Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Learning Beyond Registration (LBR)?
- How do I find out which courses are funded by LBR? Is my course funded by LBR?
- When should I apply for a course?
- Am I eligible for courses funded by LBR?
- Who should I contact with queries about LBR?
- What should I do if there is no relevant course for the area I need to develop?
- What is the application process?
- How can I provide feedback about a module / programmes which I have completed, which are in the LBR portfolio?
- Is it necessary to attend the University for the courses?
- What opportunities are there for doctoral level education?
- Is it true that there is no cost of modules / courses within the LBR portfolio to the individuals undertaking the modules / courses?
- I am finding it difficult to find the time to complete the course work associated with a module, surely it is sufficient to have attended the taught sessions.
- I work in public health can I access the modules/programmes supported by the LBR process?
- Can I study modules at undergraduate diploma level as part of the LBR provision?
What is Learning Beyond Registration (LBR)?
LBR describes the portfolio of modules and programmes which NHS East Midlands commissions from local universities.
How do I find out which courses are funded by LBR? Is my course funded by LBR?
NHS East Midlands contracts with eleven universities for the provision of a wide range of healthcare related education. These universities are:
- De Montfort University
- University of Derby
- Education for Health
- University of Lincoln
- University of Northampton
- University of Nottingham
- Nottingham Trent University
- Open University
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield Hallam University
To find out which courses are available through the LBR arrangements, the search engine on this website can be used.
When should I apply for a course?
Applications for courses will be received by universities throughout the year.
Am I eligible for courses funded by LBR?
Non-medical professional healthcare staff in the context of LBR includes:
- Registered healthcare professionals
- Clinical information technology staff, chaplains and clinical librarians
- Emerging professions whose registration are not yet mandatory but are expected e.g. pharmacy technicians and dental nurses.
When completing registration/enrolment forms for the education providers please use the following classifications for your professional group. This is to enable consistent data review on who is accessing the LBR portfolio.
- Audiology
- Biomedical Scientist
- Child Psychotherapist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Community Specialist Practitioner
- Dietetics
- Midwifery
- MPPM
- Nursing (Adult)
- Nursing (Child)
- Nursing (Learning Disability)
- Nursing (Mental Health)
- Occupational Therapy
- Operating Department Practitioner
- Other
- Paramedics
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
- SALT
- Scientist
The geographical area covered by the LBR arrangements for NHS employees reflects the boundaries of NHS East Midlands. This is detailed in the map below:
Who should I contact with queries about LBR?
| Leicestershire and Rutland Richard Ansell richard.ansell@lcrpct.nhs.uk |
East Midlands Ambulance Service Kerry Gulliver kerry.gulliver@emas.nhs.uk |
Northamptonshire Sandra Wright sandra.wright@northants.nhs.uk |
| Derbyshire Cate Hollinshead cate.hollinshead1@nhs.net |
Nottinghamshire Joy Simpson joysimpson@nhs.net |
Lincolnshire Helen Smith helen.smith@lpct.nhs.uk |
What should I do if there is no relevant course for the area I need to develop?
It is recognised that there maybe a need to develop additional modules for the LBR portfolio to support service improvement for NHS patients. There is a process for requesting new modules to be developed. This is explained in the flow chart on the LBR process page.
What is the application process?
Application for modules and programmes is direct with the relevant university. It is essential that applicants have their application approved according to local policies in their Trust and are signed by a approved NHS manager. This is explained in the flow chart below:
How can I provide feedback about a module / programmes which I have completed, which are in the LBR portfolio?
The Education Commissioning Team aim to maintain an open dialogue with the LBR lead at each HEI. This supports an awareness of the LBR portfolio throughout the year. If individuals wish to provide specific feedback this can be undertaken by using the recognised process for the HEI. In addition, feedback can be provided directly to NHS East Midlands by completing the Learning Beyond Registration Module/Programme Evaluation Form. Click here
Is it necessary to attend the University for the courses?
The training delivered by the HEI is in a variety of formats, including electronic formats and distance learning. All the providers are willing to work with organisations to identify if there are ways in which learning can be provided at the employing organisation; for example, when there are sufficient numbers to form a cohort.
What opportunities are there for doctoral level education?
The Learning Beyond Registration incorporates a proportion of funding for supporting PhDs. The allocation is currently being reviewed; applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant university who will liaise with NHS East Midlands when appropriate.
Is it true that there is no cost of modules / courses within the LBR portfolio to the individuals undertaking the modules / courses?
Yes, NHS East Midlands contracts directly the HEIs, enabling the modules / courses to be free of charge to non-medical professional healthcare staff working in the NHS. Provision within the contract is offered to NHS employees and those seconded to social care work in the NHS first instance. If courses are not filled 8 weeks prior to commencement, staff from social care, independent and voluntary sectors are eligible to apply for unused places according to agreed criteria.
I am finding it difficult to find the time to complete the course work associated with a module, surely it is sufficient to have attended the taught sessions.
It is the expectation of NHS East Midlands that applicants for modules/courses endeavour to complete all components of the programme of learning; this includes assessments associated with the programmes. If challenges are anticipated in achieving this it is expected that the HEI and the individual will work together in liaison with Service, to ensure that the objectives of the programme are still met.
I work in public health can I access the modules/programmes supported by the LBR process?
Yes, non medical public health practitioners and specialists, at Agenda for Change Band 5 or above, working within NHS Public Health Departments are eligible to apply for modules/programmes within the LBR portfolio. This includes those individuals who are working towards and expected to become a public health practitioner on the UK Public Health Register (www.publichealthregister.org.uk)
Can I study modules at undergraduate diploma level as part of the LBR provision?
Learning supported through the learning beyond registration portfolio is expected to be at degree level and upwards. Modules delivered at undergraduate diploma level form a small percentage of the portfolio and this is expected to decrease further as the typical academic level of healthcare professionals at registration becomes degree level for the majority of professions.