By now all interested parties should be aware that Post-qualifying development is changing from a UK wide framework (UK PQ) to a Northern Ireland specific (NI PQ) framework. This will mean change in content, structure, routes and assessment of post-qualifying social work developments. Notably the NI PQ Framework will be assessed at Post Graduate M level rather than the Honours Degree level of the UK PQ Post-Qualifying Award. This change in level is a consequence of the new qualifying level for social work which is at Honours Degree level.
The last opportunity to make a submission under the UK framework for a PQ award passed on 1st March 2010 and candidates registered in the current UK PQ Framework for either the PQSW or the AASW have had the opportunity to complete these awards up until that date. Both PQSW and AASW will continue to be recognised as Professional Awards.
There are a number of things to consider with regard to the change from the UK PQ Framework to the NI PQ Framework.
UK PQ Framework
Enrolment for all of the UK PQ awards has ceased.
The current UK PQ (PQSW) and Advanced Awards (AASW) ceases to be awarded by NISCC on 31 September 2010. However new submissions will no longer be accepted. Despite the change the UK PQ awards, PQSW and AASW will retain professional recognition and value and will therefore not lose their relevance as a measure of professional competence.
Academic programmes accredited for the UK PQ Awards have made arrangements to enable candidates to finish before September 2010.
Candidates currently registered/enrolled with the NIPQETP for UK PQ and Advanced awards via the accredited programmes route have until June 2010 to complete their full awards and make a submission for the award. The PQ Partnership requires a period of time for processing before the final date in September 2010 when awards will be made.
Transition Dates from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council
“Key Dates and Arrangements for Transition; From the current Post Qualifying Framework to the new NI Post Qualifying Framework”
31 March 2007
Registration for PQSW and AASW ceased.
27 Sept 2008
GSCC ceased issuing awards.
1 Oct 2008
NISCC awarded PQSW and AASW to those completing in the UK PQ Framework.
30 Sept 2010
NISCC will cease awarding PQSW and AASW.
1 April 2007
Registrations for the Mental Health Award (MHA), Child Care Award (CCA) and Practice Teaching Award (PTA ) ceased.
27 Sept 2008
GSCC ceased issuing the MHA, CCA and PTA.
1 October 2008
NISCC awarded MHA, CCA and PTA to those completing under the CCETSW ‘Assuring Quality’ arrangements.
30 Sept 2010
NISCC will cease awarding the MHA, CCA and PTA.
Training in these areas of work (MHA, CCA and PTA) will continue and will be catered for in the new NI PQ Framework.
1 April 2007
Enrolment of candidates for the new PQ Framework commenced.
