There is no single route into being an SPLW — and progression routes are equally varied. WHIS & GSPA synthesise observed entry routes, qualifications and destinations from social prescribing practice across countries.
Entry routes
Progression from another role.frontline client-facing in health, social care, charity, council
Upskill training.moving across sectors with targeted training
Volunteering.community service experience as a route in
Personal attributes.many SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. were recruited for their values and personal qualities
Qualification in a relevant subject.social work, public health, lifestyle, counselling
Lived experience.personally relevant experience can be a strength — formal qualifications not always required
Apprenticeship.Community Health and Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship
Prior backgrounds reported
· Social services
· Housing, mental health, homelessness support
· Care coordinator or other personalised care roles
· Nutrition, health and fitness roles
· Community development and partnerships
· Social welfare, advice work
· Domiciliary care
Qualifications held
Masters, degree, NVQ and diploma in:
· Education
· Social work
· Lifestyle
· Community development
· Coaching
· Counselling
· Management
· Health and social care
· Public health
· (some had no formal qualifications)
Where SPLWs progress to
Senior or lead SPLW
progression within the social prescribing team
Manager
managerial role within the service or another service
Specialist SPLW
CYP— Children and Young PeopleShorthand for the under-18 population. Specialist SPLW work with CYP requires additional skills, supervision and competence-based consent awareness., mental health, financial, refugees, hospital discharge
Community development worker
broader community-facing role
Project manager
managing programmes inside or beyond health and care services
