Consultation
6.From June until October 2012, the Department and NISCC undertook a joint consultation on proposals to reform the model of regulation used by NISCC to ensure that regulation of the social care workforce in Northern Ireland remains in line with best practice in relation to registrants who are subject to conduct investigation and processes.
7.The consultation attracted a total of 90 responses from a variety of sources including registrants, employers, trade unions, key stakeholders from the statutory and voluntary sector as well as professional organisations and universities providing social work education and training.  The responses were overwhelmingly supportive of the proposals.
8.From November 2012 until January 2013, the Department and NISCC undertook a further joint consultation on proposals to provide for more flexible methods for the attainment of the required standards of proficiency in relevant social work.
9.This consultation attracted 38 responses from a variety of sources including registrants, employers, services users and carers.  The responses received were supportive of the policy proposals.