NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is working with The Open University in Scotland (OUiS) to deliver education and training resources for the health and social care workforce.

The organisations have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement which aims to harness the strengths and expertise of both organisations.

The work will focus on:

• exploring opportunities for nursing studies in schools
• employment and education opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers
• employment access routes in nursing using the OU Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice, and looking more broadly at supporting pathways from Higher National Qualifications
• training social care staff to support older people and people with dementia to learn other languages, to boost their wellbeing

NES provides education, training, workforce development, data and technology for health and social care in Scotland. The Open University offers supported distance learning opportunities, including full degrees, short courses or stand-alone modules.

NES chief executive Karen Reid said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with the Open University, whose world-class expertise in supported distance learning will not only help develop our workforce, but also has the potential to shape new types of pathways, roles, qualifications and create new and attractive careers in health and social care.”

Susan Stewart, director of Open University in Scotland said: “Having worked alongside NHS Scotland boards and partners for many years to enhance the skills and careers of healthcare staff, irrespective of educational and social background, we are delighted to have signed this new agreement with NES to take our collaboration to the next level. It will open up numerous impactful opportunities in the health and social care sector and ultimately improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.”