The new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate has been developed in partnership with Skills for Care to provide a regulated qualification that expands on the existing care certificate standards. The new Level 2 Care Certificate offers a revised and updated set of standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in health and social care.

The new Certificate has been developed in response to the fact that 54% of direct care workers in the UK do not currently have a level 2 qualification or above. It aims to support care workers to not only remain in adult social care but build fulfilling careers by becoming qualified and recognised for their dedication and professionalism.

Another advantage of the new certificate is that it recognises prior learning and experience. Depending on the training you’ve completed previously and the experience you have, you might be able to have this prior knowledge acknowledged.

Funding Information

The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate for adult social care has been included on the list of approved courses eligible for funding under the Learning and Development Support Scheme. This means eligible employers can claim funding for eligible care staff of up to £1,500 in the Level 2 Care Certificate funding.

Level 2 Care Certificate funding will use a split reimbursement model. Employers can claim 60% of the funding once their employee begins the qualification, with the final 40% released upon submission of evidence confirming course completion. Funding will be available for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive).

The Level 2 Care Certificate encompasses 15 units, each corresponding to a specific standard, designed to ensure care workers possess the essential knowledge and skills for their roles. These standards align with those of the original Care Certificate but have been enhanced to meet the requirements of a Level 2 qualification.

The 15 Standards of the Level 2 Care Certificate

1. Understand Your Role
   This standard helps care workers recognise their responsibilities, boundaries, and expectations within their job. It emphasises understanding the values and standards of the organisation, working collaboratively with others, and knowing when to seek support or guidance to deliver effective care.
2. Your Personal Development
   This standard teaches you about the importance of personal development in adult health and social care. Learn how to make a Personal Development Plan, where to go for support with your learning, and how to measure your skills against relevant standards. You will learn to understand your strengths, weaknesses and when to ask for feedback.
3. Duty of Care
   Duty of care encompasses how dilemmas may occur and how you should respond if there is a mistake, conflict or complaint. It also teaches you how to support independence and decision making for your service users.
4. Equality and Diversity
   This standard promotes understanding and respecting the diverse needs and characteristics of individuals, ensuring equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in care practices.
5. Work in a Person-Centred Way
   Learn how to provide care that focuses on the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values, promoting dignity and autonomy in all interactions.
6. Communication
   Effective communication is key to delivering quality care. This standard covers verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, as well as active listening skills.
7. Privacy and Dignity
   Understand how to support the privacy and dignity of those receiving care, including respecting personal boundaries and ensuring confidentiality.
8. Fluids and Nutrition
   Learn the importance of proper hydration and nutrition in maintaining health and wellbeing, including recognising signs of poor intake and addressing them appropriately.
9. Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia, and Learning Disabilities
   This standard helps care workers recognise the needs and challenges associated with mental health issues, dementia, and learning disabilities, promoting understanding and compassionate care.
10. Safeguarding Adults
    Protect vulnerable adults from harm or abuse by recognising signs of mistreatment and knowing the appropriate actions to take.
11. Safeguarding Children
    Understand the principles of safeguarding children, including recognising signs of abuse and taking appropriate steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
12. Basic Life Support
    This standard covers essential first aid and life-saving techniques, including CPR, to respond effectively in emergencies.
13. Health and Safety
    Learn the principles of maintaining a safe environment, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and adherence to safety regulations.
14. Handling Information
    Understand how to handle and store information securely, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection laws.
15. Infection Prevention and Control
    This standard equips care workers with the knowledge to reduce the spread of infection, covering hygiene practices, proper use of PPE, and safe waste disposal.