Crossing Borders: Resource Pack for Social Workers (N.I.):
Social work context frequently asked questions

Are social workers required to obtain professional registration?
On 1 October 2001, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) became the body responsible for the registration of social workers. Social workers who intend to work in the North of Ireland are required to register with the Council.

NISCC sets requirements for the registration of social workers. Its functions are to:

set standards of conduct and practice for social care workers and their employers;
register all staff providing social care as a "seal of approval" that a worker is safe and competent to practice;
regulate social work training to ensure it prepares staff to do the job expected of them;
promote education and training for all social care staff.

NISCC has the power to suspend or remove workers from the register if they are unfit to practice.

Northern Ireland Social Care Council Web: www.niscc.info

Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SJ.
Tel: (028) 90520500. Fax: (028) 90520572. Web: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

Is there a professional social work association?
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Northern Ireland branch is the professional association for social workers in the North of Ireland.

BASW Northern Ireland , Douglas House, 397 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 3GP. Telephone: (028) 9064 8873 Fax: (028) 9064 8874 - E-mail: n.ireland@basw.co.uk - Web: www.basw.co.uk/nireland/

Is there a trade union for social workers?
The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) is the trade union for the public service generally, including social workers.

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, Harkin House, 54 Wellington Park, Belfast BT9 6DP. Tel: (028) 90661831. Fax: (028) 90665847. E-mail: info@nipsa.org.uk - Web: www.nipsa.org.uk

UNISON is also a trade union for the public sector and includes some social workers among its membership.

UNISON, Unit 4, Fortwilliam Business Park, 10 Dargan Road, Belfast, BT3 9JZ. Tel. (028) 90770813. Fax (028) 90779772. Web: www.unison.org.uk/northernireland

What is the social worker salary?
Social worker salaries are fixed on scales depending on grade, area of work and length of professional experience. When a position is advertised, enquiries can be made to the prospective employer about the scale applicable to the post. NIPSA, UNISON and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety may also be in a position to provide general information on salary scales.

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, Harkin House, 54 Wellington Park, Belfast BT9 6DP.
Tel: (028) 90661831. Fax: (028) 90665847. E-mail: info@nipsa.org.uk - Web: www.nipsa.org.uk
UNISON, Unit 4, Fortwilliam Business Park, 10 Dargan Road, Belfast, BT3 9JZ.
Tel. (028) 90770813. Fax (028) 90779772. - Web: www.unison.org.uk/northernireland
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SJ.
Tel: (028) 90520500. Fax: (028) 90520572. Web: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

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Crossing Borders: Resource Pack for Social Workers (N.I.): Social work context frequently asked questions

Crossing Borders: Resource Pack for Social Workers (N.I.):
Social work context frequently asked questions