7th Floor Millennium House
19-25 Great Victoria Street
Belfast BT2 7AQ
Web: www.niscc.info
From September 2004, the Degree in Social Work has become the recognised professional qualification for all social workers, Probation Officers and Education Welfare Officers in Northern Ireland. This degree replaces the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) and previous social work qualifications awarded in the UK by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work.
The Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) and all its predecessor equivalents will continue to be recognised by the NISCC and employers, as an appropriate qualification for social work, however, entry to all DipSW courses closed in 2003.
A detailed information pack is available from the NISCC at www.niscc.info
The following universities have been approved by the NISCC to deliver and award the Degree in Social Work:
The University of Ulster also offers the Degree in partnership with 4 Institutes of Further and Higher Education as follows:
A new framework for post qualifying education and training for social workers in NI has been published and is effective from April 2007. The NI PQ Framework provides a range of professional awards in social work, based at postgraduate M level and beyond. To enrol for an award, candidates must be qualified social workers registered with the NISCC on the social work part of the register. Advice on available courses and enrolling for PQ Awards is available from the NI PQ Partnership.
Northern Ireland Post-Qualifying Education and Training Partnership, Unit 2a, 2 River's Edge, 13 -15 Ravenhill Road, BELFAST BT6 8DN. Phone: (028) 9046 1495. E-mail: info@nipqetp.com - Web: www.nipqetp.com
On 1 October 2001, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council replaced the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) The Council is responsible for regulating social work. Social workers who intend to work in the North of Ireland are required to register with the Council. The first groups of staff required to register with the Council were social workers, team leaders, residential childcare staff and heads of residential homes and day centres. Social work students undertaking the Degree in Social Work are also required to register prior to commencement of their course.
Good character, good conduct, physical and mental fitness to practise and competence are all assessed as part of the registration process. In addition social care workers are required to complete post-registration training and learning activities, which will help ensure their continuous professional development.
Northern Ireland Social Care Council Registration Team Web: www.niscc.info/registration
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