The Social Care Council is the awarding body for the Professional in Practice (PiP) Framework, Northern Ireland’s framework for post-qualifying social work education and continuous professional development.
Under section 10(1) of the legislation and in the exercise of its (Social Care Council’s) powers the Social Care Council has set Rules for the Approval of Post Qualifying Education and Training for Social Workers and the Recognition of Attainment of the Standards of Proficiency (May 2020).
The Rules are made with the consent of the Department of Health and govern the manner in which social work education and training including how the PiP Framework is developed, delivered and recognised.
What is the Professional in Practice (PiP) Framework?
The PiP Framework:
- Sets standards of proficiency to be attained by social workers through courses or other methods of learning;
- Approves PiP education and training programmes;
- Recognises professional achievement through PiP Awards and learning achieved through multidisciplinary training;
- Awards certificates to successful candidates;
- Responds to the professional needs of employers;
- Complies with any policy, standards, guidance and targets set by the Department of Health.
Quality Assurance
Quality standards and assurance are at the heart of the PiP Framework. All education and training delivered through the framework is assessed against established quality standards with oversight arrangements to ensure consistency, relevance and high standards of professional practice.
Quality Assurance
The Social Care Council is the awarding body for the PiP Framework. The following professional awards are available:
- NI Consolidation Award.
- NI Specialist Award.
- NI Leadership and Strategic Award.
- NI Advanced Scholarship Award.
The awards recognise professional competence against defined Standards of Proficiency and can be achieved through a flexible, modular approach that supports both partial and full award attainment.
Routes to Achievement
There are four routes available for achieving a PiP Award:
- Approved Programme Route.
- Work-based Learning Route.
- Individual Assessment Route.
- Credit Accumulation Route (currently under review).
Professional in Practice Partnership
The Social Care Council oversees post-qualifying social work education and training through the Professional in Practice (PiP) Partnership. The Partnership is a subcommittee of the Social Care Board, reporting directly to the board and providing strategic leadership and support for the ongoing development, delivery and evaluation of the framework.
The Partnership:
- Chaired by a Social Care Council Board member.
- Brings together representatives from employers, higher education institutions and key stakeholders such as the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).
- Supports continuous improvement and quality assurance across the framework.
- Meets quarterly to oversee strategic and operational developments.
Committee Structure
The PiP Partnership is supported by three sub-committees:
- Approval Panel.
- Assessment Panel.
- Information and Development Forum.
Approval Panel
The Approval Panel is responsible for approving and reapproving programmes and courses seeking recognition within the PiP Framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Review programme submissions against PiP approval standards.
- Ensure programmes meet required quality and professional standards.
- Monitor compliance with any approval conditions.
Possible Outcomes
The Panel may award:
- Full Approval.
- Approval with Conditions and/or Recommendations.
- Not Approved.
Assessment Panel
The Assessment Panel oversees the Individual Assessment Route and ensures fair, consistent and robust assessment arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Consider individual assessment submissions.
- Quality assure assessment processes.
- Support the training and standardisation of assessors.
- Receive independent oversight from an External Examiner.
The Panel normally meets twice each year.
Information and Development Forum
The Information and Development (I&D) Forum supports learning, collaboration and continuous improvement across the PiP Framework.
The Forum:
- Shares information and good practice.
- Supports development and improvements and innovation.
- Contributes to the ongoing evolution of the framework.
- Does not make decisions on behalf of the Partnership.
The Forum meets three times per year and includes representatives from partner organisations.
Learn More
For full information on the Professional in Practice Framework, awards, requirements and routes to achievement, check out Professional in Practice (PiP) Framework or visit the NISCC Learning Zone.