Annex 3: Available Training Opportunities

Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work

The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) is the main provider of the range of vocational, qualifying and post-qualifying awards for those working in social care and social work.

Vocational Qualifications

These are obtained through a system of assessment and are awarded jointly by CCETSW and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Care at Level 3 have a core unit which is mandatory for all staff in which they demonstrate that they have promoted communication with clients where there are communication difficulties. Staff at this level often work with people with complex needs without direct supervision and are expected to demonstrate an understanding of a range of communication difficulties, including sensory impairment.

SVQs have been reviewed recently and revised versions are coming onstream which will place greater emphasis on working with specific communication difficulties. There will be a mandatory unit on promoting effective communication and relationships for all Level 3 candidates who are undertaking the specialism in promoting independence. Some optional units have also been developed.

They are:

CL2 promoting communication with individuals who have communication difficulties;

CL3 promoting communication with others through the use of interpreting services;

CL4 arranging and evaluating interpreting services;

CL8 promoting communication through technology.

The Diploma in Social Work (DipSW)

CCETSW are the only awarding body for the professional qualification in social work. The competences required of social workers are generically expressed, but students can provide evidence of their competence through work with a particular client group or within a particular setting. CCETSW has produced guidance for teaching institutions on visual impairment, hearing impairment and multiple impairment. It is for institutions to decide whether to offer these. A dual qualification of a DipSW and a diploma of higher education in rehabilitation studies is offered at the University of Central England, specially for those who will work with visually impaired people.

Post qualifying level

There is a post-qualifying advanced award/MA course in Social Work Studies with Deaf People taught at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

In addition to the CCETSW/SQA Joint Awards SQA have:

• a diploma in continuing education and training needs which is intended for those in employment, is academic and designed for those working with post-school clients with specific needs, whether sensory, physical or behavioural.

• a professional development award in special learning needs only available in Dundee College;

• national certificates which are academic, four modules of which are about to be introduced on BSL.

Central Government

Central government also funds training for staff working with people with a sensory impairment via the specific training grant to local authorities. A number of voluntary organisations in the sensory impairment field are also in receipt of training grants via section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act.