STIF Sexual Health Advising (SHA) Competency is a clinical training package to train and assess the knowledge and competence of healthcare professionals working as Sexual Health Advisers working in a Specialist Sexual Health/Genito-Urinary Medicine setting or an Integrated GUM/CASH setting and other professionals who are undertaking the role/duties of a Health Adviser (for example, specialist nurses). Training is provided by Registered STI Foundation Competency Trainers.
Knowledge and skills required for STI Foundation SHA Competency training
- STI Foundation theory course One, Two and Three (or equivalent) is highly recommended
- GUM clinical experience –at least 25 clinics in the last 12 months in a Level 3 GUM
service (or fully integrated SRH service) seeing both male and female patients. - In addition, we expect each trainee to have completed ‘Level 3’ Safeguarding training (or equivalent) within the past 3 years.
STI Foundation SHA Competency registration
- £450
SHA E-learning
You do not need to be registered on the STI Foundation SHA programme to undertake the e-learning. It is highly recommended that you complete 50% of the e-learning before commencing your training and assessments.
Time frame for completion of training
The STI Foundation Sexual Health Advising Competency training and assessment pathway should be completed within 12 months of the date of the first assessment (unless extenuating circumstances). On successful completion of the training and assessment programme, a Certificate of STI Foundation Sexual Health Advising Competency is awarded. The Certificate needs to be revalidated every five years. (Link to the revalidation home page)
