Health and Wellbeing Coach
What does the role involve?
Health and Wellbeing Coaches holistically support patients’ wider health and well-being, public health, and contribute to the reduction of health inequalities. This is done by:
working in partnership with health, social care, and community and voluntary sector providers and multi-disciplinary teams
providing education and specialist expertise to health staff to improve their skills and understanding of personalised care and behavioural approaches
raising awareness within a Primary Care Network of tools that enable shared-decision making.
Health and Wellbeing Coaches usually carry a caseload of patients who it is deemed would most benefit from health coaching. The aim is to work with patients to identify their goals and support them in managing their own health and wellbeing and live independently.
The Health and Wellbeing Coach must have access to regular supervision from a health coaching mentor. In addition to this, formal and individual group coaching supervision must come from a suitably qualified or experienced health coaching supervisor.
The skills acquired in undertaking this role may lead to other opportunities for training within health care, such as training in nursing, health visiting or one of the Allied Health Professions, or as a lifestyle coach or personal fitness trainer within the private sector.
For Health and Wellbeing Coaches employed under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, they should be enrolled in, undertaking or qualified from appropriate health coaching training covering topics outlined in the NHS England and NHS Improvement Implementation and Quality Summary Guide, available here.
Training/Development
Click HERE for the Minimum Training Standards & Recommended Additional Training
The Personalised Care Institute will set out what training is available and expected for HWBCs. Further information will be provided when published. HWBCs will be required to be trained in health coaching in line with the NHSE/I Implementation and quality summary guide
Training will include understanding the basics of social prescribing, plus an accredited health coaching skills programme (minimum of 4 days) and documented practice hours, along with opportunities for reflection and follow up activities
Ongoing regular supervision from a health coaching mentor is required. Any health coaching provider will have to be accredited by the Personalised Care Institute (PCI)
Making a Difference webpage
Research published in September 2022 by King’s Business School, King’s College London, shows how Health and Wellbeing Coaches (HWBCs) are inspiring lifestyle changes in patients and having a positive impact in general practice.
The report ‘Making a difference’ – An evaluation of Health and Wellbeing Coaches in North East London' looks at the role of HWBCs and their effectiveness in addressing health inequalities and better outcomes for patients.
Please see the attached sample recruitment pack and welcome pack for Health and Wellbeing Coaches.