Minister announces compulsory registration of NI social care workers

Northern Ireland Health Minister Simon Hamilton has announced his intention to introduce compulsory registration for social care workers in domiciliary care and day care settings. 

Speaking at the Health and Social Care Board Adult Safeguarding event to mark World Elder Abuse Day, the Minister said that his Department is committed to registering the whole of the social care workforce in Northern Ireland, with the primary aim of strengthening public protection.

The Minister said: “More than 23,000 social care workers, including social workers, are already registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC). It is my intention that compulsory registration will be introduced for the remaining groups of social care workers in domiciliary and day care. This will bring an estimated 12,000 additional workers onto the NISCC Register. Details regarding the timeline are to be confirmed but it is hoped to progress roll out this year. This will mean Northern Ireland will be leading the way across the UK.

“Social care workers provide care and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Many work unsupervised in people’s homes. Registration will give greater confidence and assurance to service users, their families and the wider public that those entrusted to provide this care are suitable and safe to do so.”

Colum Conway, NISCC Chief Executive said: “This is a milestone for the social care sector. Registration and regulation provides an opportunity to raise standards of learning and practice right across the sector. The continuing development of a social care workforce equipped with the skills and practice standards to deliver quality services is a key element of the vision to establish a safe, sustainable and resilient social care service in Northern Ireland.”

The Commissioner for Older People, Claire Keatinge, said: “I welcome the announcement that all social care workers in the domiciliary care and day care settings are to registered, and I believe this is a very positive step in building confidence in providing care for all those who need it, particularly older people.

“I would ask that the Minister now outline a detailed timetable for implementation at the earliest opportunity to ensure that positive improvements are made to domiciliary care for older people today and for future generations.”