Social workers undertake a variety of specialised training which, although it may count towards your post-registration training and learning requirements, does not always count towards a professional qualification.
Some universities are now allowing certain types of training to be matched as credits towards a post-qualifying (PQ) award. The newly qualified social work (NQSW) standards that social workers now complete in their first year of practice are a good example of training that could be matched across to the current post qualifying (PQ) framework.
The first level of PQ (Specialist) is about consolidating and extending initial professional competence. Those social workers who have completed their NQSW standards could potentially exchange their NQSW achievement for academic credit towards a full PQ qualification. Some providers for example, have developed PQ modules on preparation for specialist practice at this first level to help social workers going into a range of specialist practice areas.
The second PQ level (Higher Specialist) focuses on knowledge and skills needed to make complex judgements and could be used as the entry level into PQ for those social workers who have already undertaken training beyond consolidation of their initial qualifying training.
The third level (Advanced) focuses on the knowledge and skills required for professional leadership and improvement of services and could be the entry level for a social worker who for example, has just completed advanced level training in advanced practice. The PQ framework is a flexible approach based on specific standards in a number of specialist areas. Gaining recognition for your skills through registering for a PQ award could not be easier. Please check our website for your preferred provider and make your training count - www.gscc.org.uk/Training+and+learning/
Continuing+your+training/
