The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is delighted to share that we have been commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to lead the development of a new Healthy Child Programme competency framework for health visiting teams supporting babies, young children and families from pregnancy to age five.

This national initiative will create a NMC-aligned framework that clearly sets out the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for safe, effective and high-quality delivery of the Healthy Child Programme - strengthening practice, confidence and consistency across England.

Through a robust co-design approach, the project will bring together insights from subject experts, front-line practitioners, parents and carers, and wider partners to ensure the framework reflects real experiences and shared aspirations for the future of health visiting.

The framework aims to provide clear guidance on roles, accountability and delegation, support safe skill mix, and offer practical tools for supervision, appraisal, learning pathways, commissioning and workforce planning. It will be delivered as an accessible resource and include self assessment tools, support for personalised CPD, training plans and career development. Approaches to supervision, preceptorship and appraisal will be embedded to support with strengthening workforce development, retention and safe practice.

Aligned to national policy, the framework will inform education programmes and provide a consistent structure for commissioners, educators and service leaders. The new competency framework has the potential to help ensure that every family receives high-quality, evidence-based support during the crucial early years.

The iHV is proud to lead this important national development and looks forward to continued collaboration with practitioners, partners and families as the framework evolves and moves towards its launch in the spring 2027.