliver safe, effective, and innovative care. By strengthening the links between guidance, employer responsibilities, and national policy, Edition 2 empowers organisations and supervisors to create environments where advanced practitioners can thrive.

The changes in Edition 2 highlight the robust suite of supervision resources now available for advanced practice. These resources, including the Minimum Standards for Supervision, Supervisor Capabilities Guidance, and other tools, provide a comprehensive framework to ensure high-quality supervision across all advanced practice roles. 

*UPDATED* South West resources for Trainers and Supervisors

Supervision and Assessment Resources.

Employers Advanced Practice Supervision Action Plan

Supervisor Readiness Checklist

Readiness to Become an Advanced Practitioner

Portfolio and Assessment Materials: Core Capabilities Framework for ACP (Nurses) Working in General Practice / Primary Care

Supervision Guidance for Primary Care Network Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) 

eLearning resources for Advanced Practice Supervisors

Taken from ‘A Framework of Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner Development and Career Progression’ – Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust

A Non-Medical Referrer (NMR) is a nurse, allied health professional or clinical pharmacist who has extended their role to include referral to radiology to improve the delivery of care to patients.

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (and subsequent amendments) {IR(ME)R17} defines an NMR as being a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002(a).

For more information regarding IR(ME)R please see:  The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017

All information regarding NMR Radiological imaging in BNSSG can be found here Radiological Imaging for non-medical referrers – Avon LMC., 

Including:

• BNSSG Protocol for NMR
• SOP for FCP Physios
• Specific indications for FCP Physio
• Onboarding process and templates
• Referrer competence assessment and confirmation forms
• Audit form
• TVUSS for FRSH trained nurses
• Webinar outlining the process and updates
• National guidance and resources

ICE onboarding documentation can be found here: ICE System for Radiology (& Pathology) Referrers (Remedy BNSSG ICB)

Further advice or information about imaging for Non-Medical Referrers (NMR)

Please use the dedicated email addresses below:

• NBT: nmr@nbt.nhs.uk
• UHBW: RadiationProtectionTraining@UHBW.nhs.uk

Trainee ACP Job Description

Example Job Description

BNSSG Training Hub Job Plan Template

Job Planning Category Guide

BNSSG Appraisal Template

South West Example Advanced Practice Trainee Induction Pack

South West Advanced Practice Workplace Induction Checklist

Governance of Advanced Practice

Inclusive Recruitment – BNSSG Healthier Together

CIPD Inclusive recruitment: Guide for people professionals

ARRS FAQ – Advanced Practice

Network Contract DES Specification 25/26

Primary care and general practice are ever evolving to meet the increasing and more complex needs of local communities / populations. This will require new ways of working and the development of multi-professional general practice and primary care teams.

This framework provides a standard and greater clarity on the capabilities for nurses working at the advanced clinical practice level within general practice.

Advanced Clinical Practice (Nurses) working in General Practice/Primary Care England (2020)

Portfolio and Assessment Materials: Core Capabilities Framework for ACP (Nurses) Working in General Practice / Primary Care

Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care

See Appendix 1 (Page 35) of the Advanced Practice in the South West Region Handbook found here.

Change of Circumstances Form can be found on this page

BNSSG Training Hub Resources

General Practice & Community Pharmacy Independent Prescriber Forum Recording 05.02.2025

Independent Prescribing Annual Audit Guide

Independent Prescribing Audit Template

Prescribing Audit Search Guide for EMIS

Further Resources

• • RPS Prescribing competency framework
  • Prescribing Competency Framework: Supporting Tools | RPS
  • A Competency Framework for all Prescribers | RPS
  • Pharmacists Defence Association
    • Advice and FAQs for prescribing and non-prescribing pharmacists in primary care | The Pharmacists’ Defence Association
  • National NMP bulletin
    • Non-medical prescribing bulletin Autumn 2024 X: @NationalNMP
  • STOPPSTART tools
    • stopp-start-tool-to-support-medication-reviewdocx-v57-docx.pdf
    • STOPPSTART-toolkit-Cumbria-2016.pdf
  • Polypharmacy Health Innovation network
    • Polypharmacy – The Health Innovation Network
  • Prescribing resources for Pharmacists CPPE
    • Prescribing
  • DPP Competency framework
    • DPP competency framework Dec 2019.pdf
  • Becoming a DPP
    • Becoming a designated prescribing practitioner | NHS England | Workforce, training and education
  • Educational supervisor training for CP workforce
    • Educational Supervisor Training for the Community Pharmacy Workforce – ProPharmace

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice Preceptorship.

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice Organisational Documents

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice Preceptee Document

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice Preceptor Document

Designed and delivered by members of the Advanced Practice Faculty and Advanced Practice Forums for Mid and South Essex and the EoE Primary Care Advanced Practice Forum.

Advanced Practitioner Preceptorship Programme

The purpose of this module is to foster the development of a highly skilled and knowledgeable advanced practice workforce capable of delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care. It emphasises the integration of the most current evidence-based practices, ensuring practitioners are equipped with up-to-date research and best practices to guide their clinical decision-making.

Key components:

1. Safe and Effective Care Delivery: Practitioners will gather evidence in their portfolio’s to demonstrate delivery of care that is both evidence-based and patient-centred, ensuring optimal outcomes while minimising risk. This includes the application of critical thinking skills and clinical judgment in complex situations.

2. Evidence-Based Practice: The module prioritises the use of the latest, high-quality research in shaping clinical decisions. By staying current with emerging evidence, practitioners can ensure their care is both scientifically grounded and reflective of the best available practices.

3. Comprehensive Knowledge and Skills Development: Learners will gain deep expertise in the areas of practice offered, sharpening their clinical and technical skills while continuously reflecting on and improving their practice.

4. Leadership and Role-Modelling: In addition to clinical expertise, this module emphasises the importance of leadership and professional role-modelling. Advanced practitioners will learn to mentor, guide, and inspire others in their professional community by embodying best practices, ethical standards, and exemplary behaviours in all aspects of their work.

By completing this module, advanced practitioners will be equipped to take on leadership roles within their clinical settings, drive change, and contribute to the overall advancement of healthcare standards.

Who is this module for? 

• Newly qualified multi-professional advanced practitioners currently working in primary, urgent and community care settings and are expected to see a broad range of physical health conditions.
• Multi-professional advanced practitioners moving from a specialist area of practice to a broader scope of physical health conditions, such as those transferring from secondary care to primary, urgent, or community care settings.
• Any multi-professional advanced practitioner that would like to develop new areas of physical health capabilities while working in a primary care, urgent care or community care setting seeing a broad scope of patients.

The preceptorship module is intended to take up to 12 months to complete and includes:

• 10 area specific capabilities in frequently seen areas of clinical practice for primary, urgent or community care settings
• A number of tool templates to support with the completion of capabilities
• A capability matrix to keep track of evidence within a practitioners portfolio

It is recommended that the practitioner reads through the programme first while saving the downloadable capabilities and templates either during the read through or when they are ready to build their evidence.

The programme will take 1-2 hours to read through, and can be completed in multiple sittings. Users can mark each section complete using the button at the bottom of the page as they work through the programme and progress will be recorded.

Users will be able to go back and download documents and re-read sections at any time.

Clinical Observation Template

Final Meeting Template

Learning Charter Document

Multi-Disciplinary Feedback Template

PDP Template

Preceptorship Checklist

Reflection Template

Supervision Template

Patient Satisfaction Template

SWOT Analysis

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice Skills Matrix

Learning Directory

Multi-Professional Advanced Practice Portfolio of Evidence

The aim of the Preceptor eCompendium is to recognise the needs of the preceptor, too, and to provide them with the guidance, support, resources and practical tools that they need for this role. It aims to help them reflect on their own experiences of this transition into the workforce, and to optimise their knowledge and skills to best position themselves to support others. It also supports the preceptor to develop valuable skills that will help them in other supporting roles that they will find themselves taking on during their current or future roles.

Multi-Professional Preceptor e-Compendium – elearning for healthcare