This Education and Practice Partnership Agreement (EPPA) was developed in partnership with representatives from; NHS West Midlands Strategic Health Authority (NHSWM SHA), NHS Trusts, Higher Education Institutions and Medical Schools across the West Midlands region.
The underpinning ethos of this EPPA is partnership working. There is a clear expectation that all partners will contribute to the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Processes that are relevant to their areas of the agreement. This approach is expected to make and strengthen the inter-dependability between practice and education work, allowing for the education of a fit for the future workforce.
The following illustrates the relationship between the partners of this agreement and the contractual and educational frameworks that support and inform the education and practice partnerships:
The agreement recognises the importance of quality clinical and practice based learning and training as an essential component of all health care education. The document comprises core principles across eight specific areas of common interest as decided upon by partners. Key roles and responsibilities of all organisations in relation to each area are captured in the form of pledges.
The pledges, while not legally binding, represent a commitment by all partners by reflecting a common understanding as to how relationships are to function. In recognition of the dynamic nature of clinical education a commitment is made by all parties to reviewing and revising this agreement on an ongoing basis and revising sections where required and agreed.
Core pledge areas include:
1. Curriculum Development and Design
2. Recruitment, Screening and Selection
3. Placement Learning Opportunities
4. Professional Clinical Skills and Simulated Learning
5. Placement Capacity and Student Allocation
6. Sharing Information related to Student Progress
7. Fitness for Practice
8. Student Support with Disability and/or Specific Learning Needs