• Workforce Development
  • Changing Lives
• Learning
  • Continuous Learning Framework
  • eLearning
  • Mental Health Officer Award
  • PLQ and PLQ (SS)
  • Education / Training Providers
• Knowledge
  • Centres for Excellence
  • Communities of Practice
  • Knowledge Management Strategy
  • Managed Knowledge Network
  • SSKS
• Registration
  • Registration Key Information
• Workforce Planning
  • Sector Skills Assessment

PLQ and PLQ (SS)

Practice learning is at the heart of developing a competent, confident social services workforce. Learning for practice is the foundation for promoting learning cultures in the workplace. Organisations need a learning culture which ensures staff have opportunities to develop and consolidate their learning and contribute to the learning of others.

The Practice Learning Qualifications (PLQ) and Practice Learning Qualifications (Social Services) (PLQ[SS]) are aimed at anyone helping to contribute to others' learning, and the PLQ(SS) focuses specifically on this within a social services setting. By helping people learn new skills and understand the reasons behind their practice, it is hoped that they will do a better job and that services for service users and carers will be improved.

There are four stages of qualification within the PLQ and PLQ(SS) suite, and these are set at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels 7, 9, 10 and 11. Students are assessed to make sure they are safe to carry out practice learning in a service delivery setting and in order to meet the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE).

PLQ and PLQ (SS) in your area

Each of the Learning Networks have facilitated the development of PLQ and PLQ(SS) programmes in their regions. Contact your regional Learning Network for more information.

Resources

Refer to the Resources / PLQ and PLQ (SS) section for useful links, an inventory of learning materials and publications relating to the Practice Learning Qualifications and Practice Learning Qualifications (Social Services).