Social work education and training statistics published by the General Social Care Council show an 11 per cent increase in the number of new students enrolled on the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) in England in the year 2002-03, compared with 2001-02.
The statistics also illustrate an increase in the number of qualified social workers continuing their professional learning and development through the post-qualifying framework. The report shows a 26 per cent increase in the number of qualified social workers registering for the Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work. There was also a 44 per cent increase in the number of qualified social workers being awarded the Post-Qualifying Award Part 1.
Commenting on the figures, Lynne Berry, Chief Executive of the GSCC, said:
“More applications will mean that the best candidates for a career in social work will win places. More students will boost the number of much-needed qualified social workers entering the sector. The figures also demonstrate the commitment of qualified social workers to their continuing professional learning and development. This is excellent news and with more social workers developing their knowledge and skills, society’s most vulnerable will be better served and protected.”
Another significant development is the Council’s intent to start registering social work students onto the Social Care Register from September 2004.
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Angela Spiers 020 7397 5803
24 November 2003 gscc.021.03
Notes to editors
1. Media contact details:
Angela Spiers 020 7397 5803
Out of hours: 07771 914 481
2. A copy of the social work education and training statistics data pack 2002-03 can be found at www.gscc.org.uk or on 020 7397 5803.
3. The 2002-03 academic year was the last year of admissions to the two-year diploma. 2003-04 admissions were split between the diploma and the new degree course. Admissions will only be made onto the degree course for the 2004 academic year.
4. Enrolment statistics refer only to the new DipSW students in England for the year 2002-03. Data for enrolment onto the new degree in social work which began in September 2003 are not yet available, although preliminary figures show a strong uptake of applications and course enrolments this year.
5. The post-qualifying framework was launched in 1990 to bring a recognised national framework to post-qualifying training for qualified social workers. It is currently under review to ensure the framework remains up-to-date
There are currently six PQ awards: Post Qualifying Award in Social Work; Advanced Award in Social Work; Mental Health Social Work Award; Child Care Award; Practice Teaching Award; and Regulation of Care Services Award.
The awards are offered through 17 post-qualifying consortia in England, each composed of at least one employer and one educational institution and are open to qualified social workers by study or by compiling a portfolio of evidence.
6. Further details on student registration onto the Social Care Register will be announced in 2004.
7. The General Social Care Council came into being on 1 October 2001. It was set up in England under the Care Standards Act 2000 to establish codes of conduct and practice for social care workers and employers, to set up a register of social care workers and to regulate social work education and training. Similar bodies exist in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.