Achievements recognised at NI social work awards

The dedication and hard work of 118 social workers from across Northern Ireland who attained awards on the NI Post Qualifying Framework for Social Work was publicly acknowledged at a recent awards ceremony in Ballymena.

The awards were presented at a lunchtime ceremony in the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena where the Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Mrs Audrey Wales MBE welcomed the successful social workers along with NISCC staff and Council members.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor said: “This event celebrates the dedication of social work staff from across Northern Ireland who have committed their time and energy to further developing their skills and expertise. The post qualifying opportunities in Northern Ireland are second to none in terms of professional reputation. It is encouraging that, despite all of the pressures of everyday work, people are prepared to further enhance their knowledge so that they can be even better equipped to deliver on the vitally important responsibility to protect the public.”

The NI Post Qualifying Framework offers a range of professional requirements that can be achieved through a modular approach. Modules can be achieved by completing an accredited programme, by submitting work on an individual basis for assessment or through a combination of both methods.

Achievement of these professional requirements can lead to the three professional awards:

• NI Specific Award in Social Work -To develop and enhance competence beyond the Social Work Degree level and help prepare for movement into more specialist work.
• NI Specialist Award in Social Work- For those involved in complex work requiring high levels of responsibility and accountability.
• NI Leadership and Strategic Awards in Social Work- For those influencing developments and influencing others.

James Perry, NISCC Chair said: “This is very much an occasion of celebration for the successful candidates, their families and the organisations they work for. On behalf of the NISCC, I commend the commitment of our successful social work candidates in completing these Post Qualifying Awards whilst carrying on with the vital task of providing social work services for our communities. Commitment to ongoing learning and development is key to ensuring that our registrants are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to support and protect people in our communities.”

Guest speakers included James Perry, Chair of NISCC; Christine Smyth, Deputy Chief Social Services Officer at DHSSPS; Joe Blake, Chair of NISCC PQ Partnership; Cllr Mrs Audrey Wales MBE; and Glenn Houston, Chief Executive of RQIA.

Pictured at the recent NISCC Post Qualifying Awards event in the Tullyglass Hotel Ballymena are: L-R: James Perry, Chair of NISCC; Christine Smyth, Deputy Chief Social Services Officer at DHSSPS; Joe Blake, Chair of NISCC PQ Partnership; Mark Bradley, Director of Registration and Corporate Services at NISCC; Patricia Higgins, Director of Regulation and Standards at NISCC; Cllr Mrs Audrey Wales MBE; and Colum Conway NISCC Chief Executive.

To find out more about post qualifying awards, visit: http://www.niscc.info/index.php/registrants/social-workers/social-work-professional-development