GSCC sets out plans for a fully qualified social care workforce

Unqualified social care staff working in children’s homes, adoption and fostering agencies and outreach services could be forced to gain at least an NVQ level 2 qualification following registration with the General Social Care Council under proposals published by the social care regulatory body last week.

Having registered all qualified social workers, the GSCC is now looking to register all domiciliary and residential care workers in a bid to further raise standards and to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm caused by unsuitable workers.

The consultation on the next phase of registration of the social care workforce proposes that workers and managers of children’s homes, residential family centres, outreach services, fostering agencies and adoption agencies be registered over a six-year period.

Those holding no relevant qualification on registration would be expected to gain at least an NVQ2 – or possibly higher qualification depending on the type of worker – during the initial period of registration. Failure to do so could jeopardize chances of registration renewal.

The GSCC is proposing that registration for this group of workers cost between £20 and £30 per year, but that this could be staggered to reflect differing pay levels and could be paid by employers rather than individuals.

Mike Wardle, deputy chief executive of the GSCC, said: “Extending registration to those working in residential and home care will raise standards, increase public protection and help prevent abuse.

“Registration should also help raise the status of the important work these staff undertake by increasing public confidence in them.”

Consultation from www.gscc.org.uk. Closing date May 12 2006.