A global programme by GSPA · Powered by WHIS
The global academy for social prescribing link workers.
A global workforce development programme by the Global Social Prescribing Alliance, delivered on the WHIS Academy platform. 21 courses across 7 audience tracks, built around four core competency domains.
By the Global Social Prescribing Alliance. Powered by WHIS Academy. For social prescribing practitioners and supporting organisations worldwide.
What you'll find inside
- 1Audience tracks for new SPLWs, established practitioners, specialists, employers, supervisors, MDT colleagues and aspiring SPLWs.
- 2The full SPLW Competency Framework with self-assessment.
- 3The Portfolio of Evidence — reflection, observation, case study and feedback tools.
- 4Curated career pathways and external learning resources.
Choose your track
7 guided journeys, each built from the framework to fit a specific role.
New social prescribing link workers
Just starting your role — get safe, confident and effective.
4 starter courses →
Established SPLWs
Strengthen your practice, evidence your impact, plan your CPD.
4 starter courses →
Specialist SPLWs
Going deeper — children & young people, mental health, financial inclusion, refugees, hospital discharge.
5 starter courses →
Employers (primary care, community organisations, hospitals, local authorities)
Recruit, embed, supervise — and make the role succeed in your organisation.
3 starter courses →
Supervisors (workplace, clinical, group)
Three supervision modes — what each demands and how to do them well.
4 starter courses →
MDT colleagues
Working alongside SPLWs as part of personalised care.
3 starter courses →
Aspiring SPLWs
Routes in — including the Community Health & Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship and via lived experience.
3 starter courses →
The four competency domains
The WHIS competency framework. Use these to recruit, supervise and plan CPD — or take the self-assessment to plan your own learning.
Domain 1
Engage and connect with people
A key element of successful social prescribing is the relationship built between SPLWs and the individuals they support — built through meaningful conversations centred on 'what matters to you?'.
9 competencies
Domain 2
Enable and support people
Use the relationship to enable people to connect with their community for health and wellbeing — through co-producing a personalised care and support plan, setting goals, and exploring options.
6 competencies
Domain 3
Enable community development
Effective social prescribing relies on a range of community activities and support. The competencies in this domain support identifying, nurturing and developing community resources.
7 competencies
Domain 4
Safe and effective practice
SPLWs work with individuals who may have complex health or care needs. They must practice safely, offer evidence-based interventions, and record outcomes.
8 competencies