The PQSW consists of two parts:

Part I recognises the level of competence achieved by a social worker who has consolidated the learning acquired by the point of DipSW qualification.  Candidates will normally be expected to meet Requirement PQ1 first.  Part I of the PQSW should involve the quantity of effort and evidence required to attain one third of the full award, i.e. a minimum of 40 professional credits and approximately 400 hours of notional student efford.  The GSCC will issue a certificate to all candidates who have been assessed as attaining this level of competence.  PQ1 is the entry requirement for both the Child Care Award and the Aproved Social Worker Award.  

Part II recognises the competence of social workers who are involved in complex work and who have gone on to contribute to the development of others, e.g. students, colleagues, volunteers, foster carers, etc.  Part II of the PQSW should involve the quantity of effort and evidence required to attain two thirds of the full award, i.e. a minimum of 80 professional credits and approximately 800 hours of notional student effort.

Parts I and II are made up of six general and two core requirements.  The core requirements must be demonstrated and assessed in an integrated, holistic way, through the general requirements.

Core requirements
In meeting the general requirements all candidates must:

a)    evaluate the effectiveness of their practice using a relevant knowledge base, including an understanding of legal and policy contexts and appropriate research;

b)    demonstrate an explicit adherence to the values of social work and to the provision of ethically sound practice.

General requirements
All candidates must demonstrate:

PART I
PQ1    that they have improved and extended the level of competence acquired by the point of qualification;

PART II
PQ2 competence in working effectively in complex situations;

PQ3 competence in exercising the powers and responsibilities of a professional social worker, including the appropriate use of discretion and the management of risk;

PQ4 ability to make informed decisions;

PQ5 competence in identifying and maintaining purposeful networks and collaborative arrangements;

PQ6 competence in enabling others through management, supervision, consultations, practice teaching or direct contributions to education and training.