PQ Partnership

Partnership Contacts


	> The PQ Staff Team

About NIPQETP...

Our Mission Statement

"The central aim of the Northern Ireland Post Qualifying Education and Training Partnership is to provide a facilitating framework for the continuing professional development of social care and social work staff. Its business is about promoting the improvement of standards of service and care received by the consumers of personal social services, through the fostering of staff development and professional competence."

Who are we?

NIPQETP within NISCC comprises a range of bodies representing both education and professional interests.

It's members come from voluntary and statutory social work agencies and educational institutions involved in the delivery of post qualifying education and training in social work.

What do we do?

NIPQETP, as part of NISCC, is responsible for delivering the NI Post Qualifying Framework in Social Work Education and Training which supports the continuing development of social work staff throughout their careers.

The Northern Ireland Post Qualifying Framework

What is the Framework?

The NI PQ Framework is an education and training framework for social workers wishing to develop and enhance their skills and qualifications throughout their career in the social work profession.

What is the structure of the Framework?

The NI PQ Framework has a range of professional requirements that can be achieved through a modular approach leading to three professional awards:

The Specific Award in Social Work
The Specialist Award in Social Work
The Leadership/Strategic Award in Social Work

Candidates can achieve their Award through:

An Accredited Programme Route
An Individual Assessment Route
A Combination of both of these Routes

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The PQ Staff Team

Professional Manager – Marian O'Rourke
		Marian works on a full time basis to manage the work of the Partnership and its staff. Marian is responsible for overseeing the work of all of the Boards and Committees .. Marian works directly with the PQ Partnership Committee, its sub-committees and with the Quality Assurance Board and is currently engaged in all aspects of the implementation and development of the NI PQ Framework.

Professional Officer – Helen McVicker
		Helen works on a full time basis with particular responsibility for the work of the Quality Assurance Board for the UK PQ Framework; Enrolment in the NI PQ Framework, the Accreditation Board, the APL Sub-Group and the development of the PQ Database.

Professional Officer - Janet Moffett
		Janet works on a part time basis 2.5 days per week. She has particular responsibility for the work of the Assessment Board, the Information and Development Group and for events and promotions.

Database Manager – Audrey Cusick
		Audrey manages the PQ Database which records and reports on data on enrolment, progression and achievement by Candidates, accreditation and monitoring of programmes, work of the Boards and Committees and professional development within the PQ Partnership. Audrey has detailed knowledge of the capacity of the PQ Database and can advise on reporting capabilities.

Office Manager – Alison Shaw
		Alison manages the PQ Office and has line management responsibility for the administrative assistants. She oversees all of the administrative systems within the PQ Partnership and works directly with the Boards and Committees. Alison has detailed knowledge of the structures and systems supporting the implementation of the NI PQ Framework and can provide initial advice on developments.

Administrative Assistant – Ruth Tovey
		Ruth provides administrative support to all aspects of the work of the PQ Partnership and is often the first point of contact. She can advise on initial enquiries and can provide appropriate direction for further information.

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