Congratulations, you have now successfully graduated as a newly qualified Social Worker (NQSW) – what next?
All students intending to practise social work in Northern Ireland must apply to register as a NQSW on the Social Care Council Register.
To begin this process the Social Care Council needs to confirm the award of your qualification with your university. This happens a short time following the release of your exam results.
Once we receive your degree results from your university, we will contact you.
Scroll down to learn more.
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How do I register as a newly qualified social worker?
Once your results have been confirmed, you will receive an email from the Social Care Council with a personalised link so that you can apply to register as a NQSW.
There are three things to remember:
- Please take no action until you receive an email with your personalised link.
- Do not try to register any other way, or by completing any other type of application form.
- Do not share your link with anyone as it is personalised to you.
If you have any queries about your results before registering with the Social Care Council, please contact your course provider directly.
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Why is registration important?
All registered social workers are required to develop and maintain their knowledge and skills to practise competently and safely.
As a NQSW, you must register on the social work part of the Social Care Council Register before you can commence AYE. This means you must now agree to abide by the Social Care Council’s Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Workers (2015)
AYE is designed to ensure that NQSWs are fit and competent to be on the Social Care Register and that they meet the requirements to maintain their registration. Employers must confirm to the Social Care Council that NQSW’s are fit to practise as a fully accountable social worker before the AYE condition can be removed.
AYE also means:
- NQSW’s are registered with a condition of successful completion of AYE and once they apply to register on the social work part of the Register – this condition is automatically applied.
- The registration AYE condition is effective for a calendar year (198 working days minimum) from the date that you start employment as a social worker.
- During the AYE year you will be supported and supervised by a registered social worker and must meet the required level of competence.
- You must pay an annual registration fee.
See the Social Care Council website for more information about registration, how to register, registration fees and Fitness to Practise.
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Click on the tiles below to learn more about:
- Your AYE responsibilities
- Employer AYE responsibilities
- AYE Audit
Associated Resources
You can access key guidance and forms from the associated resources on the right-hand side of the page.
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Contact Us
If you need more information or guidance contact us at: AYE@niscc.hscni.net.
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