Post-qualifying training

As part of the GSCC's drive to equip a trained and trusted workforce, social workers are required to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. One way to do this is to study for a post-qualifying (PQ) award.

Under the framework of PQ awards introduced in 2005, you can study for a university or college award which has been approved by the GSCC. These awards are at three academic levels - specialist, higher specialist, and advanced - allowing you to progress in a logical way as you continue your studies. You can also choose courses from five different areas of practice. These are:

• Children and young people, their families and carers;
• Leadership and management;
• Practice education;
• Social work in mental health services; and
• Social work with adults.

If you are interested in studying for a PQ award, you can click here for more information and links to relevant documents. The majority of our new PQ courses began in autumn 2007, and more are being approved all the time. Click here to go to the list of courses approved as part of the new framework.

The outgoing PQ framework

Previously, PQ awards were offered through seventeen regional partnerships which were each made up of at least one employer and one educational institution. The awards were open to qualified social workers by study or by compiling a portfolio of evidence. Many candidates are completing their studies under these arrangements, but registrations for new candidates are now closed. Click here for information about the outgoing framework.

If you have completed any learning under the outgoing framework, then don't worry - this will be fully recognised and transferable to the new arrangements.

Information about the review and consultation that we undertook in preparation for the new framework can be found on the review of the post-qualifying framework page.