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As the health and social care sector evolves, so must the standards that guide workforce training and development. The ongoing review of the Health and Social Care National Occupational Standards, conducted every five years, presents a key opportunity to refine apprenticeship frameworks and enhance workforce stability and quality of care — while also integrating the new Care Certificate where applicable. 

With a focus on workforce development and futureproofing, these changes will help ensure apprentices are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the sector’s challenges for the next five years.  

What’s changing?  

The review of apprenticeship standards focuses on key areas shaping the future of the health and social care workforce. Here’s what you need to know: 

Workforce development  

Ongoing training is essential to ensure practitioners have the right skills and expertise. Retaining employees in adult social care is crucial, especially as 57% of new hires in 2023/24 came from within the sector. This highlights the need to strengthen workforce stability while also attracting fresh talent. 

Futureproofing  

Futureproofing standards means addressing emerging trends and challenges to keep them relevant for the next five to 10 years. With rapid advancements in technology and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), apprentices need to be trained to integrate and use these new tools effectively. Embracing technology in care settings can improve both efficiency and quality of support. 

Consistency and accountability  

As social care evolves, maintaining consistency and accountability is key to delivering high-quality, trustworthy care. Standardised practices ensure that everyone receives the same level of support, regardless of location.

Regular audits and performance reviews promote transparency and professionalism, while staying up to date with legal and ethical standards helps prevent issues and drive continuous improvement. Ultimately, enhancing consistency and accountability leads to better care, reduced risks, and a more reliable system for those who need it most. 

Quality of care  

Improving standards in social care ensures professionals have the right skills to provide high-quality, consistent support. Updating assessments helps identify skill gaps, creating a more capable workforce.

The Care Quality Commission’s single assessment framework, introduced in 2023, focuses on key areas like safety, effectiveness, and leadership to improve care evaluations. Similarly, the Care Certificate sets core training standards for care workers, promoting consistency across the industry. Strengthening assessments doesn’t just improve care quality—it also builds public trust in the sector. 

Relevance and currency  

Keeping apprenticeship standards up to date is essential for delivering high-quality care and meeting the sector’s evolving demands. The ongoing review of the Health and Social Care National Occupational Standards ensures training aligns with the latest legislation, regulations, and best practices.

With NHS apprenticeships expanding and a target for 22% of clinical training to be apprenticeship-based by 2031/32, workforce development remains a key focus. These updates will help apprentices gain the skills they need to tackle industry challenges and deliver effective, future-proofed care. 

What does this mean for training providers?  

For apprenticeship training providers, these updates present an opportunity to refine programmes, ensuring they align with the latest standards and incorporate the new Care Certificate. By enhancing training methods and embedding best practices, providers can better prepare apprentices for real-world care settings.

A stronger focus on consistency and accountability will also improve training quality, boosting confidence among both learners and employers. Looking ahead, these changes offer a chance to futureproof programmes, keeping them relevant and responsive to the sector’s evolving needs. 

How will this impact end-point assessment (EPA) for learners?  

For learners, these updates mean EPAs will be more closely aligned with the latest standards and best practices in health and social care. With the expected integration of the new Care Certificate and a greater emphasis on quality and consistency, assessments may focus more on real-world application and competency.

This will help apprentices feel more prepared for their roles, ensuring they meet sector expectations with confidence. While assessment criteria may evolve, the overall goal remains the same: to provide a fair, relevant, and robust evaluation that allows learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge effectively. 

We’re here to support you 

As an end-point assessment organisation, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. NCFE delivers on all our promises, from meeting our service level agreements (SLAs) to providing dedicated support through our Relationship Managers and Independent End-Point Assessors (IEPAs).

We’re committed to ensuring you meet audit requirements, supporting your preparation for Ofsted inspections, and helping you maintain compliance. We do what we say we will—and then some. 

Trust. Support. Quality.  

Find out more about how you can work with NCFE as your EPA partner.