New starters

Information and important resources for new starters.

If you have any questions about the information provided below, then please speak to your line manager or contact [email protected] for further information and advice.

It is recommended that you attend one of the welcome sessions offered to new knowledge and library services staff by the NHS England team.

These take place twice a year, in spring and autumn. They are advertised in the Knowledge for Healthcare Briefing. You will need to sign up to the Knowledge for Learning Academy booking system to book onto these events.

NHS in England

The NHS is constantly evolving. You can find current information about how the NHS works, including a video from The King’s Fund, on the NHS England website.

NHS England

NHS England provides national leadership for the NHS. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England promotes high quality health and care for all.

The Workforce, Training and Education Directorate of NHS England is the strategic lead for the development of NHS Knowledge and Library Services and has the mission to ensure the NHS has a “workforce with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver high quality health and care.”

An education contract exists between NHS England and health providers which outlines the requirements of each in respect of education and training. The NHS Education Contract includes a schedule relating to knowledge and library services.

Knowledge for Healthcare

Knowledge for Healthcare is a national framework for the development of NHS Knowledge and Library Services. The vision underpinning the framework states:

Quote

NHS bodies, their staff, learners, patients and the public use the right knowledge and evidence, at the right time, in the right place, enabling high quality decision-making, learning, research and innovation to achieve excellent healthcare and health improvement
Health Education England, Knowledge for Healthcare: A strategic framework for NHS Knowledge and Library Services in England 2021-2026, page 6

Find out more information about Knowledge for Healthcare and associated work programmes.

Information:

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and best practice by reading our blog.

Mailing lists and resources

Knowledge for Healthcare Briefing

The aim of the various Knowledge Services Briefings is to keep you informed about national and regional initiatives, training opportunities and network news and the Resource Discovery Digest covering national and local digital collection and resource discovery initiatives. Sign up to receive the;

Mailing Lists

There are a variety of mailing lists you can sign up to depending on where you are based and your professional interests. If you are a Knowledge and Library Services (KLS) manager, please ensure you sign up to the library managers’ mailing list.

Follow NHS England Workforce, Training and Education (@NHSE_WTE) / X

If you are a manager, then aim to attend the national meetings held throughout the year. They are advertised via the KLS Managers England mailing list where you will be invited to confirm your attendance.

Health Library and Information Services Directory (HLISD)

The Health Library and Information Services Directory (HLISD) is a comprehensive directory of health libraries and information services across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Overview of NHS knowledge and library services

Look at the animation why work with NHS knowledge and library specialists to get an overview of the work we do.

Resource discovery

The Resource Discovery team focus on giving NHS staff quick and easy access to relevant digital resources at the point of need, and to minimise the time library staff spend managing resources and systems.

The team purchase a wide range of content including databases, journals, e-books and BMJ Best Practice. All resources are authenticated by NHS OpenAthens. If you do not have an OpenAthens account, please register for one.

The team also co-ordinate a range of systems to allow easy access to the resources. This includes the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub, a discovery service for NHS staff, which provides a gateway to the resources. The LibKey suite enhances access to national and local journal collections.

There are 8 regional library management systems across the NHS in England, which encourage the regional sharing of quality resources. The team also co-ordinates national interlibrary loan and document supply systems. You can find out more in the Quick Guide to Resource Discovery.

If you have any questions about the resources, please contact our service desk.

Grow and develop your knowledge and skills

The Knowledge for Healthcare Learning Academy provides a wide range of training and education opportunities to help you to develop the knowledge and skills you need, including:

  • Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) accredited short courses and workshops
  • hot topic areas for self-guided study in the Learning Zone
  • information about career development
  • longer programmes of study in topics such as leadership and research
  • bursaries for bespoke development
  • e-Learning programmes hosted on the E-Learning for Healthcare platform

To help you to plan your continuing development needs you have access to the CILIP Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) with associated health guidance and access to some resources for redesigned roles in knowledge and library services. 

You can also join over 20 communities of practice to connect and network with other knowledge and library staff and learn more about topics such as knowledge mobilisation, health literacy, searching for evidence and sustainability. 

To take immediate advantage of all that is offered we recommend you register on the Learning Academy booking system, Accent, which will keep track of your learning and make it easier for you to sign-up for opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you to a learning and development event soon.

Contact the Knowledge for Healthcare Team via email [email protected] for further information and advice.

Page last reviewed: 28 February 2024
Next review due: 28 February 2025