The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) are pleased to announce the launch of the reviewed and updated suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Social Care and Childcare Learning and Development (HSCCLD).
The revised standards reflect the evolving needs of the social care workforce, service users and the wider sector. They ensure that the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required across roles remain current, consistent and aligned with best practice.
What’s new in the updated NOS?
The refreshed standards include:
• Updated competencies reflecting modern practice, legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strengthened focus on person centred care safeguarding and professional values.
• New and enhanced elements supporting digital skills, trauma-informed practice and neurodiversity.
• Clearer progression pathways to support career development and workforce planning.
• Improved structure and clarity to support practitioners, employers, service users and learning providers.
Who should use these standards?
The updated NOS are relevant to:
• Employers and workforce planners.
• Learning and development teams.
• Training providers and assessors.
• Managers and supervisors.
• Practitioners across health, social care and childcare settings.
Why the review matters
The NOS underpin many qualifications, training programmes and professional development frameworks. Reviewing and updating them helps enable:
• Consistent, high quality practice across the sector.
• Clear expectations of competence for staff at all levels.
• Strong alignment with emerging policy, research and service priorities.
• Better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Accessing the updated NOS
The updated HSCCLD National Occupational Standards can now be accessed here or for more information click here.
Support and further information
If you have any questions, please contact Mervyn Bothwell (Professional Adviser and/or Sharon Foster (Workforce Development Officer) at the Social Care Council at: workforcedevelopement@niscc.hscni.net.