The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) has received funding, from the Office of Social Services (OSS), Department of Health, to support the social care workforce’s learning and development.
This funding is to train staff to become vocational qualification assessors in the field of Health and Social Care, across the independent (community & voluntary and private) and statutory sectors in Northern Ireland (NI). Private training organisations are also eligible to apply for this funding.
Funding for assessor training is available for the following Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland) qualifications:
- Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice.
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NI).
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NI).
- Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care Health and Social Care.
- Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
- Level 5 Diplomas in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care (both Adult Management and Adult Residential Management pathways).
Employers can apply using the Citizen Space online application process – just click the button below. The deadline for funding applications is 5pm, Friday 23 January.
We will aim to inform social care organisations of the outcome of their applications by 6th February 2026 at the latest.
Employers must commit to registering funded staff before 31st March 2026 and, in turn, to support these staff completing the qualification within the required time period.
All further terms and conditions, as well as guidance notes for applications can be found on the Citizen Space application form.
For any further clarification please email: Workforcedevelopment@niscc.hscni.net.
The Workforce Development Team
Northern Ireland Social Care Council