A good induction is the difference between a confident new 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'. and one who feels like a stranger in their own team. Employers should be confident they have the resources to embed an 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'. in the team before they recruit. That includes a structured induction.
A typical week-by-week shape
Phase
Focus
Week 1
Local welcome, IT/access, meeting the named clinical supervisor, mandatory training begins, shadowing with colleagues
Weeks 2–4
Begin observed practice, complete WHIS— 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. Modules 1–2, attend first peer support session, understand referral pathways
Months 2–3
Begin working independently with a small caseload, complete WHIS— 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. Modules 3–6, first observation by clinical supervisor
Months 3–6
Caseload built up sustainably, portfolio entries used in supervision, identify CPD— Continuing Professional DevelopmentOngoing learning and reflection used to maintain and improve competence in a role. priorities
What good induction looks like (and what to ask for)
A named clinical supervisor and a named first point of contact in each practice or team you work with
Shadowing with experienced colleagues — including the personalised care team where it exists locally (HWB coach— Health and Wellbeing CoachA personalised care role focused on supporting behaviour change and self-management. Works alongside SPLWs and care co-ordinators., care co-ordinators)
An introduction to the wider team about your role — so your colleagues understand what to refer for
Mandatory training booked, not vaguely promised
A peer support network connection — particularly important if you are a sole 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'. in your team
Protected time for training, reflection and community outreach activities
A first clinical supervision booked within your first month.
If your induction is missing things
Talk to your supervisor. The WHIS— 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. & GSPA— 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. programme is on your side: a good induction is the employer's responsibility, and a thin induction is a service quality issue, not a personal one.
