ScIL Learning Outcomes

Element 1: Context of Improvement Science

• Knows about the roots of improvement science, and can explain the theories of the most influential thinkers in the area, and the similarities and differences between different approaches

• Has knowledge and experience of application of improvement in Scotland's public services, and identifies opportunities for the application of improvement science in their work context

Element 2: Systems Thinking

• Understands the principles of system thinking, especially around complexity and interconnectedness and applies this throughout improvement journey

• Facilitates teams to define and understand their systems using appropriate tools and techniques

• Recognises the importance of visions and aims to build collaboration within systems, and can support teams and organisations to develop and work towards these

Element 3: Building Knowledge

• Understands a range of approaches to developing change ideas, and can select and use appropriate ones for their situation

• Rigorously applies the Model for improvement and supports others to understand and use it

• Supports teams to build theories of change based on system knowledge and synthesis of available evidence

• Develops and deploys strategies to maximize learning from tests of change

Element 4: Understanding Variation & Measurement for Improvement

• Appreciates the role and principles of measurement for improvement,  and the importance of understanding variation, and engages colleagues in this

• Develops appropriate measures for improvement initiatives

• Gathers, analyses and interprets data for improvement, applying understanding of common and special cause variation

• Effectively presents and communicates data for improvement, to inform decisions, generate support and share learning

Element 5: Leading & Influencing Improvement

• Applies change management approaches to motivate people in quality improvement

• Adapts behaviour based on understanding of self and others, to build relationships that support collaboration and improvement

• Understands and practices leadership behaviours that foster a culture that supports improvement

• Supports others to embed quality improvement approaches in their work, using facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills effectively

Element 6: Planning for Improvement

• Applies appropriate project management principles and tools proportionate to the improvements being planned 

• Develops effective plans for implementing and sustaining improvements within their context

• Understands and can appropriately apply the principles required to plan and deliver improvement at scale

• Aligns improvement work with organisational strategy, and recognises the benefits of building improvement into business plans