New professional qualification for carers launched
A new qualification to bridge the gap between health and social care training, The JRF Certificate in Care is launched today following the successful completion of a pilot programme. Fourteen students sponsored by private, public, and voluntary sector organisations across North Yorkshire have received the JRF Certificate in Care after 30 weeks' study. The launch of this new qualification is an important contribution to the training objectives set out in the Government's white paper last month.
Ken Dixon, deputy Chairman of the JRF, said that: 'This qualification will greatly help care providers ensure that they have the right mix of skills within their staff to meet the demands of the 21st century - not only in terms of social care needs but also in terms of the lifestyles and aspirations of those to whom care is delivered.'
The course recognises the diversity and complexity of needs of people requiring care in a residential or nursing care setting, or in their own homes. The JRF Certificate in Care equips carers with the skills and knowledge base necessary to help people fulfil their potential for an independent, dignified quality of life.
'I learned to treat the client as a person, not an illness', commented one of the students.
The students study a series of interlinked modules which include physical sciences, social behavioural sciences, problem solving, study skills, team working and activities relating to specific care interventions. Employers are already seeing benefits. One employer commented: 'I think she gained a great deal of maturity during the course, which enhanced her practice as well as her standing as a member of staff.' Another commented: 'The course has enabled her to understand in-depth knowledge. To link practice with theory. This is benefiting her, the establishment and the client'.
The Foundation has recently been given a National Training Award by the Department of Education and Employment for its work on this. Members of the press and photographers and film crews are welcome to attend the Awards Presentation at 2.30 pm, Wednesday 16 December at The National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York. Ken Dixon, Deputy Chairman, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Dr Jim Whittingham, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, will be presiding. Students and employers will be present.
