Details of the Project
The ECC is a knowledge award based on a set of learning outcomes for staff entering the care sector. These outcomes were agreed by the transactional Leonardo project as the minimum essential knowledge required by all staff to start work safely in the sector.
The Certificate is awarded on passing a multiple-choice exam covering all the eight areas of the Basic European Social Care Learning Outcomes (BESCLO). It is a knowledge award and does not demonstrate competence. It covers all the knowledge areas required for the Common Induction Standards in England, but not, of course, information that is workplace specific.
DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE PROJECT AND OUTCOMES
Through a Pan-European consultation the ECC partnership developed a survey questionnaire to help guide the partnership to a basic understanding of what induction is in the various countries involved in this project. Using the experience of countries that have developed an induction programme a pilot of the learning outcomes was developed. The project was presented at a European Conference in Vienna in September 2008.
The induction programmes were successfully piloted in four countries and this established the validity of the knowledge footprint and the appropriateness, level and reliability of the exam. Trainers, candidates and employer representatives agreed that the BESCLO covered essential knowledge and values applicable in all countries in the EU.
The ECC is now available through a system of Lead Partners which is gradually being established in each EU country.
SINCE THE PROJECT FINISHED
The ECC has been established in six countries and is currently being extended to new countries. Ultimately it should be available throughout the EU and be recognised by employers and employees as evidence that the holder has certain basic essential knowledge in social care.
This will help employers and employees during recruitment and promote worker mobility throughout the EU in the care sector. The BESCLO will fit within existing courses and awards in every country and trainers, employers and colleges can have their courses certified as being ‘ECC compliant’.
The improvement and implementation of the ECC is continuing in our new project Creating a Common Induction in Care.