Pre QDT meeting Thursday 31st May 2007

Lorna, George and Lisa (SQA Officer) convened a meeting in SQA's Glasgow offices on Thursday 31st May with representatives from Further Education and Local Authorities in attendance.

Among the issues discussed, were potential membership of the Qualification Design Team (QDT) and preliminary suggestions regarding the framework of the HND. The group also discussed the aspirations of the HND and how this will influence the development.

The group formulated a diagram of how the HND may sit in relation to current qualifications and job roles. You can view it by clicking here.

SQA Design Principles for HN Qualifications and Guidance on SCQF levels

Both of these documents will help guide the Qualifications Design Team (QDT) in the development:

HN Design Principles (click here)

SCQF Guidance on levels (click here)

Framework for Social Work education in Scotland

Framework for Social Work education in Scotland (click here)

Final Scoping report into an HND for the Social Services Sector

For final report click here

Social Care Influences on the Development of the HND - Report of the 21st Century Social Work Review

CHANGING LIVES - REPORT OF THE 21st CENTURY SOCIAL WORK REVIEW

Report published in 2006 considering the role of the social worker in the 21st century, the challenges and the changing nature of the role and society.

Social Care Influences on the HND - Scottish Executive report 'Social Work: a 21st Century Profession'

SOCIAL WORK: A 21st CENTURY PROFESSION

In February 2006 the report and recommendations of the 21st Century Social Work Review were published. The report represents a watershed in social work services in Scotland setting out a compelling agenda for change.

This document identifies a number of key priorities for Social Work education and training in Scotland and considers the relevant objectives and priorities for the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education (SiESWE).

Early Years and Childcare Influences on the HND Development - National Review of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce

National Review of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce - Scottish Executive Response

Scottish Executive response to the National Review of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce, published in August 2006.

Early Years and Childcare Influences on the HND development - Scottish Executive report 'Getting it Right for Every Child'

Getting it Right for Every Child

Scottish Executive consultation from September 2005 - "In this consultation we are seeking views on how to improve children's services and on our proposals for action to achieve the desired change, including improvements to the Children's Hearing System. This affects all agencies and services who provide care and support for children and their families. This includes local authorities, police, NHS Scotland and voluntary sector organisations".

The Report is divided into four sections -

1 - Improving children's services

2 - Proposals for action

3 - The Integrated Assessment Framework, Records and Plans (IAF)

4 - Your response

Powerpoint presentations from the Briefing Session on 23rd March at Marriott Hotel, Glasgow

Please click on the following links to access the Powerpoint presentations given at the Briefing Session of 23rd March:

Summary of the Final Scoping Report on an HND for the SSS

Background to the development of an HND for the SSS

Process and projected timeline for development of an HND for the SSS

Report on Briefing Session held at Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, 23rd March 2007

The purpose of this briefing session was to inform people of progress to date in the development of this new award and to identify potential members of the course development group and unit writers. The session was well attended with an interesting range of representatives from all sectors involved. We had also received written apologies and comments from a number of individuals who were not able to make it on that day.

The session was presented by Lorna Trainer and George Baker of L&G Learning (Scotland) who have been appointed as project managers in the development of this exciting new award. They were joined by Linda Green of LMG Associates who had carried out the original HND Scoping Report.

After welcome and introductions, Linda summarised the main findings of the Scoping Report and responded to questions and comments from participants. George then presented some more background which demonstrated where this new award would fit in with existing and planned developments. Lorna concluded by outlining the process and timeline which we intend to follow in developing the award.

This was followed by some small group activity which aimed to identify possible difficulties and opportunities in the process. Feedback from these activities was generally positive and although difficulties were recognised, some new ideas and lines of approach were also contributed. Overall we were impressed by the general sense of enthusiasm for the new award.

A big thank you to everyone who managed to come along. Copies of all the presentations and reports referred to are available on the blog for you to have another look at if you wish. More importantly, there will be opportunities to further discuss and debate the points raised.

George Baker

Welcome

The purpose of this Blog is to encourage and facilitate open discussion and sharing of views on the new development of an HND qualification for the Social Services Sector. Contributions welcomed from everyone who may have an interest.

It is also intended to keep people up to date on the progress of this development.

The validity and integrity of SQA awards depends on the co-operation and participation of our stakeholders. Care Scotland have enjoyed tremendous support over the years and are looking forward to your participation throughout this development. Lorna Trainer and George Baker from L&G Learning are managing this project.