Welcome to the CC3N website
The Critical Care National Network Nurse Leads Forum (CC3N) was established in 2003 as part of the NHS Modernisation programme. They are one of three forums that represent the Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks, alongside the Network Medical Leads and the Network Directors/ Managers.
September 2026
CC3N are pleased to share with you the revised National Steps Proficiency Framework
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CC3N Launches the Revised National Critical Care Proficiency Frameworks
CC3N is delighted to announce the completion of the review and revision of the National Critical Care Proficiency Frameworks: Steps 1, 2 and 3.
The revised frameworks are now available in both:
This significant achievement has only been possible through the dedication, expertise and commitment of colleagues across the critical care community. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge and enthusiasm throughout this extensive review process. Your support and collaboration are greatly appreciated.
Transition Arrangements
It is anticipated that some staff will have completed Step 1 (2015 framework) and will now progress directly to the 2026 versions of Steps 2 and 3. This is entirely acceptable. However, staff who have completed Step 1 (2015 framework) and are transitioning to the 2026 Steps 2 and 3 will be required to complete the 12-Lead ECG Proficiency in addition to the Step 2 and Step 3 proficiencies.
What's New in the 2026 Framework?Several new proficiencies have been introduced within Step 1, including:
Important Information for Learners Currently Completing the 2015 Framework
Staff currently undertaking the 2015 versions of Steps 1, 2 or 3 must achieve their final sign-off by 31 March 2028.
After this date, the 2015 framework will be formally retired and will no longer be available for learner access or completion.
Moving to the Digital Learning Solutions (DLS) Platform
Units and/or Clinical Educators interested in adopting the DLS digital platform are encouraged to contact Andrea Berry for further information regarding migration and implementation.
Email: [email protected]
We look forward to supporting organisations as they transition to the revised National Proficiency Frameworks and continue to develop a highly skilled, knowledgeable and competent critical care workforce.
CC3N is delighted to announce the completion of the review and revision of the National Critical Care Proficiency Frameworks: Steps 1, 2 and 3.
The revised frameworks are now available in both:
- A downloadable paper-based format
- A digital format via the NHS Digital Learning Solutions (DLS) platform for organisations that have migrated to the electronic system
This significant achievement has only been possible through the dedication, expertise and commitment of colleagues across the critical care community. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge and enthusiasm throughout this extensive review process. Your support and collaboration are greatly appreciated.
Transition Arrangements
It is anticipated that some staff will have completed Step 1 (2015 framework) and will now progress directly to the 2026 versions of Steps 2 and 3. This is entirely acceptable. However, staff who have completed Step 1 (2015 framework) and are transitioning to the 2026 Steps 2 and 3 will be required to complete the 12-Lead ECG Proficiency in addition to the Step 2 and Step 3 proficiencies.
What's New in the 2026 Framework?Several new proficiencies have been introduced within Step 1, including:
- Bedspace Checks
- Post-Operative Proficiencies
Important Information for Learners Currently Completing the 2015 Framework
Staff currently undertaking the 2015 versions of Steps 1, 2 or 3 must achieve their final sign-off by 31 March 2028.
After this date, the 2015 framework will be formally retired and will no longer be available for learner access or completion.
Moving to the Digital Learning Solutions (DLS) Platform
Units and/or Clinical Educators interested in adopting the DLS digital platform are encouraged to contact Andrea Berry for further information regarding migration and implementation.
Email: [email protected]
We look forward to supporting organisations as they transition to the revised National Proficiency Frameworks and continue to develop a highly skilled, knowledgeable and competent critical care workforce.
The Intensive Care Society have recently published the revised version Guidance on the Transfer of the Critically Ill Adult
January 2026 - The Intensive Care Society (ICS) and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) have now published the third edition of the Guidelines for the Provision of Intensive Care Services (GPICS). The new edition has been fully updated in close collaboration with patients and families, and includes new information on issues relating to sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
November 2025 -- CC3N have released the revised Liver Competencies for Critical Care Nurses. These are ‘bolt on’ competencies developed for specialist liver units or those units caring for a high proportion of liver patients.
September 2025 - CC3N have revised the Best Practice Guidance for Registered Nursing Agency & Bank Staff working in Adult Critical Care (Version 2)
August 2025 - RCN position on photographing, filming or recording nursing staff by third parties on mobile devices without consent
July 2025 - The Intensive Care Society has now published new guidance on The decision making and transfer of critically ill adults to their preferred place of death.
June 2025 - The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) has released a report titled "Recovery Beyond Survival" focusing on Rehabilitation following Critical Illness. This report, published on June 12, 2025, reviewed the quality of rehabilitation care provided to patients after an ICU admission and highlights areas for improvement in the care pathway from intensive care, through the ward, and into the community.
March 2025
The Intensive Care Society have published Guidance for Delirium in the Critically Ill Patient. The purpose of this resource is to offer updated guidance that builds on the existing ‘detection, prevention, and treatment of delirium’ guidelines (2006). This guidance provides a combination of evidence based, as well as practical ‘expert opinion’ recommendations to support implementation of best
practice within the ICU setting.
The Intensive Care Society have published Guidance for Delirium in the Critically Ill Patient. The purpose of this resource is to offer updated guidance that builds on the existing ‘detection, prevention, and treatment of delirium’ guidelines (2006). This guidance provides a combination of evidence based, as well as practical ‘expert opinion’ recommendations to support implementation of best
practice within the ICU setting.
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May 2024
UKCCNA Workforce Optimisation Plan This three-year workforce optimisation plan (2024-2027) provides evidence-based standards for critical care registered nurse staffing. We provide the case for change, with a framework to support career development and a sustainable model for staffing, in order to improve nurse retention. |
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