Guidance on the new Approved Mental Health Practitioner Role
The Mental Health Act 2007, which comes into force this October, introduces across England a new role of the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) which will replace the Approved Social Worker and extend their remit to other mental health professionals.
Government guidance on the new role is set out in the document “Specialist standards and requirements for post-qualifying social work education and training; social work in mental health services”.
Peter Wright and Cyndy Whiffin from the GSCC have answered a few of the more common questions raised by professionals on the new role, with reference to the guidance document.
Q: Will candidates have to complete a PQ Specialist Social Work Award before entry to the PQ Higher Specialist Social Work Award in Mental Health incorporating the AMHP requirements?
A: No. Candidates may enter directly if they satisfy the university entry requirements set out in paragraph 54 of “Specialist standards and requirements for post-qualifying social work education and training; social work in mental health services (revised autumn 2007)”.
Q: Will candidates have to complete a consolidation module?
A: No. A consolation module is part of the Specialist Level of the post-qualifying social work framework. AMHP training is at the higher specialist level. This does not include a consolidation module.
Q: Are there any special entry requirements for non-social work candidates?
A: No. Candidates must demonstrate they already have the level of professional competence, capacity and ability to undertake and complete an AMHP training programme.
Q: How will candidates meet the entry criteria without social work qualifications or training?
A: Admissions officers must ascertain whether an individual can provide convincing evidence of achievements that would indicate they were able to undertake successfully and benefit from AMHP training. The GSCC requirements for AMHP training are agreed and endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Health Professions Council (HPC), the College of Occupational Therapists (COT), and the British Psychological Society (BPS). [Section 3 par 54 (i)]
Q: Will social workers have to complete the full PQ award to be approved as an AMHP?
A: No. Candidates can be considered by local authorities for AMHP approval. However they are not eligible for the PQ Higher Specialist Social Work Award until they have completed all the required learning outcomes for this award.
Q. Can independent social workers, who do not have an employer to nominate them, access AMHP training?
A: Yes. Under the PQ framework approved universities will determine selection and entry and can recruit independent social workers who meet the other entry requirements, and who can access suitable practice opportunities to meet the assessment criteria. On completion candidates would have to align themselves with an employer who wished to put them forward for local authority AMHP approval and to act as an AMHP on their behalf.
Q: I am currently an ASW. What will be the arrangement for transition from ASW to AMHP status?
A: The GSCC’s role is to approve the basic training, so that local authorities have suitably qualified people for approval as AMHPs who also meet other criteria under the Regulations. Approval and renewal of approval is governed by the Regulations.
Q: Are there any requirements or guidance on transition or conversion training for ASWs who are translated into AMHP approved status?
A: The GSCC’s role is strictly to approve the basic training, which will render successful completers eligible for consideration by local authorities for approval along with other criteria to be met under the Regulations. The Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) has been commissioned by DH to develop training materials.
Further information about how the AMHP will be regulated and the implications for practice from “Specialist standards and requirements for post-qualifying social work education and training: Social work in mental health services”: http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/A3103CAA-C5D0-41B2-966C-17D24108F788/0/GSCC_MH_LR.pdf
Do you have any further questions about the transition and the implications for your practice? Let us know
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Tags: mental health, practitioner, Social Work
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September 23rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I am very interested in applying for the Approved mental Health Practitioner Role I work in East Lancashire and was hoping that you could advise me of the best person to contact with regards applying for this course many thanks
November 16th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
UCLan offers the AMHPs programme, which will commence Sep 2010. See http://www.uclan.ac.uk for more information – School of Social Work