On the 19 August 2026, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council launched a new suite of revised vocational social care qualifications, aligned to the Care in Practice (CiP) Framework.
The successful launch event marked an important step in strengthening and supporting the social care workforce in Northern Ireland. The Care in Practice Framework promotes a workforce that is confident, skilled and recognised for delivering safe, effective and person-centred care and support.
The launch event brought together colleagues from across the sector, including employers, practitioners, training providers and partners, to explore the updated qualification standards, and enable progression from entry level through to leadership.
The following new qualifications are now available for registration:
- Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NI)
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice (NI)
- Level 4 Diploma in Enhanced Health and Social Care Practice (NI)
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Services (NI)
If you missed the event, click on the links below to see a recording of the launch event and the presentation slides to learn more.
Go to Care in Practice (CiP) Framework to learn more about social care qualifications including the newly launched qualifications.
Click here to return to Qualifications for Social Care Practitioners and Managers.