Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Northern Ireland Social Care Council The regulator for Social Work and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Raising standards in the Northern Ireland Social Care Workforce.

Visit our linktree here https://linktr.ee/ni_scc NISCC is the regulatory body for the social care workforce in Northern Ireland. We are helping to raise standards in social care and increase public confidence in the workforce by registering social care workers; setting standards for their conduct, training & practice and by supporting professional development across the workforce. NISCC is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (NI) and founded under the Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

23/09/2026

Looking forward to seeing you all at our upcoming careers convention on Thursday, 24th September at the Diamond Hall, Ulster University, Coleraine.

Have you ever thought about a career in Social Work or Social Care?

We’d love to meet you!

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options, considering a career change, or already studying in the field, come along and chat with us. Our friendly team will be there to offer advice, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

📅 Date: Thursday 24th September
🕓 Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
📍 Location: Diamond Hall, Ulster University, Coleraine

We’ll be ready with guidance, information, and a warm welcome.



Enterprise Causeway

Still buzzing after yesterday's Professional in Practice Awards.Congratulations again to all 208 social workers from acr...
23/09/2026

Still buzzing after yesterday's Professional in Practice Awards.

Congratulations again to all 208 social workers from across Northern Ireland who were recognised for their commitment to learning and excellence in practice, and a special mention to Ciarán Traynor, recipient of this year's Judith Mullineux Award for Outstanding Contribution to Post Qualifying Social Work Education.

Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us, and to Marcella Leonard MBE for a keynote address that will stay with us for a long time.

Missed the highlights? Catch up on our website or channels.

Department of Health NI

We have launched our annual campaign to inspire people from any walk of life to study the Degree in Social Work. You c...
23/09/2026

We have launched our annual campaign to inspire people from any walk of life to study the Degree in Social Work.

You can find out how at 42, Thomas Sturgeon has just graduated from Queen's University Belfast with the Degree in Social Work, finishing top of his class. Six years ago, he'd never have believed it possible.

Whatever your age or background, it's never too late to say yes to social work.
Find out more about the Degree in Social Work and discover Thomas’ story - https://ow.ly/ima850ZQvOH

22/09/2026

What a day. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2026 Professional in Practice Awards in Belfast to celebrate 208 outstanding social workers from across Northern Ireland.

Today's theme, ‘Creating Safer Futures’, reminded us of the vital role social workers play in recognising, responding to and preventing domestic violence and abuse, and the trust they build every day with the people they support.

A huge thank you to our keynote speaker Marcella Leonard MBE for her insights, and to everyone who made today possible. Congratulations again to all of today's award recipients.

"This year's theme, ‘Creating Safer Futures’, speaks to the very heart of what social work is about: building trust, rec...
22/09/2026

"This year's theme, ‘Creating Safer Futures’, speaks to the very heart of what social work is about: building trust, recognising risk, and standing alongside people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives."

Sean Holland, Chair of the Social Care Council, reflects on today's Professional in Practice Awards and the dedication, skill and compassion of the social workers being recognised.

22/09/2026

Huge congratulations to everyone receiving a Professional in Practice Award today.

The Consolidation Award celebrates newly qualified social workers and those re-entering the workforce, building in-depth competence and confidence in practice.

The Specialist Award recognises social workers developing high levels of specialist knowledge and expertise in complex decision-making.

The Leadership and Strategic Award honours those demonstrating thought leadership and influence beyond their own day-to-day practice.

Today we celebrate social workers from across organisations including our health and social care trusts, Barnardo's, the NSPCC, the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and many more.

A very special moment at today's Professional in Practice Awards. Congratulations to Ciarán Traynor, recipient of the Ju...
22/09/2026

A very special moment at today's Professional in Practice Awards. Congratulations to Ciarán Traynor, recipient of the Judith Mullineux Award for Outstanding Contribution to Post Qualifying Social Work Education.

Catherine Maguire, Co-Director Regulation and Standards (Interim) at the Social Care Council, said:

"Over his career Ciarán has encouraged, supported, challenged and championed countless students and qualified social workers to develop their practice, build their confidence and strive to be the very best social workers they can be. This award recognises not only his contribution to post-qualifying social work education, but the quality, consistency and values that have underpinned it. We offer our warmest congratulations."

Named in memory of Dr Judith Mullineux, this award celebrates individuals who leave a lasting impact on social work education through leadership, learning and innovation.

"Their dedication and commitment to their lifelong learning journey in the profession through their practice, energy and...
22/09/2026

"Their dedication and commitment to their lifelong learning journey in the profession through their practice, energy and the passion for supporting those in need of social work services in the community is just wonderful to see."

Opening today's Professional in Practice Awards, Tracy Reid, Chief Executive of the Social Care Council, congratulated all 208 social workers receiving awards this year, and thanked the families, friends, colleagues and managers who support them on their journey.

We're celebrating the hard work and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland at today's Professional in Prac...
22/09/2026

We're celebrating the hard work and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland at today's Professional in Practice Awards.

This year's theme, ‘Creating Safer Futures: Social Work Responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse,’ reflects one of the most important conversations in our society today, and the vital role social workers play in it.

208 social workers will be honoured today for their commitment to learning, growth and excellence in practice.

Follow along today and be part of the conversation as we share the highlights.

We're delighted to share that the Learning Zone, our digital learning platform, has been shortlisted for a Partnership f...
21/09/2026

We're delighted to share that the Learning Zone, our digital learning platform, has been shortlisted for a Partnership for Digital Innovation award at the DHCNI Digital Awards 2026.
This year's awards attracted an exceptionally high number of submissions from teams and individuals across health and social care in Northern Ireland, making this shortlisting a real mark of recognition for the work behind the Learning Zone.
Winners will be announced at the DHCNI HSC Digital Awards Ceremony on 8 October at La Mon Hotel & Country Club, bringing together colleagues and partners from across the health and social care community to celebrate innovation and excellence.
Congratulations to all shortlisted finalists, and best of luck to everyone on the day

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4th Floor, James House, 2 Cromac Avenue
Belfast
BT72JA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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