Patient Safety Syllabus (Levels 3 and 4) Programme at Loughborough University - Key Questions
Introduction
Loughborough University is offering a training programme to support the delivery of the education for Levels 3 & 4 of the Patient Safety Syllabus.
The delivery is through a blended learning programme that covers all the content of Levels 3 & 4 within the 5 courses below:
- Unpacking the systems issues
- Managing patient safety risks
- Understanding the cultural, legal and regulatory factors
- Involving those affected
- Designing solutions
Each course (A-E) contains 1-3 modules of online learning followed up with an in-person event (at various locations across England). To complete the programme you must complete all courses, and the associated assessments.
Is this training for Patient Safety Specialists only or wider groups of staff, such as patient safety clinical leads?
The training is now available for all healthcare professionals across all providers with a role in patient safety, following the successful delivery of the first cohort (funded by NHS England).
Is this course for postgraduates only?
No. The Patient Safety Syllabus training is for everyone working in healthcare.
If you have completed modules e.g. Human Factors within an MSc do you still need to complete this?
Yes. We recommend undertaking this training as this delivery is aligned to the NHS Patient Safety Syllabus. Learners who have completed an MSc may not need to undertake all of the online learning. The in-person learning days are mandatory for all learners. All learners will need to successfully complete the assessments (e.g., online quiz and case studies – see following FAQ) to demonstrate evidence of knowledge.
What is the difference between PSIRF training and Patient Safety Syllabus Training?
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) sets out the NHS’s approach to developing and maintaining effective systems and processes for responding to patient safety incidents and improving patient safety. There is a range of training available for PSIRF learning via NHS England, and other providers. There is an overlap with some content within this programme, but each individual will be required to complete all courses and all assessment criteria to complete this programme.
The Patient Safety Syllabus Training is part of the wider NHS Patient Safety Strategy. The Patient Safety Syllabus Training provides learners with a wider understanding of patient safety.
There is already training being provided by independent providers covering the sessions for Learning Response Leads, Oversight roles and Engagement leads. Will Trusts still be required to do these in addition?
No. NHSE recommends that you undertake the training provided by Loughborough University as this training is closely aligned to the NHS Patient Safety Syllabus training.
What is the time commitment for level 3 and 4 training?
The overall time to complete the learning is approx.125 hours to complete all 5 courses, plus some assessment preparation time. The full programme takes between 8-12 months to complete everything.
What are the expectations for Learners to complete Level 3 and 4 of the Patient safety Training?
- Complete all content in the 5 online courses. This includes all the interactive activities to allow access to the next section.
- Attend all 4 In-Person days. As you register we will provide you with the choices of different dates and venues to plan your diary.
- At the In-Person day guidance will be given for the assessment submission. These will all be work-based activities to demonstrate how you have applied some of the learning in your role.
Having completed Cohort 1 (funded by NHS England) we have restructured the training to be more efficient. The structure of the registration and the timings of the courses, In-Person days and case study submissions will allow you to progress through the training at a steady pace and allow timely completion. We have found that the most successful online students plan their studies in advance to support setting realistic goals for completion. You should factor in work, holidays, family commitments, and any other special occasion.
We acknowledge that some learners will have some experience of some of the material included in this programme. This will mean that you could quickly move through some of the material. You will still need to complete all the interactive activities and attend the in-person day and submit the assessment work.
What coursework needs to be submitted?
You must complete the online module activities, In-Persons days, and 5 written case studies. As part of Course E you will also be asked to put together a brief 3-5 mins presentation communicating up to 3 key actionable insights from the five courses (A-E) that could be implemented within your organisation.
What are the implications if you sign up to undertake the training, but are not able to complete it?
This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but you are signing up to complete the whole course.
Are you planning to have In-Person events across the country?
Yes. You will be given advanced notice of locations prior to booking. These will be held in locations across the country to optimize the locations for the cohort registered. You will need to book an in-person date for each course (4 days in total). Loughborough University will provide a range of dates to support learners though the programme.
Can I swap my space on the Patient Safety Syllabus Training with another colleague?
When you register and pay to attend the whole programme there is a contract in place between you and the university. Once the programme has started there will not be an opportunity to divert the funding to another individual. We ask that if you are unable to complete the training, to please inform Loughborough University as soon as possible.
Will there be a cost to access the training, or will this be free?
Cohort 1 was funded by NHS England; in 2025 funding moved to a locally based provision. The cost is £3850 per person (there is NO VAT) for the complete training package.
Who will pay for my travel and subsistence when attending in person days?
Cost of travel and subsistence is to be covered by your employer.
Is a qualification available on completion of the training?
Learners completing work to the agreed standard will receive a Loughborough University Certificate of Completion for each Course A, B, C, D and E. All courses are CPD accredited. You will be able to claim 125 CPD hours accumulated through the level 3 and 4 training. To receive 125 CPD hours you must complete the online module activities, in-persons days, 5 case studies, and a final presentation.
Once you have completed the whole programme, you will be eligible to apply to the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) for the professional accreditation of Technical Specialist in HF for Patient Safety. This is managed by CIEHF with possible mentoring and support. Please note: this is optional and is not a requirement for either the Loughborough University certification or the CPD awarded hours.