Ensuring quality dementia training with the Dementia Core Skills and Knowledge Framework

The Dementia Core Skills & Knowledge Framework was commissioned by the Department of Health. It is being developed in collaboration by Health Education England and Skills for Health with the support of an Expert Group including a range of health and social care organisations, relevant Royal Colleges and education providers.

The Framework sets out the core skills and knowledge which would be transferable and applicable across different types of service provision. It includes expected learning outcomes for training delivery, key policy and legal references and is aligned to related national occupational standards. The aim is to help ensure the quality and consistency of dementia training, and to help prevent unnecessary duplication of training.

The Framework comprises the following subjects:

1.     Dementia awareness

2.     Dementia identification, assessment and diagnosis

3.     Dementia risk reduction and prevention

4.     Person-centred dementia care

5.     Communication, interaction and behaviour in dementia care

6.     Holistic health in dementia care

7.     Pharmacological interventions in dementia care

8.     Living well with dementia and promoting independence

9.     Families and carers as partners in dementia care

10.   Equality diversity and inclusion in dementia care

11.   Law, ethics and safeguarding in dementia care

12.   End of life dementia care

13.   Research in dementia care

14.   Leadership in transforming dementia care

See below to download a draft of the Dementia Core Skills & Knowledge Framework.

Further information

If you require further information about the Framework or the consultation survey please contact:

Colin Wright, Skills Framework Manager at Skills for Health: colin.wright@skillsforhealth.org.uk