Experiences of a pilot project for the Post Qualifying Award in Social Work

Abstract

In 1990 the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) first set out its framework for Post Qualifying (PQ) professional development as part of a continuum of training in social care and social work. It devolved the establishment and maintenance of awarding bodies to regional PQ consortia. In 1995 government concern at the apparent lack of progress in candidates achieving PQ awards prompted CCETSW to intervene to establish two fast-track projects, one for Approved Social Workers and the other for holders of the Practice Teachers Award to gain the Post Qualifying Award in Social Work. This article focuses on the latter project, run in conjunction with the National Organisation for Practice Teaching, and disseminates some of its findings, primarily about the experiences of candidates. Many enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on their practice and to achieve formal recognition of their practice skills through the award. Others found the experience extremely difficult, particularly because of working under severe time constraints. It is argued that these experiences can be a valuable source of learning for the future with regard to planning a PQ framework within agencies.