In Spring 2024, the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) partnered with Siân Brand from the UK’s Social Prescribing Network to assess social prescribing (SP) training and support needs in Canada.

As part of this effort, a survey was conducted to identify the core competencies, supervision, and support required for SP connectors to deliver safe, high-quality social prescribing. The survey also explored training priorities and resources needed for other SP practitioners. 

What did we learn?

Survey participants shared valuable perspectives on the SP connector role and the priorities for national and provincial training development. This report provides a compilation of participant insights which include discussions on: 

• The diversity of the SP connector role across Canada 
• Core competencies and training priorities for the SP connector
• Support and supervision needs for the SP connector to perform their role safely and successfully 
• National and provincial training resources  
• Priorities for training development that can support the SP connector and the broader workforce engaged in SP

Note: The survey was conducted in English, and the report is available in English.



What’s Next?

In response to these consultations and survey findings, CISP has developed early resources, including the Link Worker Competency Framework and the Social Prescribing Training Roadmap.

Additional key opportunities for exploration include:

• Further clarity and consistency for the SP connector role; 
• Strategies and mechanisms for supervision and support for the SP connector; and 
• Collaboration toward expanded access to existing training, and additional training and educational resources development.

While the Social Prescribing Training Needs and Opportunities in Canada report reflects insights from a small group of early adopters, it provides valuable considerations for strengthening the SP workforce.

This report complements ongoing efforts to understand and address education and training needs in social prescribing. In 2023, United Way British Columbia Social Prescribing Programs Co-Creation Sessions explored the skills and attributes of community connectors. More recently, the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health published What is Needed to Promote the Uptake and Implementation of Social Prescribing?, offering  insights into standardized training, data collection, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms to support  SP implementation.