PDA Children's Hearings in Scotland: Panel Members SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA for Children's Hearings in Scotland: Panel Members at SCQF level 7 covers the following skills: leadership, teamwork, effective communication, analytical thinking, decision making, influencing and negotiating skills.

It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study. Learners will complete assignments as part of ongoing learning and assessment and will demonstrate good practice through simulated exercises and their participation in children's hearings.

This qualification is available through the elected training provider.

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The PDA for Children's Hearings in Scotland: Panel Members at SCQF level 7 has been developed to provide a certificated qualification to improve practice and continuous development for individuals appointed as members of the National Children's Panel in Scotland.  

The award will equip candidates with the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver their duties and responsibilities in this role to ensure that the best interests of the child are served.

The Unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning.

The target audience is for individuals appointed as members of the National Children's Panel in Scotland.

Access

Because of the specialised nature of this Unit and others linked to the Professional Development Award for Children's Hearings in Scotland:  Panel Members, access is limited and all candidates must be recommended to the National Convener for appointment to panel membership.

The Units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for SVQ Social Services (Children & Young People) at Level 2 and Level 3.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to other SCQF level 7 awards.

Centres will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.

Examples of the proposed assessment methods are:

  • specially designed workbooks which contain appropriate scenarios to assess knowledge and understanding of essential theory and concepts
  • simulated exercises to evidence communication and interpersonal skills
  • case studies to develop critical thinking and to evidence theoretical understanding
  • assessed observation of group-based activities to ensure ability to work together as part of a team
  • observed effective practice in the role of chairing member at a children's hearing
  • workbooks which will be formally marked by the training provider to evidence communication and presentation skills
  • a statement of verification that the candidate is able to communicate effectively with children, young people and families

Group Award code: GH80 47 (24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7)

The PDA for Children's Hearings in Scotland: Panel Members at SCQF level 7 consists of three mandatory Units.

For further information on the Units and structure of this qualification please refer to the Group Award Specification