We are delighted to share that City & Guilds, a leading vocational education organisation, are set to introduce the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate which will be delivered through approved training provider organisations.
The Qualification has been developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in collaboration with Skills for Care and was set to launch in June 2024, however, in light of the recent election, we have been informed that the funding for this qualification has been temporarily suspended.
Here at the ARC Qualification Centre, as an existing accredited centre with City & Guilds for over 30 years, we expect to secure accreditation to deliver this qualification along with the Adult Care Diplomas, Level 2 to 5, as soon as it is available.
What’s it all about?
This qualification is based on the existing Care Certificate standards and is for individuals working in indirect care aged 19 and over. But unlike the current Care Certificate, it will be accredited and recognised throughout the sector, reducing the amount of repetition, and providing a baseline standard that will transfer between employers.
This certification aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals and increase the number of people in social care that hold a Level 2 qualification. This builds on the entry level 1 which prepares people as an introduction to the sector, by offering a more comprehensive recognised qualification, which delves deeper into the subject matter and will require individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills – with the intention of enhancing the skills and knowledge of individuals working across the adult social care sector.
It will equip professionals with the necessary competencies to deliver person-centred support, understand safeguarding, promote independence, and maintain dignity and respect. By obtaining this qualification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to upholding standards of excellence in adult social care practice. It also reflects the knowledge and behaviours of the ‘New to Care’ category outlined in the Care Workforce Pathway.
The qualification is likely to take an average of 6 to 8 months to complete, however, each learner’s journey will depend on their individual needs and experience, those newer to the sector may require more learning led by the employer/training provider. The qualification does not replace the need for an employer-specific induction or mandatory training, which remains the employer’s responsibility, but we believe a blended approach working with our ARC Assessors is the way forward so these two areas can/should be completed and work hand in hand alongside each other.
What does it cover?
The qualification specifications reflect the 15 topics in the original care certificate with amplification as to the depth and breadth required, and other areas have been updated to ensure consistency with the core capabilities framework.
Mandatory Topic Areas
- Understand own role
- Personal development
- Duty of Care
- Equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights
- Work in a person-centred way
- Communication
- Privacy and dignity
- Nutrition and hydration
- Awareness of mental health and dementia
- Adult safeguarding
- Safeguarding children
- Health, safety, and principles of basic life support
- Handling information
- Infection prevention and control
- Awareness of learning disability and autism – updated to ensure consistency with the Core Capabilities Framework
Funding
The Government announced it would be providing an investment of £53.91m, to help to fund around 37,000 individuals who enrol on the new qualification between June 2024 and March 2025. However, with the election announcement, this funding has been put on hold. More details will be available soon.
We will be sure to bring you more information as it emerges.
For more information please see Care Certificate qualification frequently asked questions from Skills for Care.
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