The Institute of Health Visiting offers a suite of flexible training models - Champion, Ambassador and Direct Training (formerly known as Awareness Training), all designed to meet the diverse learning needs and preferences of practitioners across the 0–19 multi-disciplinary workforce*.
Each model provides a different approach to learning, while all share a common aim: to equip practitioners with the knowledge, understanding, skills and high‑quality resources needed to strengthen practice and, where desired, disseminate learning locally. These options provide choice and ensure our training offer remains inclusive, accessible and supportive of practitioners at every stage of their professional development. Please see below for more information on the Champion, Ambassador and Direct Training models.
*See individual programme details for specific target‑audience information; some programmes focus on 0–5 years, while others cover a broader age range.
iHV Champion, Ambassador and Direct Training Models
|
Comparison point |
Champion Model |
Ambassador Model |
Direct Training Model |
|
Purpose |
Develops selected practitioners to become subject matter advocates and informal leaders who can deliver high-quality training to colleagues, through a train-the trainer model. |
Develops practitioners to act as local subject matter advocates for a topic who can cascade short awareness-raising sessions within their teams. |
Provides direct training to equip participants with up-to-date evidence-based knowledge, understanding and awareness of key topics. |
|
Typical length |
Usually, one to two days. |
Usually, half a day or one day, depending on the topic and programme design. |
Variable and determined by the training topic, and depth of learning opportunity provided. |
|
Who it is for |
Health visitors, and multi-agency professionals who will support local workforce development and training cascade. |
Health visitors, health visiting skill mix staff, early years practitioners and multi-agency professional who will act as place-based leaders and advocates in a specific practice topic. |
Health visitors, health visiting skill mix staff, early years practitioners and multi-agency professionals who require evidence based knowledge, understanding and confidence in contemporary practice topics. |
|
What participants can do after the training |
Use iHV evidence-based, quality assured resources to support their own practice. In addition, they will be equipped to deliver a one- or two-day training programme through a train-the-trainer model - designed to support colleagues and extend programme reach, helping to embed evidence-based practice across the wider workforce. |
Use iHV evidence-based, quality assured resources to support their own practice, and with the option to deliver a one- to two-hour awareness-raising cascade session to colleagues. Promote awareness of the topic through communication and social networks within sphere of practice. |
Apply learning in practice, recognise issues early, respond appropriately, and know when to escalate, refer or seek further guidance. |
|
System and practice impact |
Supports system-wide improvement, strengthens local pathways and multi-agency working, and creates a self-sustaining community of practice. |
Strengthens local practice, multi-agency collaboration while supporting system-wide improvement and a community of practice. |
Strengthens confidence, partnership working and safe, evidence-informed practice. |
|
Ongoing support and CPD |
Includes ongoing CPD through access to iHV forums, webinars, communities of practice, bulletins and online materials. |
Includes access to iHV online resources, annual updates and networking events - applicable to specific programmes. |
Focuses on direct learning for immediate application; ongoing support may vary by topic or programme offer. |
|
Organisational support required |
Employing organisations need to support Champions to deliver one- to two-day awareness-level train-the-trainer training to colleagues through a structured cascade model, with sustainability embedded for ongoing updates and training of new staff. |
Employing organisations need to support Ambassadors to share learning, resources and deliver short awareness-raising sessions locally. |
Organisational support is needed to release staff for training, enable consistent application of learning in practice, and protect time for ongoing reflection to support CPD. |
|
Key note |
For Emotional Wellbeing Visits and Healthy Weight and Nutrition Champions, the training is specifically for health visitors or an equivalent level of practitioner. Contact iHV for more information. |
Best suited where the aim is local advocacy, awareness raising and consistent signposting rather than full train-the-trainer cascade. |
Best suited where the aim is to train participants directly rather than prepare them to cascade training to others. |
Key attributes of an iHV Champion or Ambassador
|
Comparison point |
iHV Champion |
iHV Ambassador |
|
Definition |
A knowledgeable, passionate and approachable practitioner who leads by example, supports others, and drives high-quality care in their specialist area. |
A local place-based leader who is equipped with knowledge and understanding of specific topics to raise awareness with colleagues and families. |
|
Practitioner profile |
Typically, a health visitor, or other healthcare or multi-agency professionals, who have completed specialist iHV Champion training. |
Typically, a health visitor, health visiting skill mix staff, early years practitioner or other healthcare or multi-agency professional who has completed iHV Ambassador training. |
|
Role focus |
Acts as a lead or advocate for a specific area of practice, helping to strengthen quality, confidence and consistency across services. |
Acts as an advocate and place-based leader for a specific area of practice, supporting local awareness, guidance and shared understanding. |
|
Learning and cascade role |
Supports the learning of others, builds confidence, and can help cascade training and promote evidence-informed practice within teams. |
Supporting colleagues’ learning and raising awareness through local conversations, resources and short awareness sessions. |
|
Leadership style |
A credible, skilled change agent who can influence, inspire, build momentum and engage teams across multidisciplinary settings. |
A collaborative connector and confident communicator who can influence, inspire and support place-based practice improvement. |
|
Core attributes |
|
|
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Practice impact |
Helps improve outcomes, elevate practice, promote awareness across teams and support service improvement. |
Helps improve outcomes, promote awareness, strengthen local connections and support consistent messages for colleagues and families. |
