Consultation response to SSSC proposals on expanding the register

Adult day care service

When we refer to adult day care services we mean services registered with the Care Inspectorate as a support service without care at home

Support worker - adult day care service

A support worker in an adult day care service is a worker who provides care and support directly to adults using adult day care service

Job role and function

Support workers are likely to undertake a range of tasks which will vary depending on the setting. They will ensure delegated tasks are carried out according to set schedules.

They are responsible for developing their practice for the best outcome for the service and the individuals they support. The support worker reports to their line manager/supervisor who has responsibility for delegating tasks. A support worker will have direct engagement with individuals who use services to carry out a range of tasks.

A support worker in an adult day care service is likely to:

support effective communication in day care services where adults are cared for or supported
work with individuals to provide care and assist in activities to promote wellbeing and independence
support individuals to communicate their food and drink choices and assist where necessary
support individuals with their personal care needs including access and use of toilet facilities, maintain their personal hygiene and manage their personal appearance
contribute to the implementation of care or support plan activities by carrying out specific activities, provide feedback and contribute to revisions eg how well activities meet individual preferences and help to achieve planned outcomes
uphold the rights of individuals including the right to be in control of their lives, to be respected and to have personal information kept private
relate to individuals and work in ways that support rights, inclusion and wellbeing of individuals
keep self and individuals safe and secure including carrying out health and safety checks before you begin work activities, ensuring your actions support health and safety, and taking action to deal with emergencies
develop practice including reflecting on your current skills and knowledge in the workplace, taking opportunities to improve your practice and applying learning in the workplace
support the safeguarding of individuals eg clarify your own understanding about safeguarding and what you must do in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for support workers in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Support workers are often the first connection with people, providing human rights-based support through relationships. There should be recognition via registration of the service quality assurance tasks in the role

To what extent do you agree that support workers in an adult day care service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

The comment in question 4 applies. Registration would provide a parity of recognition for the role and the supported person. This will be important for the other key contributors of quality of services delivered to the individual service user, their family and carer

Qualification requirements

The proposed qualification requirement is the SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 6.

The proposed qualification is in line with support workers in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for support workers in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

SVQ level 6 appears to be the right level of qualification and responsibility to ensure a high standard for this workforce.

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for support workers in adult day care services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other support workers which is currently £25 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for support workers in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

While this seems proportionate, we are concerned about the current position where the LA pays for the registration of some regulated staff, while others staff are left to pay the fee themselves.

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

CPL is necessary for the development of everyone who works in social work, social care and the children and young people workforce. CPL supports a workforce that is capable of designing, delivering, evaluating and improving high quality care and service.

You will have to show that you have engaged in CPL every year and you will be asked to undertake relevant learning which covers all of the core learning elements in the CPL model. We propose that CPL is in line with the requirements of workers who are registered on the social care and children and young people parts of the Register.

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for support workers in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Agree. Providing assurance of completed training is important to employer and supported people. As there is no national set curriculum, each IJB area will have expectations of the workforce and evidence should be provided as part of the annual registration/licensing to practice process.

Practitioner - adult day care service

A practitioner in an adult day care service is a worker who provides care and support to adults using adult day care services and who has responsibility for coordinating the implementation of care plans. This may include holding keyworker responsibilities.

Job role and function

Practitioners carry out a range of tasks whilst also supporting the planning for some of these tasks. They provide support to other workers. They apply their specific learning and knowledge when planning or carrying out their role. They will have direct practice duties with individuals using the service as well as delegating general duties to support workers.

A practitioner in an adult day care service is likely to:

monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of yourself and others for whom you are responsible and promote safe working practices
contribute to the assessment of care or support needs and preferences of adults in a day care service
support the development and implementation of care or support plans and contribute to the review of these plans
develop and sustain effective relationships with staff in other agencies
participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals and others to assess individuals’ needs
work together to plan, implement and evaluate personalised care or support packages
work with individuals to identify development activities
plan, implement and evaluate the activities through working in partnership.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for practitioners in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

We believe that more work needs to be done on this specification. We would expect relationship-based practice to be a key feature. These posts are key human rights enablers providing support to ensure people achieve social justice and help people navigate complex social systems. In its current form the role looks like it’s task rather than relationship based. We are also struck by the distinction between the inclusions in the adult support worker description which are not included here. It is not clear to us why this is the case and recommend that both are revisited for quality and accuracy.

To what extent do you agree that practitioners in an adult day care service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

Practitioner - adult day care service

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

This role is key to giving meaning and effect to human rights to people using adult day services, particularly the exercise of choice and control. This, and not a list of tasks, is what is fundamental to the role.

Qualification requirements

The proposed qualification requirement is the:

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 7

HNC Social Services.

The proposed qualifications are in line with practitioners in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for practitioners in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for practitioners in adult day care services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other practitioners which is currently £35 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for practitioners in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

The fee schedule should be equivalent to the previous role. It’s not clear why those in adult day services roles are required to pay £10 more.

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for practitioners in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

See above. Training and learning and development opportunities should be evidenced in this role.

Supervisor - adult day care service

Do you wish to answer the consultation questions in relation to supervisor - adult day care service?

A supervisor in an adult day care service is a worker who has responsibility for supervising workers and overseeing and monitoring the implementations of care plans.

Job role and function

Supervisors support services through prioritising service tasks and delegating these to a relevant worker or practitioner. They have a responsibility to develop the service capabilities of the team in a way that best serves individuals. They also support the quality assurance of the service through supervision of workers, monitoring, overseeing and implementing care plans and outcomes.

A supervisor in an adult day care service is likely to:

be responsible for the supervision of other workers, such as support workers and practitioners eg supervising their practice and monitoring compliance in relation to policies, procedures and best practice relevant to the assessment of risk, safe working practices and safeguarding
promote effective communication within the service
promote the health, safety and security of self and others for whom they are responsible within the service eg monitoring and maintaining health, safety and security; promoting working practices that are safe, healthy and secure; minimising risks arising from emergencies
develop their practice within the service setting eg reflect on their own practice in the workplace and take action to enhance their practice by using

opportunities for development

promote the safeguarding of individuals eg establish understanding about safeguarding and what must be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse
be responsible for assessment of care needs and the development and implementation of care plans.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for supervisors in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

This description does not highlight the crucial human rights responsibilities, relationship-based practice, social justice, and ensuring the exercise choice and control. More work on this description, in line with the recommendations above, is required to align this description to the aspirations outlined in the vision for social work and social care to which the SSSC has contributed. The current outline is risk focused and deficit based rather than aspirational and person centred.

To what extent do you agree that supervisors in an adult day care service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Qualification requirements

We propose that there will be a practice and supervisory qualification requirement.

The proposed practice qualification is the:

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7

HNC Social Services.

PLUS

The proposed supervisory requirement is the:

PDA Health and Social Care Supervision

A qualification that contains at least 15 credits at SCQF level 7 of supervision or management theory and practice specifically for a supervisor of a care service.

The proposed qualifications are in line with supervisors in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for supervisors in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Supervisor - adult day care service

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for supervisors in adult day care services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other supervisors which is currently £35 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for supervisors in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

Registration fees

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for supervisors in an adult day care service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

As leaders and managers there should be evidenced CPL

Offender accommodation services

When we refer to offender accommodation services we mean services registered with the Care Inspectorate as offender accommodation services.

Practitioner - offender accommodation service

A practitioner is a worker who provides care and support to adults using offender accommodation services and who has responsibility for coordinating the implementation of care plans. This may include holding keyworker responsibilities.

Job role and function

Practitioners carry out their role and support planning for a range of tasks. They provide support to other workers. They apply their specific learning and knowledge when planning or carrying out their role. They will have direct practice duties with individuals using the service as well as undertaking tasks as directed by more senior workers.

A practitioner in an offender accommodation service is likely to:

monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of yourself and others for whom you are responsible and promote safe working practices
contribute to the assessment of care or support needs and preferences of individuals in offender accommodation services
support the development and implementation of care or support plans and contribute to the review of these plans
develop and sustain effective relationships with staff in other agencies
participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals and others to assess individuals’ needs
work together to plan, implement and evaluate personalised care or support packages
assist with initial and ongoing risk assessments of supported individuals
support and assist individuals in crisis situations, and/or manage physical risk or behaviour likely to cause incidents, in accordance with the support plan or service protocol
administer or prompt medication and ensure that medication protocols are adhered to
liaise with landlords and similar others on behalf of supported individuals
maintain confidentiality with shared information.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for practitioners in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 3

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

The descriptions in the consultation consistently avoid relationship based practice and human rights protection. This is equally important for services supporting people living with convictions. We are also very concerned to see no reference to relational security which should be a fundamental underpinning of the approach taken in accommodation services of this type

To what extent do you agree that practitioners in an offender accommodation service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Regulation in this area is long overdue, so this is very welcome.

Practitioner - offender accommodation service

Qualification requirements

The proposed qualification requirement is the:

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 7

HNC Social Services.

The proposed qualifications are in line with practitioners in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for practitioners in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Practitioner - offender accommodation service

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for practitioners in offender accommodation services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other practitioners which is currently £35 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for practitioners in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for practitioners in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Supervisor - offender accommodation service

Job role and function

Supervisors support services through prioritizing a range of tasks and delegating these to relevant workers. They have a responsibility to develop the service capabilities of the team in a way that best serves the individuals they work with. They also support quality assurance of the service through supervising staff and reviewing outcomes.

A supervisor in an offender accommodation service is likely to:

promote effective communication within the service
promote the health, safety and security of self and others for whom they are responsible within the service eg monitoring and maintaining health, safety and security; promoting working practices that are safe, healthy and secure; minimising risks arising from emergencies
develop their practice within the service setting eg reflect on their own practice in the workplace and take action to enhance their practice by using opportunities for development
promote the safeguarding of individuals eg establish understanding about safeguarding and what must be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse
be responsible for the supervision of other workers, such as support workers eg supervising their practice and monitoring compliance in relation to policies, procedures and best practice relevant to the assessment of risk, safe working practices and safeguarding
ensure the needs of individuals are prioritised and that they are provided with safety and care that promotes social inclusion and enables them to reach their potential whilst maintaining public protection
assess risks and needs to develop individualised risk management and integration plans that allow individuals to move safely and successfully to independent living.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for supervisors in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

See above re the lack of any reference to relationship-based practice, relational security or human right protections

To what extent do you agree that supervisors in an offender accommodation service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Qualification requirements

We propose that there will be a practice and supervisory qualification requirement.

The proposed practice qualification is the:

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7

HNC Social Services.

PLUS

The proposed supervisory qualification is the:

PDA Health and Social Care Supervision

A qualification that contains least 15 credits at SCQF level 7 of supervision or management theory and practice specifically for a supervisor of a care service

The proposed qualifications are in line with supervisors in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for supervisors in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

Qualification requirements

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for supervisors in offender accommodation services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other supervisors which is currently £35 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for supervisors in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for supervisors in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Manager - offender accommodation service

Job role and function

Managers will hold responsibilities for the overall management, development and quality assurance of care and support provided in the service, including the supervision of staff and the management of resources. They contribute to community safety and the reduction of offending behaviour.

A manager in an offender accommodation service is likely to:

lead the planning and processes for care and support plans ensuring effective outcomes that meet the needs of the individuals
comply with organisational procedures and any legal requirements
ensure a high-quality service is provided in line with legal, regulatory requirements and operational standards
provide leadership, management, support and motivate workers
build and maintain relationships with funders and stakeholders to ensure that service improvements are made
deliver outcomes which meet the needs of individuals and is proportional to any risks presented
be registered with the Care Inspectorate as manager of the service
lead and maintain effective communication systems and practice
be responsible for the continuing professional learning of yourself and others through staff development and performance development review systems
lead practice around safeguarding and know what action to take in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse
lead practice to reduce and prevent the risk of danger, harm and abuse
have overall responsibility for health and safety in the service
be the first point of contact for complaint handling
hold overall responsibility for budgets and oversee management and deployment of workers and resources for the service
have overall responsibility for completing quality assurance processes for the service eg Care Inspectorate annual returns
manage multi-agency working arrangements and joint working agreements
lead and manage provision of care services that promotes the wellbeing of individuals
monitor and manage the quality of the provision of the service
comply with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements
lead practice that promotes the rights, responsibilities, equality and diversity of individuals.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed job role and function for managers in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

As above answer: relationship-based practice, human rights protections and relational security are missing.

To what extent do you agree that managers in an offender accommodation service should be registered with the SSSC?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Qualification requirements

We propose that there will be a practice and management qualification requirement.

The proposed practice qualification is the:

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 9

PLUS

The proposed management qualification is the:

SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF Level 10

Any award that is certificated at or above SCQF level 9 (min 60 credits) and mapped against the National Occupational Standards: Leadership and Management for Care Services at SCQF Level 10.

The proposed qualifications are in line with managers in children and adult services.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for managers in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for managers in offender accommodation services is set at the same level as the registration fee for other managers which is currently £80 (fees are subject to change).

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for managers in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Manager - offender accommodation service

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

CPL is necessary for the development of everyone who works in social work,

social care and the children and young people workforce. CPL supports a workforce that is capable of designing, delivering, evaluating and improving high quality care and service.

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for managers in an offender accommodation service?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Social work assistant

Proposed description of a social work assistant

Social work assistants support the coordination and management of cases and support social workers to carry out statutory responsibility within their role. Social work assistants may contribute to risk assessments and contribute to statutory work supporting individuals subjected to statutory orders and have a caseload, however the accountability for this work rests with the qualified social worker.

To what extent do you agree that this describes a social work assistant?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 2

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Social Work Assistants are key to giving meaning and effect to human rights to people using social work services, particularly the exercise of choice and control. This, and not a list of tasks, is what is fundamental to the role.

How would you describe a social work assistant?

We have identified the function of a social work assistant as someone who is likely to:

always work under the direct guidance and support of a qualified social worker and supervising manager
participate in partnership working
assist in contributing to assessment of needs and risks as required
support needs and risk assessment outcomes to reduce levels of risk to individuals
contribute to the development of care/action plans
maintain service user/carer contact as required
engage with families and carers
ensure risk assessment and risk management procedures are followed to promote safe working practices
develop and sustain effective relationships with individuals ensuring to work towards improved outcomes.

To what extent do you agree that this describes the function of a social work assistant?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

Please provide a list of functions you think better describes the role of a social work assistant.

Missing, as previously mentioned, is the central role in supporting human rights, person centered care and relationship based practice. These should be explicit in every social care role

Qualification requirements

We recommend there is an academic and practice qualification requirement for social work assistants.

The proposed academic qualification requirement is:

Certificated Knowledge - An award of certificated knowledge with 96 academic credits at or above SCQF level 7

HNC Social Services

AND

The proposed practice qualification is the:

SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 / SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7

The proposed qualifications for social work assistants are in line with residential childcare workers.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed qualification requirements for social work assistants?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Registration fees

All registrants must pay a fee. The proposed registration fee for social work

assistants is set at the same level as the registration fee for practitioners which is currently £35 (fees are subject to change).

You can see all our current registration fees here.

You can read about proposed changes to registration fees here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed registration fee for social work assistants?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

SASW has previously expressed a concern about the impact of any fees increases on recruitment and retention in social care. This also applies to social work assistants. While we acknowledge that fees are required, the vast majority of SWA, if not all, are in LA posts. The LA is likely to be obliged to pay the fee to retain SWAs, which will come on top of a LA settlement below inflation, in top of the ENIC hike and in addition to the resource pressures that the necessary NQSW protected year provides.

Social work assistant

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) requirements

You can find out more about the core learning elements and CPL requirements here.

To what extent do you agree with the proposed CPL requirements for social work assistants?

Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'strongly disagree' and 5 is 'strongly agree'.

SASW Response 4

You can provide more information here to support your answer.

Equalities issues

What, if any, do you see as the main equality related issues that you feel could arise from the proposals set out in this consultation?

Social care is a predominantly a female profession and the addition to the register of these groups adds an additional fee on to the cost of practice. These roles are also traditionally held by people at the lowest end of the earnings scale. Some employers may pay those fees on worker behalf but that seems unlikely give the ENICS increase. These are also entry level roles. Equivalent roles in the NHS do not require this level of qualification. While we support the increase in public protection that expanding the register and requiring the workforce to be appropriately qualified, we are concerned that it might have an impact on recruitment and retention