Hi Sheila, I currently hold an NVQ 3 in health and social care and have been a health care assistant for thirteen years working in a number of fields. I have started a new job and am now in my sixth month and they have informed me that I need to attend the care certificate course, this does not seem to be right?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear K,

Thank you for your question.

The Care Certificate is intended to be delivered at the beginning of a first job in care.

This is what Skills for Care says on their website.

The Care Certificate is an agreed set of standards that sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors. It’s made up of the 15 minimum standards that should be covered if you are ‘new to care’ and should form part of a robust induction programme.

The Care Certificate:

• is the beginning of the career journey for those new to care
• is a foundation for health and adult social care integration
• ensures those new to the sector are supported
• is endorsed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• is a CQC expectation – all employers should now be offering it.

Although the Care Certificate is designed for new staff, it also offers opportunities for existing staff to refresh or improve their knowledge and skills.

https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/inducting-staff/care-certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx

It is important to note though that employers will need to satisfy themselves that you have the competencies identified in the care certificate.

That shouldn’t be difficult as you have 13 years’ experience and have achieved NVQ level 3 in health and social care.

I hope this is helpful.

Sheila