The Career and Competence Framework for Clinical Roles within Homecare has been developed to provide a clear, consistent structure for the wide range of clinical professionals delivering care in the home. It aims to support the standardisation of roles across the homecare sector, ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality in both service delivery and workforce development.

Commissioned by the National Clinical Homecare Association (NCHA) in collaboration with Skills for Health, and its development guided by an expert reference group, it’s aim is to improve the health and care workforce across the UK, this framework reflects a shared vision for a more integrated, skilled, and sustainable homecare workforce.

This important initiative between NCHA and Skills for Health reflects the growing complexity and professionalism within clinical homecare services, and we welcome the opportunity to align our workforce development practices with this national standard.

To read the framework, click here

HealthNet Homecare is proud to be a full member of the NCHA, adhering to its stringent Code of Practice and membership criteria. Our commitment to these standards ensures that we provide patients, healthcare professionals and commissioners with the assurance of rigorous excellence in all aspects of Clinical Homecare services we offer.

What is Clinical Homecare?

Clinical Homecare is a wide-ranging service, covering specialist medicines storage, dispensing, delivery, waste management and in some cases the specialist administration of medications by a trained healthcare professional in a patient’s home. These services are most often managed and delivered by private Clinical Homecare providers, working in partnership with the NHS and pharmaceutical manufacturers. These organisations have the capacity to deliver services at scale, treating people with simple to complex diseases around the UK.

Who are the NCHA?

Established in 2006, the NCHA is a trade body for the Clinical Homecare industry. The NCHA works closely with the NHS, pharmaceutical manufacturers, commissioners and patients to ensure that services are delivered to a high standard. All companies that provide national Clinical Homecare services are members of the NCHA. These organisations are responsible for approximately 95% of patients receiving Clinical Homecare. The members abide by the NCHA Code of Practice and membership criteria to ensure they are meeting exact standards in all areas of homecare.

Who are Skills for Health?

Skills for Health is a not-for-profit organisation committed to the development of an improved and sustainable healthcare workforce across the UK. Established in 2002 as the Sector Skills Council for Health, they are the trusted provider of eLearning, skills development, research, apprenticeship support, and national standards and frameworks for NHS and private healthcare organisations.

How does the NCHA work with Clinical Homecare providers and the NHS?

NCHA Members provide patient centred Clinical Homecare Services that are safe, cost effective and ensure seamless integrated patient care. The NCHA is at the forefront of ensuring high standards are applied across the industry working closely with the NHS National Homecare Medicines Committee, NHS Commercial Medicines Unit, NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Trusts, and commissioners to ensure patients who wish to receive homecare can access high quality Clinical Homecare Services.

Why do we need the Clinical Homecare Careers and Competency Framework?

As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of delivering high-quality, person-centred care in the home has never been more apparent. Clinical professionals working in homecare settings play a critical role in supporting individuals to live safely, independently, and with dignity in their own communities.

This Career and Competence Framework for Clinical Roles within Homecare has been developed to provide a clear, consistent structure for the wide range of clinical professionals delivering care in the home. It aims to support the standardisation of roles across the homecare sector, ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality in both service delivery and workforce development.

“As a committed homecare provider, we are proud to support the Clinical Homecare Career & Competency Framework developed by the National Clinical Homecare Association (NCHA). This important initiative reflects the growing complexity and professionalism within clinical homecare services, and we welcome the opportunity to align our workforce development practices with this national standard.

We believe that a clear and structured framework for clinical roles in homecare is essential, to ensure high-quality, safe, and person-centred care. By providing a roadmap for career progression, skill development, and professional recognition, this framework helps to attract, retain, and empower the highly skilled professionals who are at the heart of our homecare delivery service.”