The Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (legislation.gov.uk requires the Social Care Council to promote high standards of conduct and practice among social care workers, including social workers, and high standards in their training. In order to carry out this duty the Social Care Council has introduced:
- Rules
- Framework Specifications
- Standards
Section 10 (1) of the Act states: “The Council may, in accordance with rules made by it, approve courses in relevant social work for persons who are or wish to become social workers.”
The Council’s regulatory framework is underpinned by a range of Rules, Standards and Framework Specifications that govern the approval and on-going quality assurance of social work education and training programmes at qualifying and post qualifying levels along with the approval of practice learning providers.
They establish the Social Care Council’s role and function in each area and are supported by Standards specific to each area of governance. They ensure that education and training providers deliver programmes that are consistent, high quality and aligned with the needs of the profession and the public.
Quality Assurance Framework
To support this role, the Council sets and monitors the standards. The Quality Assurance Framework for Education and Training Regulated by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (Revised 2022) sets out the key principles, requirements and outcomes for quality assurance of:
- The Degree in Social Work (Approved Programme Providers).
- Designated Practice Learning Providers (DPLPs) for the Degree in Social Work.
- Post-qualifying education and training (Professional in Practice (PiP) Framework for Social Work).
- Continuing professional development (CPD).
The Social Care Council meets its regulatory function through consistent application of the quality assurance framework at all stages. Processes are designed to provide sufficient evidence that the Rules and Standards have been met and will continue to be met during the approval period. Decision making at all stages is evidence based and informed by risk intelligence.
Professional Advisers (registered and experienced social workers) in the Social Care Council make professional judgements, based on evidence, to ascertain if the required standard has been met. Standardisation exercises and Professional Adviser Panels ensure that appraisal of evidence is fair and consistent.
The system is designed to provide assurance that:
- Regulated provision meets the Social Care Council’s Rules, Standards and Requirements and delivers on the Framework Specifications;
- Social work training at qualifying and post qualifying levels is fit for purpose;
- Action is taken where problems are identified with the process and/or outcomes of provision;
- Service users and carers and employers are assured that provision supports social workers in meeting their registration requirements, including practising in a safe and competent manner;
- An ethos of continuous improvement is promoted.
An annual accountability report provides assurance to the Social Care Council Board and is published on the Council’s website.
There are a number of important differences in the Social Care Council’s legislative authority, at qualifying and post qualifying levels – to learn more click on the tiles below.