A new framework to bring social workers’ post-qualifying education and training up-to-date has been agreed by the General Social Care Council (GSCC). Seven out of 10 respondents to the GSCC’s extensive consultation support the overall structure of the new framework endorsed by the Council today.
To comment on the revised framework visit the 'new post-qualifying framework' page.The new post-qualifying (PQ) framework is made up of three awards, to build up social workers’ qualifications throughout their careers. The three new awards are:
·The Post-Qualifying Award in Specialist Social Work;
·The Post-Qualifying Award in Higher Specialist Social Work; and
·The Post-Qualifying Award in Advanced Social Work.
The GSCC is committed to discussing the new arrangements with all stakeholders and will be speaking with stakeholders over the next eight weeks to refine the new framework and ensure that all relevant issues have been clearly explained.
Rodney Brooke, Chair of the GSCC said:
“The social care sector has seen a lot of change over the past few years and the GSCC must be forward-looking in our thinking and planning to adapt to this change. We are keen to make sure that the training qualified social workers undertake is flexible enough to meet these changing working conditions. We believe that the new system will provide a flexible framework fitted for the social workers of today and tomorrow. Together with the new degree and the requirement for post-registration training and learning, post-qualifying awards play a major part in improving the training and quality of social workers. This is key to creating a trained and accountable workforce and a better protected public.”
Welcoming the new awards, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) added the new framework will help raise standards in skills and knowledge for social workers and improve the quality of care for individuals.
David Behan, Chief Inspector, Commission for Social Care Inspection said:
“One of the keys to ensuring people have access to high quality social care services is the development of a fully trained workforce. The knowledge and skills gained while pursuing a post-qualifying award will ensure that all people who use social care services are better protected.”
Bill McKitterick, Co Chair Human Resources and Training Committee, Association of Directors of Social Services said:
“Employers are committed to helping social workers develop their learning and skills. The modular nature of the new framework and support for regional and local workforce planning will help to ensure that the new framework benefits both employees and employers.”
Arthur Keefe, Chair of Topss
“We welcome the proposed developments in the provision of post-qualifying training opportunities for social workers. Topss looks forward to working with the GSCC and other stakeholders to implement these new arrangements. We are also looking at continuing professional development opportunities for the wider social care workforce and will be bringing proposals forward in the coming year.”
Michael Leadbetter, Director, Practice Learning Taskforce
“A robust and effective post-qualifying framework is essential to the continuing development and credibility of the social work profession. A professional and properly trained workforce is the bedrock on which the continuous improvement in services must be based. The new post-qualifying
framework offers exciting opportunities to enhance services and provide career pathways for social workers who wish to remain in practice, utilising
an advanced skills set to work at the most complex and difficult levels. I particularly welcome the emphasis on the development and assessment of leadership.”
Over the next few months, the GSCC will begin promoting the new framework. This will include raising awareness about the benefits of the framework and communicating transitional arrangements. The new framework will offer opportunities for social workers to obtain recognition and credit for learning they have already achieved.
To comment on the revised framework visit the 'New post-qualifying framework' page.
RevisedPQframeworkSeptember2004final.doc