Social Care Workforce Reform - Frequently asked Questions

If you are entering the registered social care workforce and are new to social care from September 2024 the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be available for registration and completion.

You will have a maximum of 6 months to complete the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice.

No, the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice does not replace the requirement on employers to provide appropriate induction for new staff and to ensure that no employee is placed in positions to provide care/support that they have not been adequately prepared and trained for. The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be part of the induction process and your employer has a responsibility to ensure you are trained appropriately for your service area.

All staff will be required to undertake Induction. The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be undertaken as part of induction for new staff entering social care. The employer will determine when staff are ready to directly work with service users in the early phase of employment as is the current situation.

Yes, you must be in employment with a social care organisation to undertake the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice.

You should commence the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice as soon as possible on commencing work with a social care organisation as part of your Induction.

There will be elements of knowledge required, assessment of competence in the subject areas and evidence of reflection of what you have learnt and put into practice. As an accredited qualification the delivery of the Certificate will be delivered by a training provider, approved by an Awarding Organisation in conjunction with your employer.

Each module within the Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be assessed by an Assessor who may be employed by your organisation.

See the SCC Qualifications and the Social Care Qualifications Guide page for more information about the main qualifications appropriate to working in Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

From a point in time (to be agreed) completion of the Level 2 Safe and Effective Practice Certificate would be followed by undertaking the Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care. The completion of the Level 2 Safe and Effective Practice Certificate is the start of your continuous learning journey which may follow a qualifications route from Level 2 to Level 7 and other learning and development opportunities.

Health and Social Care qualifications can be supported by employers. The Apprenticeship Framework is available for those working in the Independent Sector and Voluntary sector. Health and Social Care qualifications can also be provided through training providers and Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland.

The North West Regional College is the regional hub for Health and Social Care qualifications in Northern Ireland, however as indicated above, other Further Education colleges offer these qualifications.

The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be applicable for staff working in children’s services although the initial focus during 2024 will be on staff working in adult services.

The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice will be an accredited qualification awarded by CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment).

You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence that will include a reflective log regarding your learning and development.

The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice is an entrance level certificate for those new to social care.

The Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice is an entrance level qualification. Its purpose is to develop our social care workforce continuous learning and development and help ensure high quality, safe and effective social care practice.