National and Vocational Qualifications in Health and Social Care

Lambeth Adults' and Community Services provides eligible staff in the private, voluntary or independent sector who have social care contracts with, or receive funding from Lambeth to gain their NVQ 2 and 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care.

NVQs are based upon National Occupational Standards that prescribe excellence in performance and ensure the requisite knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace. Lambeth is committed to ensuring our partners in the third sector gain the appropriate levels of knowledge and skills to perform safety and effectively in their roles, and also providing opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Nominations are currently being accepted by the ACS Learning and Development Team and close on Friday 6 February 2009. Managers may email Karl Livingston KLivingston@lambeth.gov.uk for a Nomination Form.

NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care

The aim of the Level 2 qualification is to recognise candidates’ achievements. It is aimed at those who are working in a health or social care setting, for example as care workers or heath care assistants. This qualification is appropriate for workers within the NHS or in the independent health care sector.

This is a flexible qualification which can be tailored to meet the needs of a range of roles. Candidates in the social care sector must study the four core units and two optional units.

There are fourteen optional units from which candidates can make up their qualification and which support their specific jobs.

The four key modules are: 

• Communicate and complete records for individuals 
• Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals 
• Develop your knowledge and practice 
• Ensure your own actions support the care protection and well being of individuals.

Some candidates may choose, or be encouraged, to progress to Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care.

Completion of a Level 2 award does not automatically qualify a candidate to register at Level 3 unless the candidate's job role has altered to reflect the roles, responsibilities and skills required to build a portfolio to match the requirements of the Level 3 award.

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

The course comprises of 8 units of competence, of which the following are mandatory: 

• Promote effective communication for and about individuals 
• Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the work environment 
• Reflect on and develop your practice 
• Promote choice, well-being and the protection of all individuals.

For information on the NVQ 2 and 3 programmes including eligibility information please contact:

Karl Livingston
ACS Learning and Development
3rd Floor
Phoenix House
10 Wandsworth Road
SW8 2LL

Phone: 0207 926 4563/4452
Fax: 0207 926 4621
Email: KLivingston@lambeth.gov.uk.