PQ Resources
Involving people who use services, and carers, in PQ for social work
This guide supports the development of the Regional Planning Networks (RPNs) that underpin the introduction of the new post-qualifying (PQ) framework for social workers.
It is based upon the extensive body of work from various sources that looks at effective and appropriate ways of working with people who use services, and with carers, to improve service provision and delivery.
The guide precedes the publication of wider national strategies for increasing the participation of people who use services, and carers, in Skills for Care's work.
However, the principles for people's participation in PQ programmes outlined in this guide are consistent with what is expected of those forthcoming strategies.
The guide includes sections on:
- The eight principles for involving people who use services, and carers
- Structures and systems for involving people who use services, and carers
- Identifying individuals and networks, encouraging involvement
- Planning events
- Creating networks, building relationships
- Ongoing support and development
- Payment
- Checklist for employers working with PQ programme providers
- Proposals for activity
Involving people who use services and carers (pdf file, 32pp, 650kb)
Experiences of PQ Study in Social Work (December 2006)
This document was originally commissioned by the social work Practice Learning Taskforce, hosted by Skills for Care, for publication as part of the Capturing the Learning series summing up the Taskforce's work.
However, it became apparent that this particular piece of work had even greater relevance to Skills for Care's post-qualifying in social work project, which supports employers' partnerships with higher education to implement the new PQ framework promulgated by the General Social Care Council.
Skills for Care is therefore very grateful to the team at Sheffield Hallam University for this work, and is pleased to publish this full edition of it on the Skills for Care website, and extracts from it in the Skills for Care employer's guide to PQ.
- Experiences of PQ Study in Social Work (pdf 365kb)
Objectives
- To provide guidelines for an appropriate PQ framework and pathways for the sector
- To develop implementation tools and to advise on what constitutes PQ in social care for the range of occupational groups. This would take account of current regulatory frameworks' requirements, and evidence/knowledge based practice about best CPD approaches
- Engage all employers (Local Authorities, not for profit, community and private sector) in planning for the new PQ framework with strategic funders and learning providers
- Develop a regional planning, commissioning and review structure
- The network must include all universities accredited for PQ based in or operating in the region
- The network must be linked to the LRN
- Skills for Care regional networks must have a key strategic role
- The network must show how it is building on past experience and drawing on available expertise
- The network must be employment-driven and membership must include employers from all relevant sectors
- Service users and carers must be enabled to play a key role as regional stake holders
- There must be clear mechanisms for the commissioning of all programmes.
1.1 The new planning framework must satisfy the following requirements:
The planning and commissioning process must cover both regional, sub regional and local arrangements
PQ Employer's Guide
Post-qualifying training is now a key component of continuing professional development for social work staff. The new PQ framework comes into place from September 2007.
Its employer-led, modular nature means it can be used as CPD for qualified social workers, while also allowing non-social worker staff to undertake specific modules.
This approach to PQ will support the key strategic drivers in the sector.
The General Social Care Council maintains responsibility for the conclusion of the current PQ system and the transition process to the new framework, with Skills for Care taking a strategic lead in the development of new, employer-led, regional planning structures.
These structures should be driven by employers, who are best able to identify their current and future workforce development needs.
The guide has been designed so that employers who need specific information can use that section only, but those who need a wider brief can use the whole document.
In order to support employers in this work, the employer's guide has been developed with the following downloadable sections:
PQ resources
