British Association / College of Occupational Therapists

www.cot.org.uk
The British Association/College of Occupational Therapists is the professional body for occupational therapy staff in the UK

Central Training

www.centralcare.co.uk
Central is a specialist recruitment and training resource for organisations within the social care and housing markets. Their public training programme is a series of one-day courses aimed specifically at people currently working within social care who either wish to update their knowledge and skills or explore different aspects of the work. 

Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC)

www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
CWDC is one of five bodies forming the UK Skills For Care and Development Sector Skills Council and coordinates the Children's Workforce Network. It aims to improve the lives of children and young people. It does this by ensuring that the people working with children have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice. It will also help children and young people's organisations and services to work together so that the child is at the centre of all services.

Embrace-learning

www.embrace-learning.co.uk
Embrace-learning is a social enterprise who's aim is to further the use of educational technologies in the health and social care sectors. They design, write and build e-learning courseware.

General Social Care Council

www.gscc.org.uk
The General Social Care Council is the social care workforce regulator. It will register social care workers and regulate their conduct and training.

Learning Disability Awards Framework (LDAF)

www.ldaf.org.uk/index.html
As LDAF is revised, new awards will be known as "Learning Disability Qualifications" (LDQs). The Learning Disability Qualifications are a set of qualifications appropriate to people who work in learning disability services Information about LDQs can be found on this website.

Outcomes UK

www.outcomesuk.com
Outcomes UK undertake work on behalf of the DCSF and the Department of Health CSIP, and directly with Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Children's Trusts and Independent and Third sector providers. Services are focused upon supporting sustainable improvement and change and are often provided in combination to best meet clients' needs. These services include: Outcomes Based Accountability; Creative Learning; Consultancy; Camhs Consultancy; Camhs Recruitment; Interim & Permanent Recruitment & Resourcing; Workforce Development & Training; NVQ; Independent Social Work Services.

National Extension College

www.nec.ac.uk/care
The National Extension College provides flexible learning materials, which can be used by colleges, independent trainers and employers in care homes, large care groups, hospitals and local authorities to support care training.

Ofsted

www.ofsted.gov.uk
Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education  is the inspectorate for children and learners in England. From April 2007 Ofsted’s remit has expanded to include the children’s services work of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), together with the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) inspection remit of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Court Administration (HMICA) and the inspection work of the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI). The organisation’s full title has changed to The Office for Standards in Education, Children Services and Skills but it will continue to be known as Ofsted.

Skills for Care

www.skillsforcare.org.uk/regions/regions.aspx
The Care Ambassador Scheme is a Skills for Care initiative. Care Ambassadors are qualified and experienced care workers who promote the image of social care and act as role models to inspire and encourage people of all ages to consider careers in the sector.  There are currently more than 40 projects and 1,000 Care Ambassadors throughout the country. Contact your regional Skills for Care office for local contacts.
www.skillsforcare.org.uk/regions/regions.aspx

Voluntary Sector Studies

www.volstudy.ac.uk
If you are a volunteer or paid employee working in a caring environment in the voluntary sector, visit this website for information on a variety of educational courses that give you the flexibility to study in your own home and at your own pace.

Working for a Charity

www.wfac.org.uk
Working For A Charity exists to promote the voluntary sector as a positive career option for those seeking paid employment and to promote the opportunities and benefits of becoming a volunteer to people who wish to do unpaid work.