Usually you or your employer will contact us when a training need is identified. This may occur through discussion with one of our assessors or through one of the sector organisations that works with us.  

Once contact has been made, one of our national office staff or an assessor will discuss your situation with you. You will then be asked to complete a formal application. Both you and your employer must complete and sign the application pack. This is to ensure you both understand the commitment you are making. 

Either an assessor or one of our national office staff will check the application and make a recommendation to either accept or decline it. The final decision is signed off by our Work-based Education Manager. The assessor will contact you to confirm the Recommended Assessment Plan and the assessment timetable. 

Police checks

It is important to note that for certain qualifications and to ensure client safety police checks will be required before you are sent on fieldwork placements outside your usual place of work. You may be asked to complete an Individuals Criminal Convictions Disclosure Form from the Ministry of Justice website.  

Having a criminal conviction will not automatically prevent you from going on placements, but further information may be required.  

Our policy on criminal convictions is guided by the Social Workers Registration Board policy on ‘fit and proper persons’ criteria to be a registered social worker and the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004. Contact us if you need advice.