Department Of Social Protection Announces Significant New Partnership with The NCI, Dublin
- Published on: 22 November 2016
- Last updated on: 21 October 2019
The Department of Social Protection and the National College of Ireland today (Tuesday 22 November) announced a new partnership to develop accredited educational programmes for the department’s staff. The partnership aims to develop and deliver a series of educational programmes for departmental staff to enhance their knowledge and skills. 300 of the department’s staff will commence an accredited programme in 2017.
Speaking at the launch, Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection, Niamh O’Donoghue, said:
"I’m delighted to announce our partnership with the National College of Ireland, a leader in the development and provision of work-based learning. In selecting the National College of Ireland, I believe we have chosen a partner that can match our ambition for high-quality accredited educational programmes that are aligned to our business needs."
"The first new programme, a Level 8 Special Purpose Award in Employability Services has just commenced. 27 Case Officers, who work to support jobseekers to find employment, are taking part. Their qualification is at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications and signifies the Department of Social Protection’s commitment to both staff training and to ensuring we continue to deliver a professional and high-quality service to our customers."
Commenting at the announcement, President of the National College of Ireland, Gina Quinn, said:
"National College of Ireland are delighted to have been selected by the Department of Social Protection as their Education Partner. The ‘One DSP’ initiative is an excellent example of an employer working in close partnership with a higher education provider to support employees’ development and effectiveness. National College of Ireland looks forward to working with the Department of Social Protection in this initiative."
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
The Department of Social Protection serves a wide and diverse group of customers including families, people in employment, unemployed people, people with illnesses and disabilities, carers and older people.
Each week, nearly 1.6 million people receive a social welfare payment and, when qualified adults and children are included, almost 2.1 million people benefit from these payments.
Over 619,000 families receive Child Benefit payments in respect of almost 1.2 million children each month.