Joint HEI Mentor Update Supporting Learning and Assessment in Practice Edge Hill University Liverpool John Moores University University of Liverpool University of Chester

Joint HEI Mentor Update Aim To enable mentors to maintain and enhance their level of knowledge, skills and competence by providing an opportunity for continuing professional development in relation to their role.

Joint HEI Mentor Update Learning Outcomes  Debate the professional, legal or statutory responsibilities to support learning and assessment in practice.  Discuss the roles and responsibilities in supporting learning and assessment in practice.  Debate the application of assessment strategies and approved assessment processes.  Participate in group discussion to critically reflect on learning and assessment in practice (NMC 2008). NB: The term ‘mentor’ will be used in this presentation to refer to practice educators, practice supervisors, clinical educators, etc. NMC (2008a) Standards to support learning and assessment in practice. 2 nd Edn. London: NMC

Joint HEI Mentor Update Professional Code  In relation to supervision and support of students it is your professional responsibility to : fulfil your profession’s requirements act as a role model by adhering to ethical principles establish that students you delegate to are able to carry out your instructions safely and effectively ensure your students are appropriately supported and supervised in your absence

Joint HEI Mentor Update Accountability Professionals may have up to 4 arenas of accountability:  Public (Criminal Law, Criminal Courts)  Professional (NMC, HPC, etc)  Patient (Civil Law, Civil Courts)  Employer (Contract, Employment Law, Industrial Tribunals) (Dimond,1990)

Joint HEI Mentor Update Placement Learning Support System  Live interactive database of placement information  Responsibility for populating and maintaining the information lies with placement providers and HEIs 

Joint HEI Mentor Update Ongoing Professional Development  The knowledge, skills and competence of mentors and practice teachers must be regularly reviewed. This would be a demonstration of best practice.  For Nurses and Midwives this would be demonstrated within their Triennial review. (NMC,2008:Annex 1)

Joint HEI Mentor Update Learning and Assessment in Practice  Evidence of student progression in practice should be demonstrated across the programme.  All mentors are required to have profession specific knowledge, skills and experience to support students.  Placement providers must provide evidence of a safe environment for effective learning.  Facilitation of Student access to inter-professional learning opportunities. Professionally specific considerations for Nursing and Midwifery:  Due regard.  In Nursing and Midwifery a sign-off mentor is required to confirm that students have met the standards for progression.

Joint HEI Mentor Update Peer Discussion  In small groups discuss one or more of the following topics: Documentation Formal Assessment Process Under-achieving students Essential Skills Clusters Supporting Students with disabilities Grading practice Sign-off mentors  Be prepared to provide feedback to your peers