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framework domains and descriptors

This section defines each of the 17 domains listed in the framework, and describes what each domain looks like at different levels of practice - from support to expert.

Each domain page contains the following information:

  • an image to tell you which layer of the framework the domain comes from;
  • a definition of the domain;
  • a description of the behaviours, knowledge and skills that make up the domain;
  • how the domain links to other domains within the framework - either domains that require the behaviours, knowledge and skills from the domain you're in; or domains that underpin the domain you're in.
  • information resources to support the development of the behaviours, knowledge and skills listed in the domain
  • what the behaviours, knowledge and skills listed in the domain look like at different levels - from support to expert
  • cross-reference to matching sets of behaviours/knowledge/skills in the following frameworks:  
  1. Department of Health (2004) Knowledge & Skills Framework (a generic competency framework for NHS staff);
  2. JNCHES (2005) Academic role profiles  (a career framework for academic staff)
  3. NHSIII (in press) Clinical leadership competency framework (a framework defining the behaviours, knowledge and skills required for leadership in the NHS);
  4. PHRU (2008) Public Health Skills and Career Framework (a competency framework for practitioners in public health)                          
  5. Skills for Health (2008) Career Framework level descriptors (a generic competency framework for healthcare practitioners)
  6. VITAE (2009) Researchers' skills and competencies (a career framework for researchers)

You can visit a specific domain page by using the left-hand side menu bar. If you are already on a domain page, you can visit related domain pages by clicking on the hyperlinks.