As a result of feedback from Scottish Community Link Worker Network members, VHS recently commissioned ABCD Consultants to undertake a review of the training and development needs of Community Link Workers in Scotland.
The consultants ran a number of focus groups and interviews with Community Link Workers, Programme Leads and relevant stakeholders including GPs and Scottish Government policy colleagues.
The report highlights some of the great training and development opportunities currently available to CLWs. However, it also identifies a number of gaps, particularly around knowledge sharing of training and development opportunities across CLW programmes.
One thing that is clear from the review is that CLWs need to be supported in their role and provided with the appropriate training and development opportunities to be able to do their job effectively and with confidence.
As one GP commented…..
‘The CLW has made a world of difference to the practice. The CLW Programme offers hope, alternatives, and options that we didn’t have previously.’
You can download the full report here: CLW Training and Development Review Final