South East London Lifelong Learning Network (SELLLN) and Skills for Care South East London Sub-Region, hosted a joint funded event that came from requests put forward by the Skills for Care South East London Sub-Regional committee. The primary aim of the conference was to raise awareness and provide information on the important changes taking place in the learning and development of health and social care workforce.

The conference targeted and engaged with social care employers across South East London and from small, medium sized enterprises including those operating in the statutory, voluntary and Independent sectors.  Other stakeholders targeted were social care educators from Further Education colleges and Higher Education providers, as well as small and medium training providers. The event took place at King’s College London, on 24 November 2009 and covered 3 main themes, including information for practitioners about the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), Social Care Apprenticeships and the 14-19 Diploma in Society, Health and Development.

Speakers from Skills for Care were Laura Anthony and Voyta Camek, from the National Apprenticeship Team (NAT). Laura delivered a presentation on the development of the Diploma in Society, Health & Development and Voyta spoke about how Apprenticeships can be used in professionalising the Social Care Sector. Maddy Thomson, Skills for Care Regional Development Manager for London, gave an informative presentation on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and implications for employers.

David Jackson, Employer Services Manager from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) spoke about the service’s strategic aims, and his presentation included sector specific case studies. Marlene Joseph, Managing Director of H.O.P.E Superjobs Ltd, presented on the experiences of an Employer Champion for Social Care Apprenticeships in London and Jacquie Mutter, Director Curriculum & Development, OCN London Region presented on working in partnership with Skills for Care and Skills for Health with a view to developing QCF qualifications for the sector. The final presentation was given by Amy Samuels, Assistant Headteacher at Forest Gate Community School, where the 14-19 Diploma has been in operation for the last 18 months.

Evaluation for the event concluded that delegates found the day very useful with clear information given in an informal atmosphere. Delegates commented that the day was interactive and included a good range of information given by interesting and relevant speakers.

Future events were requested on funding for the QCF and higher level NVQ’s. Thank you to all who attended and presented.

Speaker presentations are available to download on our events page.