Skip to content
Home > Staff and Recruitment > Staff Resources > Nurses and Midwives > Practice Education > NQP Support Pathway / Flying Start Portal > Flying Start NHS® programme information, NHSGGC protected learning time, NQP Signifier Badges

Flying Start NHS® programme information, NHSGGC protected learning time, NQP Signifier Badges

Flying Start NHS® programme supports newly qualified practitioners (NQPs), to become confident and capable health professionals. The Scottish Government requires all NQPs to complete Flying Start NHS® in the first 12 months of practice.  In line with this, it is a requirement of NHSGGC for all NQPs to undertake and complete the Flying Start programme.  To support completion, NQPs are afforded 24 hours protected learning time away from the workplace (see related briefing paper) and information below.

Flying Start NHS® programme information

What is Flying Start NHS®?

Flying Start NHS® is the national development programme supporting transition of newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) in the first year of practice. Supporting NQPs to become confident, capable health professionals . Preceptorship is also fundamental towards development of NQPs.

The foundations of the refreshed Flying Start programme are the four Pillars of Practice. These provide the opportunity to be flexible in their learning, utilising the learning opportunities available to them. NQPs should choose sactivities that will benefit their development and are relevant to their area of practice. Undertaking Flying Start NHS® will also allow the NQP to develop their skills in critical thinking and reflection. Completing the programme supports NQPs to generate evidence contributing to TURAS Appraisal, CPD portfolios, NMC Revalidation and HCPC standards requirements.

NQPs undertaking Flying Start should register for a TURAS account (see Booklet 1: Getting started).

The Definitive Guide to the Programme provides a comprehensive overview for both NQPs and Facilitators/Preceptors. The NHSGGC Flying Start resources supports NQPs’ learning, development and portfolio development. It also provides resources to those who may or will be Flying Start Facilitators. For nurses and midwives, it is likely that your preceptor and Flying Start facilitator will be the same person. Your Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) or Care Home Education Facilitator (CHEF) can also offer additional support.

Contact

If you are unsure who this is please email:

NHSGGC Flying Start protected learning time

Scottish Government requires all NQPs to complete Flying Start NHS® in the first 12 months of practice.  It is a requirement for all NHSGGC NQPs to undertake and complete the Flying Start programme.  NQPs are afforded 24 hours (3 days equivalent) protected learning time away from the workplace. This permits attendance at protected learning days 1 and 2. These are based on two 12-hour shifts undertaken by nursing and midwifery staff, and will be rostered and planned for.  The study time will occur at approximately month 2 and month 8 of employment.  If there are any queries around facilitation of this learning time, please contact your PEF/CHEF .

Protected learning days are supported with facilitated learning resources compiled by NHSGGC Practice Education team. These support NQPs with their learning and development, to meet the learning outcomes for the programme.  These resources include:

Electronic resource booklets: Four electronic resource booklets which will support you in Getting Started with Flying Start, provides evidence forms to allow you to document your learning, these can be printed, saved and/or uploaded to your professional portfolio, guide you through the sign off process for completion and how to get started with your TURAS professional portfolio.

Learning resources utilised will guide your learning and development and support your understanding of the Flying Start programme includes templates, videos and presentations. These cover reflection, pillars of practice, teamworking and working styles and characteristics, zones of discomfort and self development, resilience, leadership, consolidation of learning, evidencing portfolio and moving forward in your career, as well as staff resources for your Health and Wellbeing. 

Queries can be directed to your PEF or CHEF or via email to:

NQP Signifier Badges

NQP Signifier Badges are endorsed by Professor Angela Wallace, Nurse Director and Fiona Smith, AHP Director. These should be worn throughout your first year in practice, whilst working through the Flying Start NHS programme. This will allow your colleagues to offer you further support and guidance.

If you have commenced in post and not yet received your NQP Signifier Badge, please email Practice Education. The team can arrange for this to be sent on to you.

practiceeducation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk (Nurses and midwives)

ggc.gjnhahpepl@nhs.scot (AHPs)