Inside the ECF online hub: Practice educator case studies

The SoR is publishing information on career pathways highlighted in the Education and Career Framework (ECF). This week, it is looking at the practice educator career pathway.

Over the past year, the SoR put out a call for educator case studies as part of the NHS England professional body education reform commission. These submissions included roles across academia, practice education and service leads, and added to the case studies collected as part of the ECF in 2022.

In relation to the ECF, the role of a practice educator depends on the learning environment. In general, a practice educator coordinates and facilitates pre-registration student radiographers’ academic education being integrated into the practice setting.

This role can also involve providing support for postgraduate students and continuing professional development (CPD) staff.

What case studies fall under this category?

One of the case studies under the practice educator category is that of Lindsay Sparks, a practice educator on radiotherapy apprenticeships at University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust. Ms. Sparks' role mainly centres around the pre-registration degree apprenticeship. 

Ms. Sparks regularly meets with other practice educators to share knowledge and ideas about the role and keep up-to-date about any course changes. Following the government’s decision to abolish NHS England, Ms. Sparks got involved with a group that is building business cases and evidence to present to trusts if funding from NHS England is affected by the move.

Another case study centres around Libby Driver. Ms. Driver works clinically to support undergraduate radiography students, apprentice radiographers and newly qualified radiographers in their education. This involves focusing on imaging technique, anatomy and pathology.

Ms. Driver's role also sees her involved in recruitment and staff selection, with students going on to work with her in a clinical setting.

CoR professional officer for education and accreditation, Kathryn Williamson, led on collating the case studies. She praised the role practice educators play in nurturing up-and-coming radiographers.

“We’re excited to highlight the role of the practice educator as a potential career development path for those who may be wanting to develop into, or those who are already working at, the enhanced level of practice, or beyond,” she said. “Practice educators hold significant clinical and educational expertise to be able to support and facilitate the development of learners at various levels within the clinical setting.”

“It is a role which can open up the path to becoming a clinical academic. I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more to view the practice educator section of the ECF and the case studies.”

To access the ECF online hub, click here.

(Image: Photo by SDI Productions, via Getty Images)