Hello Sheila,

We have been advised by our employers that as from March 2018, NVQs and Diplomas in Health and Social Care become obsolete and are being replaced by the mandatory Care Certificate. Is this accurate?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear E,

Thank you for your question. All training delivered to Care Staff working in adult social care is important and rarely becomes obsolete. You are correct that there are some significant changes being made to qualifications and standards but any existing qualifications will continue to be recognised.

To look at the detail of your question and to begin with the Care Certificate which is a set of standards for staff working in both health and social care and is intended to be delivered to staff who are ‘new to care’. Staff recruited who are experienced do not have to undertake the Care Certificate but need to demonstrate that they have the necessary competencies required by the Care Certificate. This is training that should be delivered within the first 6 to 9 months of employment.

You can read all about the Care Certificate here:

http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/Care-Certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx

There are new qualifications in the Adult Social Care sector

On 1st January 2018, the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) was withdrawn to make way for the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Instead of me trying to tell you about the Regulated Qualifications Framework I think it would be best for you to read all about  the changes on the Skills for Care website:

http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/Qualifications/New-qualifications.aspx

So there are significant changes going on in training but anyone who has already started a course should complete it.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,

Sheila