The Northern Ireland Social Care Council’s (the Social Care Council’s) Care in Practice (CiP) Framework, a ground-breaking social care workforce reform, has won a prestigious European Social Services Award (ESSA) for innovation.
The annual ESSA awards recognise outstanding achievements, while shining a spotlight on successful new approaches and innovations across social services in Europe.
Up against strong competition from seven other projects, the CiP Framework project won in the Social Services Delivery Innovation Award category, as a transformative initiative designed to support the professional and career development of over 41,000 social care staff across Northern Ireland.
Tracy Reid, Chief Executive, Social Care Council believes this recognition demonstrates how the social care sector across Northern Ireland, when working together, makes a difference.
“We’re delighted to see this work recognised on a European stage. The collaboration that went into creating the CiP Framework demonstrates the importance of social care organisations, sector leaders, and policymakers across the statutory, independent, private and community and voluntary sector, working together, and I am delighted on behalf of our Workforce Development Team and our partners in social care. This award goes to everyone involved.”
The CiP Framework launched in December 2024 by the Department of Health, alongside the new Social Care Workforce Strategy.
“This reform shows the positive impact we have seen of investing in the continuous professional learning and development of those who work in social care. It’s long-term, system-wide, strengths-based and collaborative way of working, that demonstrates what’s possible when you put those working at the frontline at the heart of an approach,” she added.
The European Social Services Awards (ESSA), are organised by the European Social Network, and acknowledges outstanding achievements in social services. The award was subject to a public vote with the ceremony taking place in Madrid, Spain yesterday (13 November 2025).
Alongside the Social Care Council, three other projects from Northern Ireland were shortlisted, two from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and one from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
What is the CiP Framework?
The CiP Framework supports social care practitioners to pursue learning and development opportunities and qualifications by navigating and exploring social care career pathways enabling informed career choices.
It offers two interlinked pathways—one for qualifications and one for continuous professional learning—building knowledge, skills and values. The pathways support delivery of safe, compassionate care, provide clear routes for career progression and foster a culture of lifelong learning. It includes a new entrance level qualification that helps staff acquire the basics needed to provide safe and compassionate care.
Notes to editor
- Additional images are available upon request.
- If you would like to speak to someone from the Social Care Council about the win, interviews will be facilitated dependent on availability.
- For media enquires contact Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement on: Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net / 07591 447804