What’s it all about?
Over the coming months, there are to be some important changes to NVQ qualifications in Health and Social Care (HSC), in line with all other Vocational Qualifications.
The most significant change for you will be that the current NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 will become Health and Social Care Diplomas (levels 2 or 3), and that your staff will be able to follow each of them using one of three Pathways, namely:
The Generic (or General) pathway
or The Dementia pathway
or The Learning Disabilities pathway.
In addition, it will be possible to use combinations of units to achieve smaller qualifications at Award or Certificate level in a candidate’s chosen area of work.
What should I do now?
Your first reaction may be to wonder whether you really need to bother with these new qualifications and, if you do, what might the consequences be. The questions below may be just some of those that initially come to mind. If so, you will find the answers by clicking on them.
1.Why do I and my staff need to bother with these new qualifications?
In the future, the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) will be compulsory and the only way for your staff to gain the necessary qualifications.
2.What will happen to the existing NVQ level 4 in Leadership and Management?
The current Leadership and Management in Care Services (formerly the Registered Managers Award) and the Health and Social Care (HSC) NVQ4, will become a combined qualification at level 5. It will be called the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.
3. Will my staff who already have NVQ2 and/or NVQ3 still be qualified?
Yes, workers who have undertaken relevant NVQs have already got legitimate qualifications that demonstrate competency. These qualifications will continue to be recognized once the new QCF is in place.
4. What about staff who have already embarked on (but not yet finished) their NVQs?
The awarding organisation will determine the time frame for completion of existing qualifications. Sufficient time will be given for learners to complete the qualifications. Learners will NOT be expected to transfer during qualifications as current qualifications will continue to be recognised.
5. Will these new qualifications still attract TSI funding support?
Yes, Skills for Care is very supportive of the new provision and will provide funding support for any unit currently available on the QCF.
6.What about the existing A1 and V1 Awards?
New qualifications for Assessors and Internal Quality Assurance Staff have been developed but they generally follow the same principles as the A1 and V1. Your Training Provider will explain the new units, which will be familiar to existing Assessors and Internal Verifiers. If you would like further information, click here .
7. Do all Short Courses need to be accredited?
No, courses and training can take place outside of the QCF. Skills for Care have no plans at present to change the funding support offered to Short Courses in areas such as First Aid.
8. How do I enrol my staff for the new qualifications?
Your Training Provider will be able to answer any questions you may have and to enrol your staff onto the new Qualifications in much the same way as at present.
9. How does QCF link to other initiatives?
For more details on how QCF links to other initiatives, click here.
10.How do I find out more specific details and updates regarding the new HSC qualifications?
For more specific details and updates about the new HSC qualifications, click here.
