NSWQB Functions
The NSWQB is the Irish recognition authority for social work qualifications and the competent authority for the profession of social work in Ireland in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Its functions form the basis for the NSWQB’s strategic and business plans and are set out in S.I. No. 97 of 1997 as follows:
- carry out any and all functions carried out by the National Validation Body on Social Work Qualifications and Training prior to the making of this Order
- grant the National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW) to persons who have successfully completed recognised courses
- advise on the equivalence of qualifications obtained otherwise than in an Irish third level institution
- advise the Minister, Health Boards, other health agencies and voluntary hospitals, Government Departments, public sector employers and other employers as to which courses provided in the State have been recognised by the National Social Work Qualifications Board for the purpose of awarding the NQSW, should any of the above seek such advice
- advise the Minister of the standards which should inform the education and training of Social Workers in the State
- advise the Minister and other relevant Ministers of the specific content of recognised courses, having consulted with Government Departments who employ social workers
- determine and agree, in consultation with third level institutions providing or proposing to provide at any time in the future, academic and professional social work education and training, the development of course content for the education and training of social workers in the State
- Assess from time to time, as occasion may require, but in any event not less than once in every five years:
- the suitability of the social work education and training provided by any institution recognised by the Board for such purpose
- the standards of theoretical and practical knowledge required for social work qualifications
- whether the education and training of Social Workers meet these requirements as laid down in EU Directives and other legislation passed by the Council of European Communities
- maintain in accordance with rules made by the Board a record of NQSW certifications granted to social workers who have successfully completed recognised courses pursuant to the above paragraph of this article
- issue letters of accreditation to social workers with non-national qualifications
- maintain in accordance with rules made by the Board a record of letters of accreditation issued to social workers with non-national qualifications
- engage in research into the education and training of Social Workers including the formulation of experimental curricula and the evaluation of existing programmes and examinations and assessment procedures
- maintain statistical records and make such records available for research and planning, including manpower planning purposes, and
- undertake such other appropriate tasks and functions as may be assigned to the Board from time to time by the Minister.
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