We are launching a new service to recognise the inhouse training programmes offered by social service agencies.

The service is a way to harness the untapped potential of inhouse training to help staff and volunteers gain national qualifications and follows a 12 month feasibility study.

The 14 study participants included two iwi social services – Te Runanga O Raukawa and Te Runanga O Ngati Porou; youth services – YMCA, GirlGuiding, Scouts, and the Young New Zealanders’ Challenge; as well as social services: Plunket, National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuge, Family Support Agency (Rangiora), Taeaomanino Trust (Porirua), OUTlineNZ, Aotearoa NZ Association of Supervised Contact Services, and the Federation of Family Budgeting Services. Child, Youth and Family also participated.

By the end of the study in July 2009, 13 of the agencies had identified both how their inhouse training aligned to unit standards in social services and reviewed their training systems.

That feasibility study concluded that the ITO’s capacity and sector interest was sufficient to introduce the service through a three-year roll-out plan with a full review in late 2012. 

If you would like to be included in the first phase of the new service, go here for the Expression of Interest Form and cover letter.

To find out more about the recognition service, contact Jac Lynch on jac.lynch@socialservicesito.org.nz, or phone 04 915 7711 DD, or 0800 558 558