The Centre will continue to develop new rural specific recognised qualifications to address skills gaps and drive innovation.We are currently funding a dedicated resource in NES to scope the current skills landscape and identify where earn as you learn programmes could be expanded and where further development work is required with the aim of widening the pathways into health and care careers.The Open University already provides distance learning Nursing degree education, which is accessed by Healthcare Support Workers already employed by NHS Boards, enabling them to train in their local area and continue to work.Further, work is being explored via the Allied Health Professional and Healthcare Science education reviews’ recommendations and the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce on how best to diversify the delivery and flexibility of education programmes.