Support Ladder of Learning

This is our NHS South West Support Ladder of Learning, for Supervisors and Senior Educational Faculty

The ladder comprises a number courses with a certification of completion at various levels. An overall summary can be seen below. Details of each level of completion and certification of training are then described. Courses can be accessed via Max Course and direct application through the Faculty Development and Learner Support Team, please contact Faculty Development and Learner Support (FDLS) for further details.

Support Ladder of Learning 2026Download
Support Ladder of Learning image 2026 – download file for larger image copy

Details of each level of completion:

‘How to Support?’ ‘ half day training is provided by the NHS England SW WT&E and local Trusts.

Includes 3 separate educational events, culminating into 2.5 days attendance. These can be undertaken by consultants/GPs/dentists/SAS and final year resident doctors in any order. Trainers may select one, two or all three training events. However, all 3 events (2.5 days) must be completed for NHS England SW WT&E Intermediate training certification. Certificates provided on application to Faculty Development once all three educational days have been attended.

Attendance at the subject matter ‘Introductory’ day is a pre-requisite to allow future progression to the two day ‘Skilled’ courses.

These two 2 day educational events consist of smaller groups emphasising skills-training and assume a basic theoretical knowledge of the subject matter. Application eligiblity requires completion of the’introductory’ subject matter. Both events (4 days) must be completed for NHS England SW WT&E Skilled training certification. Certificates provided on application to Faculty Development once all four educational days have been attended.

ILM5 Coaching & Mentoring qualification – a internationally recognised, City & Guilds certificate in Coaching & mentoring. Application requires completion of Level 2 training and at least one of the ‘Skilled’ 2 day courses (complements Motivational Interviewing, but other 2 day course also acceptable).

This enables trainers to further their skills in coaching with a three-day programme to be an effective coach in the workplace. This is a much more intimate course and is focused on robust content and practicality, encouraging interaction and practice.

Certification for NHS England SW WT&E Effective Coach in the Workplace will be provided on application to Faculty Development once the course is completed. 

Cross-certification

Trainers who have been trained in and use Motivational Interviewing as part of their professional career can be considered for NHS SW WT&E accreditation at the appropriate level of the ladder without further training. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis with evidence of training being forwarded to the Faculty Development team.