North South Co-operation

Recent changes in the political and economic climate, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, have opened up a range of new opportunities for cross-border co-operation. The potential gains from working together across the border to achieve common goals are now being highlighted in many different contexts.

Social work education and training is one of the areas that benefit from crossborder co-operation. The awarding bodies for social work - the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (NI) now Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) in the North and the National Social Work Qualifications Board in the South - recognised this in 1996 and were concerned about the then low level of co-operation and the issues in relation to recognition of qualifications.

The two organisations therefore embarked on their first joint project with a fact-finding focus. Since then, the number of common undertakings has grown steadily and now, some years later, co-operative structures are firmly established.

Thanks to the 1996 initiative, social work education and training is well ahead of many other areas in terms of North - South relationships.

Some of the aims of the co-operation include:

to increase understanding of social work qualifications North and South
to exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences
to move towards alignment and mutual recognition of qualifications across the island of Ireland
to increase mobility of social workers and social work students between the two jurisdictions

Joint activities so far include:

Comparative analysis
In 1998, a joint report was published which was a comparative analysis of social work education and training on both sides of the border. The production involved a fact-finding exercise, resulting not only in a report but also in improved understanding of qualification structures North and South, and an enhanced climate for co-operation. The report highlights many areas of mutual interest, such as placement exchanges, curriculum development and shared educational events.
Formalised liaison
Arising from the recommendations of the joint report, the two agencies set up a system of formalised liaison. This means, for example, that staff meet and communicate on a regular basis, and that executives meet twice a year. The Board and Committee of the respective organisations have also had a chance to exchange ideas at a joint meeting in Belfast. Through this formalised liaison, the organisations are more aware of and up to date on developments in relation to social work on both sides of the border.
Crossing Borders
In order to facilitate mobility between the two jurisdictions, the two organisations have developed a practical tool for cross-border practice.

The first phase of this project involved identifying the knowledge needed in order for a social worker qualified in the North to work in the South and vice versa, examining in particular the areas of social policy, organisational contexts and law. This information is published in "Crossing Borders – Social Work Mobility Study".

The second phase of the project involved developing "Crossing Borders – resource pack for social workers", which for example can be used as a college module and as the basis for an induction pack. The purpose of the resource pack is to equip social workers with the tools for working in either jurisdiction. It provides key information and reference points on legislation, policy and service delivery on both sides of the border.

For more information on North - South co-operation in the area of social work education and training please contact:

National Social Work Qualifications Board
8 - 11 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel. 01 - 676 6281
(from Northern Ireland 00353-1-6766281)
Fax. 01 - 676 6289
(from Northern Ireland 00353-1-6766289)
E-mail nswqb@nswqb.ie
Web www.nswqb.ie

On 1 October 2001, the functions of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW NI) were transferred to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

Northern Ireland Social Care Council
7th Floor
Millennium House
Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AQ
Tel. 028 - 90417600
(from the Republic of Ireland 048-90417600)
Fax. 028 - 90417601
(from the Republic of Ireland 048-90417601)

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