Qualifications and Apprenticeships Recommendations for CQC Providers Guide Workforce development to help deliver safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services Winter 2018 5
Introduction to this Section What does the regulator expect? As an outcome focused organisation, the CQC does not usually specify what qualifications must be held by care workers, senior care workers, supervisors, managers, directors, nominated individuals and others. There will be an expectation from the CQC that providers must have appropriate processes for assessing and checking that the candidate holds the required qualifications and has the competence, skills and experience required to undertake the role. However, the CQC does not publish a list of what qualification must be held at each role level. Contrary to what some employers may believe (or have been mistakenly advised), there is no regulatory requirements dictating specific qualifications must be held by care workers (e.g. all staff must have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification). Each regulated provider needs to decide what training and qualifications will enable them to deliver a safe, effective, responsive, well-led and caring service. The CQC registration team and inspectors may advise around learning and development if they do not believe the outcomes would be met by the provider. It is increasingly likely that those in more senior positions (e.g. the registered manager / nominated individual / directors) would hold appropriate qualifications but there is not a definitive list of what the CQC will or will not accept. The provider must prove to the regulator that their senior personnel are equally experienced and competent. See the Leadership and Management section. What does Skills for Care recommend? Skills for Care believes that from those commencing their career in adult social care to the most senior of positions, qualifications and apprenticeships can help to teach and embed new knowledge and skills and competences. From common care duties to specialisms across a range of topics and into more advanced leadership and management focus, there are a number of national qualifications that we recommend to those working in adult social care. Skills for Care has a long history of working with adult social care providers to develop and signpost care organisations to appropriate qualifications. We are also involved in the continued development of qualifications and apprenticeships. With new qualification and apprenticeships systems expected to be introduced over the coming year, we aim to keep employers informed on these developments and help you to choose the most appropriate opportunities for your workforce. The year ahead will see some major changes to qualifications and apprenticeships across all sectors. Where relevant, we highlight across this section what the anticipated changes are. 2
Click content heading to visit section For new care providers and managers, we recommend this full section is read. For those more familiar with our information and advice, the following links direct you to appropriate sub-sections: Adult social care qualifications 4 Apprenticeships 6 Diplomas in health and social care 9 Workforce Development Fund 17 3
Adult social care qualifications Adult social care employers are often presented with a large number of courses and qualifications to develop their people. For some organisations and individuals, the choice can be overwhelming and it is sometimes unclear which learning will provide the biggest benefit. Skills for Care recommends a number of Apprenticeships and Diplomas which we believe will provide a capable, confident and skilled workforce. Our website Qualifications and Apprenticeships sections advise what is available. In addition to national qualifications, other continuing professional development such as specialist courses and learning programmes is also recommended. While Skills for Care does not directly deliver the qualifications, our Endorsed Learning Providers can help you choose a quality service. In addition, our Workforce Development Fund enables of thousands of providers to reclaim some of the cost of these vocational qualifications. The qualifications we recommend are popular across the adult social care sector as they provide a consistent standard. They reflect what workers should know and do which is important for care workers who need to be competent in both. Diplomas remain the most popular qualifications in adult social care in recent years. The Diplomas can ensure that care workers from the beginning of their career up to management level are fit to practise and are equipped to offer quality care and support. Back to contents page >> 4
Apprenticeships An Apprenticeship is a combination of on and off the job learning and development. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills, getting paid whilst working towards a number of qualifications and gaining experience. The learning and development enables apprentices to gain relevant care skills that can include anything from supporting people to get dressed to transporting them to and from a care setting. In partnership with the Department of Health, we promote social care Apprenticeship programmes. Skills for Care does not arrange Apprenticeships for employers but our website provides useful information to help employers understand the benefits of providing Apprenticeship opportunities. Apprenticeships are a cost effective and low risk way for employers to grow their workforce and help improve the recruitment and retention of their staff. 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce (source: National Apprenticeship Service). Skills for Care has published a series of videos highlighting the benefits of Apprenticeships for both employers and their care workers here. Back to contents page >> 5
What Apprenticeships are available? Apprenticeships Standards Since 2017, the new Apprenticeships Standards have been introduced to replace the earlier Apprenticeships Framework. The Apprenticeships Standards include the usual ongoing assessment of competence by the employer and / or learning provider but also include an independent end point assessment. Choose from; Adult Care Worker (level 2) this is aimed at those new to the sector, including care assistants Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3) this is aimed at those progressing into senior care worker and supervisory positions Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Level 4) this is aimed at those progressing into assistant manager / team leader positions Leader in Adult Care (Level 5) this is aimed at those progressing into care management roles (forthcoming - September 2018) Please note that there is an expectation that the Care Certificate is either completed as part of the Apprenticeships Standards process or the apprentice can evidence they have previously undertaken it (or all associated areas of training). Whilst a new Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard is being developed, the current Apprenticeship Framework version is available until 31 August 2018. Higher Apprenticeship Care Leadership and Management England (includes Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care) this is aimed at those progressing into care management roles. Back to contents page >> 6
Apprenticeships Resources Skills for Care produces a range of resources for employers about Apprenticeships. Whilst we are not directly involved in their arranging or delivery, our guidance, funding and advice can help employers to choose the best way to develop new and existing workers. Our Workforce Development Fund can help limit the cost of delivering Apprenticeships with thousands of employers across the country benefitting from this funding. We also provide guidance about wider Apprenticeships funding and associated processes available from the Government. To reflect the latest information about the Apprenticeships, please refer to our Apprenticeships website section. 7
Diplomas in health and social care Skills for Care believes that anybody working in adult social care would benefit from being developed further beyond their induction. The qualifications that demonstrate occupational competence for social care workers are the diplomas in health and social care. The new Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) system replaces the earlier vocational qualifications known as QCF (and prior to that NVQ). However, the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care will remain open until 31 August 2018. Each RQF diploma will have a qualification specification. These have been developed by Skills for Care input. Only those qualifications that we have helped to develop and include our logo will be eligible for our Workforce Development Fund. For the latest information on the new RQF qualifications, please visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk/qualifications. Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF) The level 2 diploma will benefit care assistants, key workers, healthcare assistants and support workers. Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) The Level 3 diploma is for more experienced workers who have added responsibilities and offers them the chance to plan, carry out and evaluate activities. Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) This Diploma is the natural progression for senior care staff who wished to progress into assistant manager and team leader type roles. The qualification focus includes mentoring, implementation and assessment of assistive technologies, facilitating change, manage quality, and a choice of additional units. Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (QCF) This is aimed at managers and senior practitioners. Back to contents page >> 8
Workforce Development Fund The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) supports the on-going professional development of care workers across the adult social care sector within England. This funding provided by the Department of Health and distributed by Skills for Care s helps providers to develop their people using nationally-recognised qualifications. Adult social care providers can use the WDF to make a significant contribution towards the costs of care workers completing RQF qualifications. What can be funded? The WDF section of the website lists of what qualifications we fund. Employers should review this list and read through the eligibility criteria before committing their staff to undertaking the qualifications. Whilst the funding is not guaranteed, employers who regularly claim funding throughout the year will be in the strongest position to maximise this opportunity whilst the funding is available. Who is eligible for this funding? Those claiming funding must: be an adult social care employer (the funding is not available directly to learning providers) comply with the NMDS-SC requirements submit completed QCF unit summary sheets to evidence claims While the WDF cannot be accessed by learning providers, many learning providers promote the availability of the WDF to help employers reduce the cost of qualifications. Skills for Care cannot advise about wider funding opportunities available locally or through other. We would encourage providers to research all possible funding opportunities to make the most of these. Back to contents page >> 9
Recommendations for CQC Providers Guide Full guide includes: Introduction Leadership and management Recruitment and retention Induction, learning and development Qualification and Apprenticeships Improvement, innovation and continued success Download all from: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/cqcguide twitter.com/skillsforcare facebook.com/skillsforcare linkedin.com/company/skills-for-care Skills for Care West Gate 6 Grace Street Leeds LS1 2RP T: 0113 245 1716 E: information.team@skillsforcare.org.uk skillsforcare.org.uk Skills for Care 2018