The national launch date for the revised PQ framework is 1 September 2007. This has been chosen to give universities and employers time to establish effective employer-led planning and commissioning arrangements, through their regional planning networks. However, it will be possible for 'early start programmes' to begin from 1 September 2006, provided all requirements for approval are met.
Mirroring arrangements which have already been established by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) in relation to qualifying programmes for social work, the PQ approval process has two stages:
Stage 1 - Institutional approval
Stage 2 - Programme approval
Each stage must be endorsed by the regional Skills for Care or Children's Workforce Development Council Endorser.
1st Stage - Institutional Approval
Applications for 1st Stage approval apply to each institution and will only be required once. All universities or colleges wishing to offer programmes of study within the revised PQ framework will first be required to evidence to the satisfaction of the General Social Care Council the commitment of the institution to the framework requirements in terms of resourcing, infrastructure, personnel, quality assurance, partnership and regional planning. Once successfully approved in this way, universities and colleges will then be able to go on to design and deliver programmes, which will be employer-led and validated by the regional planning network. Full details of the requirements for Stage 1 approval are available from GSCC.
2nd Stage - Programme Approval
The second stage approval processes apply to each programme offered within the revised framework and an application will be required in relation to each new proposal.
For 2nd stage approval, the university or college must provide the following:
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details of the course;
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a report of the university's validation process;
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the programme specification drawn up in respect of the course in accordance with Quality Assurance Agency requirements;
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details of External Examiners;
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a signed statement in support of the programme arrangements from the regional Endorser;
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any material changes to the information provided for 1st Stage Approval.
Full details of the requirements for Stage 2 Approval are available from GSCC.
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