Skills for Health champions and demonstrates the benefits of an approach to workforce learning and development that is based on common currency of national workforce competences.
As the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for health across the four UK countries, we are responsible for health related Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQ) although in some areas these qualifications are the joint responsibility of and are jointly owned by Skills for Health and Skills for Care and Development.
What are S/NVQs?
S/NVQs are unitised, flexible qualifications which are developed to meet patient/client, individual, professional and organisational needs. The competences/National Occupational Standards (NOS) within the qualifications can also be used for continuous professional development (CPD) and career progression.
Comprising of a specific number of units of learning underpinned by the NOS/NVQs are characterised by their vocational nature where candidates are assessed on their ability to perform and demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There is no grading of S/NVQs. They are offered at levels 1-5 which reflect the achievement for the candidate and not related to pay bands or the career framework levels. They are also a component of an apprenticeship framework at levels 2 and 3.
Benefits of S/NVQs
For the:
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Learner: a variety of specialist pathways that lead to a flexible qualification which allows for career development and progression
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Professions: develops competent healthcare support roles and a step onto and up the career framework
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Organisations: a tool to support staff in developing their skills and knowledge. They ensure that staff are qualified for the job they are doing and can deliver safe and effective high quality healthcare.
Awarding Bodies
Successful candidates receive their S/NVQ from awarding bodies who approve and work alongside training providers, assessors and internal verifiers to ensure they reach the standard set out by Skills for Health.
These awarding bodies keep all information in relation to registered training and assessment centres which provide S/NVQs.
Endorsements and Extensions
Any organisation seeking an endorsement from Skills for Health for a particular qualification or award click here.
S/NVQs Available
There are many S/NVQs other than those indicated on this web page available to staff working within the health service, voluntary and independent health sector. Full listings on these can be found on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications
S/NVQ Health
There are currently 20 named pathways, at levels 2 and 3, aimed at staff in the health sector undertaking various support /assistant roles. Within the NVQ for England, Wales and Northern Ireland additional new pathways in Pathology Support and Endoscopy Support are available.
For related documents for the current S/NVQ Health please click below.
S/NVQ in Health Qualification Structure
S/NVQ in Health Assessment Strategy
S/NVQ in Health Competence Matrix
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - AHP
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - BDS
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - CHS
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - DEC
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - END
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - GEN
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - HSC (level 2)
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - HSC (level 3)
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - PCS
S/NVQ in Health - Competences - other competences
Click here to go to completed competences.
S/NVQ Support Services
At level 2 the Support Services in Health Care qualification contains units relating to Portering, Housekeeping, Health Records and Patient Administration.
For related documents for the current S/NVQ Support Services please click below.
S/NVQ in Health & Social Care (joint responsibility and ownership with Skills for Care and Development) This is offered at levels 2, 3 and 4 and is aimed at staff employed in assistant roles which span health and social care. For related documents please click below.
S/NVQ in Health and Social Care (joint responsibility and ownership with Skills for Care and Development) Related Documents
S/NVQ Dental Nursing Related Documents
S/NVQ in Pharmacy
The project to update the Pharmacy National Occupational Standards, SVQ and QCF Pharmacy Service Qualification Structures and Assessment Strategy is now completed.
The existing S/NVQ qualifications have been extended until September 2010 to ensure sufficient time for the development of the new QCF and SVQ units for both the competence and knowledge qualifications at Levels 2 and 3. This work is currently being undertaken by awarding bodies in partnership with sector representatives and it is envisaged that this will be completed in time for a September 2010 delivery.
Due to a number of changes the LSC and DCELLS will no longer support non compliant apprenticeship frameworks, this includes the current Level 2 Pharmacy Assistants and Dispensers Apprenticeship Framework 287 at Level 2 only . This will mean that training providers will temporarily be unable to register new learners onto this framework form 1st August 2009.The Advanced /Apprenticeship for Pharmacy Technicians at Level 3 remains fully compliant and new and existing learners can continue to be registered and supported on this framework as usual.
S/NVQ in Pharmacy Related Documents
Want to Know More?
If you would like further information please email qualifications@skillsforhealth.org.uk. Additional information can be found at www.nvqweb.com
Technical Certificates
All candidates needs to complete a Technical Certificate as part of the Apprenticeship Framework (Skills for Health provide the frameworks for Health, H&SC, Pharmacy and Dental Nursing).
To read the Q&A on Development of a new Health Technical Certificate and Vocational Qualification - Working in the Health Sector.
Redevelopment
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is being replaced with a new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The NQF is due to close in December 2010 which means that new qualifications are being developed to supersede the current NVQs. Scotland will maintain its current framework and retain the SVQs. Skills for Health is currently working closely with Awarding Bodies and Sector Representatives to redevelop existing NVQ, SVQ & VRQ qualifications to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose, practice and award. For more information on the QCF itself please visit the QCA website. To express an interest in finding out more about the progress of the redevelopment work please email qualifications@skillsforhealth.org.uk
We are continually looking at ways to improve on our S/NVQ competences, and other NOS that sit on our database, receive comments on award structures and assessment strategies and value your feedback. If you would like to comment please click here.