Employer expectations for embedding the role

Employer expectations for embedding the role

A well-supported SPLWSPLW— 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'. is a safe and effective one. Wherever you are in the world, certain expectations should be in place from any organisation that employs SPLWsSPLW— 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'. — whether that is a primary care team, a hospital, a community organisation or a local authority.

What good employers do

Mandatory training

• Complete the WHISWHIS— World Health Innovation SummitEstablished in 2015 to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through innovation, education and partnerships. Co-developer (with GSPA) of the WHIS Social Prescribing Link Worker programme. Social Prescribing Link Worker training programme as the core curriculum.
• Complete any mandatory and statutory training required in your jurisdiction (safeguarding for children and adults, data protection, lone working, equality and diversity, capacity-to-consent awareness, domestic abuse awareness).
• Attend a peer support network for SPLWsSPLW— 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'. locally, regionally or internationally — through GSPAGSPA— Global Social Prescribing AllianceInternational alliance of social prescribing practitioners, researchers and partner organisations working to grow the social prescribing workforce globally. Co-developer (with WHIS) of this programme. national chapters where they exist.

Embedding and integration

• The SPLWSPLW— 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'. is embedded within the primary care team or host organisation and fully integrated within the multidisciplinary team.
• Each member practice or organisation identifies a first point of contact for the SPLWSPLW— 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'. — sometimes called a 'social prescribing champion'.
• The SPLWSPLW— 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'. has a named clinical supervisor (typically a doctor or senior clinician) accountable for clinical aspects of the work.
• The SPLWSPLW— 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'. has access to other healthcare professionals, to electronic and paper record systems, and to administrative support and ongoing CPDCPD— Continuing Professional DevelopmentOngoing learning and reflection used to maintain and improve competence in a role..

Supervision

• Monthly access to clinical supervision with a relevant health professional, focused on the emotional impact of the work, reflective practice, and professional development.

Pay and grading

The SPLWSPLW— 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'. role should be paid and graded at an appropriate skilled-professional level — reflecting the complexity of presenting situations, the autonomy of the role, and the demands of multi-agency working.

Why this matters to you as a learner

These employer expectations are not optional in a well-functioning programme. If your induction does not cover them — or if you are working without a named clinical supervisor or monthly clinical supervision — that is a flag to raise with your manager. They are the safety net that keeps you and the people you work with safe.