PDA Scrutiny and Improvement Practice (Social Services) SCQF level 10

The principal aim of the PDA in Scrutiny and Improvement Practice (Social Services) at SCQF level 10 is to provide a qualification that will enable learners to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values needed to ensure positive outcomes for people using services as well as enabling registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

During the development of this qualification, SQA have consulted with the SSSC,  employers and service users/carers in both the voluntary and private sector that are affected by the work of the Care Inspectorate. Practitioners at all levels have also been involved in the development of the award to ensure the award is fit for purpose.

The PDA has been designed to offer learners the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, which will enable them to:

• Meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Inspection of Services in Scotland
• Meet the requirements for registration with Scottish Social Services Council
• Support the aspirations and vision of the Care Inspectorate
• Allow learners to gain new knowledge and consolidate skills to achieve the competence and confidence to deliver high quality scrutiny and improvement through the development and critical analysis of practice
• Evidence high-level certificated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Authorised Officers in the Care Inspectorate

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. Learners must be working in a scrutiny and improvement role.

Learners should have well developed communication and inter-personal skills. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in their areas of practice. This may be demonstrated by relevant professional qualifications at SCQF level 9 (or equivalent), or above with relevant experience in a social services or other related setting. Acceptance of relevant equivalent qualifications and experience will be at the discretion of the centre.

The Units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Inspection of Health and Social Care Standards.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to SCQF level 11 qualifications.

Centers interested in offering this qualification require 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 Systems and Qualification Approval Guide. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the Group Award Specification (Arrangements Document).

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