In order to work in social care in England, you must have a care certificate. This applies to anyone who works in a paid or voluntary capacity in a social care setting, including support workers, residential care workers, and home carers.
The care certificate sets out the standards of care that workers must meet in order to provide high-quality, person-centred care. It replaced the old Common Induction Standards in April 2015, and is made up of 15 standards that cover topics such as communication, privacy and dignity, infection control, and safeguarding.
To achieve the care certificate, workers must complete a training programme that covers all of the standards. They will then be assessed by their employer to make sure they are meeting the standards.
The care certificate is an important part of ensuring that everyone who works in social care has the skills and knowledge they need to do their job well. It helps to protect the people who use care services, and gives them confidence that the people who are looking after them are competent and capable.