The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Strategy and Planning is a specialised qualification designed for professionals working within healthcare, social care, and related sectors who aim to strengthen their expertise in strategic planning and policy development. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; it is specifically aimed at experienced learners who want to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge base, and contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This qualification provides learners with the knowledge and skills to understand healthcare systems, develop effective strategies, and plan for long-term improvements in service delivery. Learners will explore healthcare policy frameworks, resource management, leadership in strategy, and the practical tools required to align organisational goals with patient-centred care. The course also focuses on analysing healthcare trends and applying strategic planning methods to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability within healthcare organisations.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that training is provided by competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise in healthcare strategy, policy, and management. Additionally, centres must offer learners access to comprehensive study resources, case studies, digital tools, and supportive learning environments to ensure high-quality delivery and learner success.
By completing this programme, learners will gain a strong foundation in healthcare strategy and planning, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to organisational development, policy implementation, and improved healthcare outcomes. This qualification also supports professional growth, preparing learners for greater responsibility, leadership roles, and long-term career advancement in the healthcare sector.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Strategy and Planning
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2200726
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Strategy and Planning, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200726-1 |
Foundations of Healthcare Strategy and Policy |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200726-2 |
Strategic Planning in Healthcare Organizations |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200726-3 |
Healthcare Systems, Resources, and Sustainability |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200726-4 |
Leadership and Governance in Healthcare Strategy |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200726-5 |
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Risk Management in Strategy |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200726-6 |
Future Trends and Innovation in Healthcare Planning |
4 |
20 |
Unit 1: Foundations of Healthcare Strategy and Policy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and importance of strategy and planning in healthcare.
- Analyse healthcare policy frameworks at national and international levels.
- Evaluate how strategy connects organisational goals with patient outcomes.
Unit 2: Strategic Planning in Healthcare Organisations
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply key principles and stages of healthcare strategic planning.
- Use strategic analysis tools such as SWOT, PESTLE, and benchmarking.
- Align organisational priorities with long-term healthcare objectives.
Unit 3: Healthcare Systems, Resources, and Sustainability
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe the structure and functions of healthcare systems.
- Assess methods of resource allocation, budgeting, and workforce planning.
- Develop strategies for achieving sustainability in healthcare delivery.
Unit 4: Leadership and Governance in Healthcare Strategy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate the role of leadership in developing and implementing healthcare strategies.
- Demonstrate understanding of governance, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
- Apply leadership approaches to build a culture that supports strategic goals.
Unit 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Risk Management in Strategy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify key performance indicators for measuring healthcare outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare strategies and strategic plans.
- Apply risk management approaches to reduce challenges in healthcare projects.
Unit 6: Future Trends and Innovation in Healthcare Planning
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the impact of digital health, AI, and emerging technologies on healthcare strategy.
- Assess the implications of demographic changes and global health trends on planning.
- Propose innovative approaches to improve healthcare planning and delivery.
This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals such as nurses, clinicians, and administrators who wish to expand their understanding of healthcare strategy and service planning.
- Healthcare managers and supervisors responsible for shaping policies, managing resources, and leading healthcare projects.
- Social care practitioners seeking to develop skills in long-term planning and improving care delivery for communities.
- Policy officers and coordinators working in healthcare organizations who want to contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
- Allied health professionals and support staff aiming to take on greater responsibility in planning and management roles.
- Professionals dedicated to CPD who want to enhance their leadership potential and prepare for senior positions in healthcare strategy and governance.
By enrolling in this qualification, learners will gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop strategies, manage resources effectively, and adapt to future healthcare challenges, positioning themselves for career growth and leadership opportunities.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Strategy and Planning must meet strict quality standards to ensure learners receive high-quality training and the best opportunities for success. To maintain excellence in delivery, centres are required to have the following:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications, along with proven experience in healthcare management, strategy, and planning.
- Appropriate Learning Resources – Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning materials, case studies, healthcare strategy frameworks, and digital resources that support learner development.
- Suitable Facilities – A professional learning environment, whether classroom-based, blended, or online, must be available to facilitate effective teaching, group discussions, and independent study.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems – Centres should implement robust assessment procedures and internal quality assurance processes to maintain the integrity and consistency of learner outcomes.
- Learner Support Services – Ongoing academic guidance, CPD support, and feedback mechanisms must be in place to ensure learners can successfully complete the qualification.
- Access to Technology – For blended or online learning, centres must ensure learners have access to reliable digital platforms, e-learning tools, and communication channels.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement – Centres must engage in regular review, staff development, and updates of course content to align with current healthcare strategy and planning practices.
By meeting these requirements, centres will create an environment that fosters learner success, professional growth, and high-quality outcomes in healthcare strategy and planning.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
