We asked:- Should post-registration training and learning be left to the employer and employee?

These are some of the comments we received.

“As a relatively new social worker, I think that post-qualifying training should not only be left to the employer/employee. I feel that social work as a profession needs some regulatory body that lays down a set standard that social work training should be aimed at nationally. I say this to guard against those agencies that does not set training as a priority which means that those staff ultimately miss out on valuable training needed for professional development.

I appreciate the argument that some practitioners feel that making social work more academic does not necessarily make a good social worker, that it is more about skills; but is that not the same for any profession? Maybe more needs to be done at the point of being a student in terms of being more stringent when passing students.  I think that if social work wants to raise its profile against other disciplines (where academia plays a more integral role) then something needs to be done (I am aware with the new degree this is beginning to be addressed).

Maybe a system that allows those of us who actually want to progress down a more advanced academic route could be thought about. In turn practitioners could be acknowledged for it in terms of salary or specialist posts for example? Some social workers already have masters degrees relevant to the profession but it doesn't feel recognised, but for those that don't want to pursue this route then they do not have to (instead just doing the mandatory training).”

Adele Leyland

“No.  There should be legislation that ensures employers pay for training but get to keep worker for a minimum of 10 years. This would create a better workforce with experience and qualifications. 

Employers should give sponsorship to children or young people at sixth form colleges to be trained in their specialist area with university degree sponsorship.  Also people in their 50s' should also be valued for development in the industry for they are more responsible and stable in their outlook.
 
Those who can study for a degree to bring them in line with work requirement should be sponsored as they could train others to take over when they retire.”

Izell Greenlea

“Social work is diverse and therefore post-registration training must encompass the needs and roles of individuals rather than treat social workers as a homogenous group. 

The 'one cap fits all' approach will not work.  Let the employers and employees agree what training is necessary for the development of each individual.”

Jayne Kirk

“At some point post-registration training and learning will be linked with the proposed common core requirements www.dfes.gov.uk/commoncore which will leave employers and employees with little choice in the matter.

There do not appear to be any links between common core and PQ but it makes sense to combine/link them.  Otherwise there will be two systems running alongside each other using different criteria to judge social worker competence.

It would be useful to put common core into the BA Hons in Social Work programme. This would give students the chance to develop core skills and knowledge in preparation for their chosen career.”

Mark Harrison

 "We welcome the comments that have been put forward to the survey on post-registration training and learning.

To keep their skills up-to-date every registered social worker needs to spend a minimum of 90 hours or 15 days on training and learning over the three-year registration period. 

The activities that will produce the most useful learning outcomes for any individual social worker will need to fit in with their current responsibilities, their own learning style and the training opportunities that their employer support. The new post-qualifying framework in particular will provide opportunities to support those social workers who want to extend their practice competence through formal learning.

Now that social work is a registered profession, the GSCC looks forward to continuing the debate and working with social workers and their employers to develop further the post-registration training and learning requirements."

Mike Wardle
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy
General Social Care Council