Ask Sheila 
Sheila will try to answer as many of your English Social Care questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector.
Sheila will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Sheila can not offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the CQC.
Latest Questions
Can I open a rest home of my own without QCS involved?
Hi Sheila, can I open a rest home of my own without QCS involved?
Dear Jackie, I have made the assumption that you wanted to ask about CQC registration rather than QCS the company, however have answered for both. In relation to CQC, the answer is...
Can you still display photos of past residents after they have either left the care home or passed away?
Hi Sheila, can you still display photos of past residents after they have either left the care home or passed away?
Dear Sharon, Thank you for your question. You do require the consent of the person or a family member to display their photograph. Often people will be asked for their consent to display...
I am a registered nurse working in a hospital, if I apply to be a registered manager in a care home, do I need a level 5 management course?
Hi Sheila,
I am a registered nurse working in a hospital, if I apply to be a registered manager in a care home, do I need to do a Level 5 management course?
Hi Kate, Thank you for your question. Neil Crawford says “It is not compulsory but CQC inspectors will normally ask for it or the details of an equivalent if not the stipulated...
Is the Level 2 qualification & Credit Framework qualification earned in England different to one in Wales?
Hi Sheila, Is the Level 2 qualification & Credit Framework qualification earned in England different to one in Wales?
Hi Lucy, Neil Crawford says: “Yes. However, much of it can be cross referenced over as RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) but not all". Hope this helps. Sheila
I have been asked by my manager to complete the care certificate due to being new in the social care role as part of training for the role. Is this acceptable?
Hi Sheila, I am a newly appointed social care assessor who has been working in health for nearly 20 years as a health rehabilitation support worker and more recently a senior occupational therapy technician. I have an NVQ 2 and two NVQ 3s, 1 in care and 1 in AHP.
I have been asked by my manager to complete the care certificate due to being new in the social care role as part of training for the role. Is this acceptable?
Hi Georgina, Yes, it is acceptable. The Care Certificate is an agreed set of 15 standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health...Is the National Vocational Qualification higher than the Level 2 Qualification & Credit Framework?
Hi Sheila, I have done my diploma level 2 Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) in 2017. Everyone is saying National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a lot higher than the QCF. Is this right?
Hi Sue, Neil says: “No, it is not true. QCF level 2 is the replacement for level 2 NVQ. Same award new name! Most assessment criteria remained unchanged.” Hope this helps! Best Wishes Sheila 
I have lost my NVQ Level 2 certificate, how can I get a replacement certificate?
Hi Sheila,
I worked for the Vale of Glamorgan Council about 8 years ago and passed my NVQ level 2 in Social Care but I lost my certificate due to moving house and illness. I cannot trace it and need confirmation that I did it.
Vale of Glamorgan Council say that it cannot be recovered due to the time delay. Surely it must be on file or registered somewhere. Hope you can help.
Dear Cheryl, I have discussed your question with Neil and if you know the awarding body that certified the qualification, then you can contact them for a copy. A certified statement will...
I am an occupational therapist, can I register with CQC as a registered manager?
Hi Sheila, I am an occupational therapist, can I register with CQC as a registered manager?
Dear Deborah, Thank you for your question. Registration as a Registered Manager always relates to a particular service. If you have been offered a job subject to registration with CQC as the Registered...
Can a carer cut a service user’s toe nails?
Hi Sheila, can carers cut a service user’s toe nails?
Dear Joanne, Thank you for your question. I think you would be surprised at how often I am asked this question and this is a response that I gave some time ago...
What formal qualifications do I need to become a CQC inspector?
Hi Sheila, I have worked in care sector since 1994. What formal qualifications do I need to become a CQC inspector?
Dear Joanne, This is the answer I gave to a similar question recently. "I cannot tell you exactly what training is required to be a CQC inspector. If you go to the CQC...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
