Time is running out for you to apply for the fifth cohort of the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Workforce Planning.

Recruitment for the innovative course, delivered in partnership between Skills for Health - Workforce Projects Team (WPT) and the Centre for the Study of Policy and Practice in Health and Social Care at Thames Valley University, closes on 6th November. The course gives health and social care staff in involved in workforce planning the skills and expertise to develop their roles.

Interest in the postgraduate certificate has again been high during the application period, ahead of its eventual start date in 2010. The course gives workforce planners the opportunity to obtain a recognised and credible qualification to support their constantly changing roles and working environments. It will take place in Manchester and London.

Find out more about the course here >>>

Do you want to find out more about demand and supply modelling in workforce planning?

Following huge demand at courses throughout 2009, plans are afoot for WPT to deliver further three day data modelling courses in early 2010.

The course is aimed at people involved in workforce planning who need to develop their knowledge and understanding of demand and supply modelling, plus activity analysis. There will be the opportunity to learn from expert analysts and planners and how to access a variety of tools and resources which enable the development of robust, evidence based workforce plans. and resources which enable the development of robust, evidence based workforce plans.

Keep an eye on future healthcare workforce bulletins and the healthcare workforce portal for further information.

A special resource designed to help you access workforce planning capability and capacity programmes and resources to meet your needs has been refreshed by WPT.

The Workforce Planning Development Menus were introduced in 2007 and have now been updated to include an increased range of programmes and resources to support developments in workforce planning following the NHS Next Stage Review.

New on the menu is a selection of accredited programmes that form an educational pathway for people seeking professional qualifications. Each menu delivers a selection of suggested resources and programmes that provide a host of information and skills.

Find out more and download the resource here >>>

A new tool that helps produce compliant and sustainable European Working Time Directive Rotas for junior doctors will be available to use soon.

The North West Rostering Tool is a web based resource that allows users to produce rotas that take into account factors such as annual leave, sickness and shift swaps. The tool has been funded by NHS North West in partnership with WPT.

The resource has been piloted throughout August at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and will be ready for use across the NHS shortly.

Register your interest >>>