First in Ireland: IT Sligo Social Care Practice Gains National Approval

Posted on April 22, 2020 IT Sligo’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Care Practice and Masters in Social Work has become the first Higher Education Provider in Ireland to receive accreditation by the professional regulator CORU.

This is a historical step for the Social Care Profession and is also a historical achievement for IT Sligo as it is the first, and currently only, third level educational facility that has achieved CORU approval.

The course was established over thirty years ago and has a long and established history in the Institute.

CORU (Health & Social Care Professionals Council) is the body responsible for regulating health and social care professions established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005. One of the statutory functions of CORU is to approve the education and training required for entry to the social care workers register. Regulatory approval of education and training programmes is a process to assess whether a programme consistently and effectively prepares graduates for entry to the register of that profession.

To receive approval, a programme must demonstrate that it meets specific quality assurance requirements as set by the Board. IT Sligo Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Practice has now demonstrated these specific quality assurance requirements.

Programme Director of the course at IT Sligo, Caroline Costello welcomed the announcement from CORU:
“It is incredible to think that within the last few months IT Sligo is the first Institute of Technology in Ireland to have achieved a CORU approved MA in Social Work and is the first third level institute to achieve CORU approval for the Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Practice. This is a credit to the quality of the lecturers and coordinators at IT Sligo and the dedication of our students.”

The newly approved degree course will enable people interested in a career in Social Care Work to become fully qualified in the profession. With the present Covid19 Pandemic affecting the country, the demand for social care workers is set to rise of the coming years.

Speaking of the announcement by CORU, joint Programme Director, Sheena O’Neill said:
“It is also important to take note at this unprecedented time that, many of our colleagues from Social Care Practice and Social Work have been called into action as essential workers at the front line. The important role social care workers play in our society has very much been highlighted during this crisis. The impact of their work has never been more important at this time and we hope it inspires others to think of a career in this very rewarding sector.”

Head of Department of Social Sciences Dr Breda McTaggart, added to this concluding while Social Care has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, the professional regulation of this sector is something we have all looked forward to for many years. To be the first Higher Education Provider in Ireland to do so is a testament to the programme, the Social Sciences team, our sector who support us over many years, but also our students who work hard and enter practice ready and willing to make a difference. This is more important today than ever before. We are privileged to be able to actively contribute to the fields of Social Care and Social Work professional practice.

The course is now open to applicants and further information can be found at www.itsligo.ie/SG243