VQ /CPD

Vocational Qualifications (VQs)

Both the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the General Social Care Council (GSCC) in England are responsible for the registration of the social care workforce which is a major part of the drive for higher standards in social services.  This means workers must typically have a Vocational Qualification (VQ) in Health & Social Care.

At CHOICES CARE we support our staff/employees to achieve the appropriate level of VQ required to meet the registration requirements of their role.

A Scottish or National Vocational Qualification (SVQ or NVQ) is a work based qualification recognised throughout the UK.  Workers who achieve S/NVQs demonstrate they are competent at certain abilities relating to their work.

To assist our staff to meet their registration requirements we have established a partnership with West Lothian College to facilitate the VQ assessment process.

 

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

At CHOICES CARE we encourage all our staff to make effective use of both formal and informal learning in pursuit of their continuous professional development (CPD).  Some of the potential sources for learning are outlined below with website links where appropriate.

As part of registration, all workers will be required to undertake an amount of continuous professional development in order to maintain their SSSC registration.  The SSSC has produced the Continuing Professional Development for the social service workforce report which sets out the objectives for CPD for the social service workforce in Scotland. It applies to workers at all levels and stages of their careers and is underpinned by the SSSC Codes of Practice.  

Further Education colleges provide a wide range of learning and development services including health and social care.

Visit http://www.ascol.org.uk/colleges.cfm for more information.

Professional Bodies like the Nursing and Midwifering Council can provide invaluable support and advice in many areas

Other organisations such us Learn Direct Scotland - http://www.learndirectscotland.com/ or The Scottish Social Services Learning Networks - http://www.learningnetworks.org.uk can also help you to continue your professional development.