Written question asked by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2010. It was answered by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 21 October 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the statement of 14 October 2010, Official Report, columns 505-06, on public bodies reform, what the functions of the General Social Care Council are; which of these functions are to be retained; and which bodies he proposes to have responsibility for fulfilling these functions.

Answer: The statutory functions of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) are those set out in the Care Standards Act 2000 and other enactments. The 2000 Act confers various functions on the GSCC, including requiring it to promote high standards of conduct and practice among social care workers in England; and high standards in their training. The GSCC must maintain and, from time to time, publish a register of social workers and visiting social workers from relevant European states. The GSCC also has the function to approve courses for persons who are or wish to become approved mental health professionals in England in accordance with rules made by it.Subject to parliamentary approval, the GSCC's regulatory functions will be transferred to the Health Professions Council.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18295; 516 c851-2W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Public Bodies Reform
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects: General Social Care Council
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk