The College of Radiographers (CoR) Education and Career Framework

The College of Radiographers (CoR) Education and Career Framework (ECF) (fourth edition) provides guidance for the education and career development of the radiography profession.

The ECF defines the various levels of radiography practice and the educational standards related to each of them. The framework informs the CoR’s pre- and post-registration programme approval process. It also informs the accreditation of individual members of the radiography workforce through the CoR accreditation schemes.

Importantly, the goal of the ECF is to support improved outcomes for patients through the education and development of the radiography workforce. The involvement of representatives from the CoR Patient Advisory Group (PAG) in this research has been important to ensure the framework is patient-centred.

1. Knowledge (K)
2. Skills (S)
3. Attributes (A)

(Use images and links to already developed with supportive guidance/ case studies and how to use in practice)

Are provided for all levels and roles within the ECF. For the Support Worker section each of these have  an associated code attached. Having the KSAs coded in this way  enables employers and academics to map to the KSAs relevant to the associated level of practice or role.

For the Assistant Practitioner, the same coding is also used within  the FHEQ Level 5 Assistant Practitioner Accreditation Scheme available through CPD Now. The code details the role, whether it is  the knowledge, skill or attribute, and then the associated number of  knowledge, skill or attribute.

For example:

[SW.K.16] Your role and responsibilities and duties of your job [AP.S.01] Practise safely and effectively within relevant legal, ethical, professional and managerial frameworks  and protocols relates to Support Worker (SW), knowledge (K) number 16 relates to Assistant Practitioner (AP), skill (S).

The supportive and assistive workforce are important in the delivery of  high-quality imaging and radiotherapy services and this framework  recognises their important contributions as valued members of the radiography workforce. They deliver support in core areas of service  delivery, providing safe and effective care within defined scopes of practice. They help to provide capacity, enabling radiographers to develop and extend their practice for patient benefit supported by post-registration education and training relevant to their scope of  practice for the good of improved patient outcomes.

Importantly,  the new degree level apprenticeships provide an excellent skills  escalator route to enable Support Workers and Assistant Practitioners  to develop to radiographer Practitioner level and beyond. (link to apprenticeship pathway and information)

This framework can be used in a variety of ways depending on your role and what you would like to find out.

• Using already produced information, case, studies and videos which will have the in-depth information and videos regarding various chapters, user guides, self assessments. 
• Can the “Implementation Guides and tools which are built into the framework be hyperlinked?” Intro text we talk about understanding the framework so if SoR videos, and promotional material for the framework be hyperlinked.  There is also NW London who have adapted some tools (John to check with Sue and expert group but can hyperlink here.

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