Professional Development Framework
For Multi-Professional Simulation in Health and Care. Launched 31 March 2026
Strengthening capability and clarity across the UK, Ireland, and beyond
We are delighted to launch the Professional Development Framework for multi-professional simulation in health and care.
View the Framework Q&A Document
To cite this document please use:
Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH). Professional Development Framework. 2026. Available from https://www.aspih.org.uk
How the Framework Works
If we consider simulation in health and care as a constellation, and our workforce as stars, here is how the framework works.
How it was developed
This framework is the result of extensive engagement with national bodies, educators, clinicians, simulation technicians, programme leaders, and scholars. It reflects a collective ambition to:
- Strengthen the professional development of the simulation workforce
- Optimise the quality, safety, and sustainability of simulation practice
- Support alignment across sectors, regions, and career stages
- Provide a structure that can flex and evolve as the field continues to grow
We gratefully acknowledge the input of contributors to date:
ASPiH
Colette Laws Chapman, Sharon Marie Weldon, Paul O-Connor & Mike Morrow
NHS England
Patricia Howe, Chris Gay, Richard Price, Helen Higham, Bryn Baxendale & Beth Tennant
NHS Education for Scotland
Catie Paton & Andrea Baker
Health Education & Improvement Wales
Sara-Catrin Cook, Bridie Jones, Bethan Bartholomew & Suman Mitra
Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency
Nicola Weatherup & Marian Traynor
National Simulation Office, Ireland
Dara Byrne & Stephanie Ryng
Framework aims
Create a structured, inclusive framework for everyone involved in simulation education, leadership, technical support, scholarship, and Transformative Simulation
- Align terminology with the ASPiH Standards for Simulation-Based Practice
- Ensure consistency across the UK and Ireland while enabling local and organisational flexibility
- Remain future-proof, inclusive, and adaptable to emerging technologies, theories, and system priorities
- Reference Four Nations and Ireland programmes, and only cite specific models where they are widely accepted, evidence-based, and relevant to the domain structure (e.g., pedagogical and transformative approaches)
Framework overview
Five Domains of Simulation Practice:
Educational
- Transformative
- Technology
- Scholarship
- Leadership
Three-Tiered Progression Model
Based on Cheng et al.’s (2020) model, the levels—Discovery, Growth, and Maturity—are not linear, but designed as a flexible, pick-and-mix structure for development across different roles and contexts.
Guiding Values
The framework is grounded in ASPiH’s core values of:
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Sustainable
- Impactful
It is multi-professional and intended for all parts of the health and care simulation ecosystem.
