As the regulator for the social work and social care workforce; and social work education and training, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (Social Care Council) has a range of statutory responsibilities set out in Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (the Act and underpinning legislation).
Partnership-Based Regulation
The legislation is permissive, allowing detailed regulatory requirements to be set through Rules rather than primary legislation. This approach supports a model of regulation that is responsive, collaborative and focused on protecting the public by promoting safe, competent and effective social work and social care practice.
Working in Partnership
Partnership is central to the Social Care Council’s regulatory approach. We work with:
- People who access services
- Social work and social care registrants
- Employers
- Education providers
- Government departments
These partnerships help shape professional standards, improve quality and strengthen public protection.
Collaborative Governance
As part of its governance structure, the Social Care Council Board has established a range of formal partnerships with committee status. These partnerships create stronger connections with key stakeholders and support shared responsibility for improving practice across the sector.
The Northern Ireland Degree in Social Work partnership (NIDSWP) was established to facilitate regional approached to degree delivery. It is an unincorporated association of education institutions and social work employers engaged in the provision of qualifying social work education and training and is accountable to the Social Care Council.
Continuous Improvement
Insights gathered through our partnership arrangements help identify emerging issues, gaps and opportunities for development. This creates a regulatory system where stakeholders work together to enhance the quality of social work and social care education and training.
Education and Quality Assurance
Partnerships involved in the delivery of social work education provide valuable intelligence and assurance. This complements the Council’s formal approval and quality assurance processes, helping to ensure high standards in both qualifying and post-qualifying education and training.
What are the regulatory arrangements?
To ensure the safety and quality of professional regulation, there are arrangements in place for the regulation of social work education and training in Northern Ireland and social work workforce regulation. These are aligned with the overarching legislation and underpinned by regulations and rules.