Four pillars of practice

The Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England

The Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England, published in 2017 by Health Education England (HEE), NHS England and NHS Improvement, sets out four pillars of practice.

• Clinical practice
• Leadership
• Facilitating learning
• Evidence, research and development

Pillar 1: Clinical practice

Clinical practice is the first pillar of practice in the framework and is defined as the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to provide high-quality healthcare that is safe, effective and person-centred.

Find out more about clinical practice in our case studies

• Sallyann Lightbown: Private podiatrist
• Daniel Broadley: Extended scope podiatrist
• Claire Davies: Advanced podiatrist: Diabetes and high risk
• Joanne Veal: Extended scope podiatrist/Preceptorship lead/Clinicial Education, University of Huddersfield
• Craig Miles: In-patient podiatrist (consent needed)

Pillar 2: Leadership

Leadership is the second pillar of practice set out in the framework and is defined as the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead and to fulfil management responsibilities.

Leadership at RCPod

At RCPod we have developed a Leadership programme to empower podiatrists to become familiar with their self-leadership skills and explore opportunities to be leaders in their work environment.

#150 Leaders Student Leadership

The Council of Deans for Health runs a #150Leaders Student Leadership Programme to innovative ways for developing leadership in future healthcare professionals.

Find out more about leadership in our case studies

• Fran Campbell: Lead in podiatry and biomechanics at Accelerate CIC
• Monique Cleary: Podiatry student

Pillar 3: Facilitating learning

Education is the third pillar of practice in the framework and is defined as the knowledge skills and behaviours needed to enable effective learning in the workplace.

Find out more about research and development in our case studies

• Ben Jones: Watch Ben's video to hear about his experiences as a lecturer at the University of Southampton

Pillar 4: Evidence, research and development

Research is the fourth and final pillar of practice listed in the framework and is defined as the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to use evidence to inform practice and improve services.

Find out more about research and development in our case studies

• Jennifer Andrews: Student, Centre for doctoral training in prosthetics and orthotics
• Lisa Farndon: Clinical research podiatrist/Research lead

Find out more

If you are thinking about starting in clinical academic research, you can find out more here.