The ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a highly respected qualification designed for professionals looking to enhance their expertise and career prospects in healthcare and social care. As an Ofqual-regulated, assignment-based qualification, it offers a flexible and structured approach to learning, making it ideal for individuals working in the field who want to develop advanced knowledge without the pressure of exams.
This qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of patient care, leadership, risk management, and health and safety regulations, equipping learners with the skills necessary to excel in supervisory or specialist roles within healthcare and social care settings.
The ProQual Level 4 Award is accredited by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), ensuring it meets industry standards and employer expectations. A qualification with official recognition enhances your credibility and improves job opportunities in hospitals, residential care homes, private healthcare facilities, and social care services.
Unlike traditional qualifications that require sitting for exams, this course is 100% assignment-based, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills through coursework and written assessments. This structure makes it particularly suitable for working professionals who need a flexible study schedule.
With the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, employers are actively looking for individuals who can demonstrate expertise in patient care, safety compliance, and leadership. This Level 4 Award equips professionals with the necessary skills to meet these demands, ensuring higher employability and career stability.
In addition, the UK healthcare sector is continuously evolving with new regulations, patient care standards, and workforce requirements. Holding an Ofqual-regulated qualification ensures that professionals are up-to-date with industry best practices, making them more competitive in the job market.
The ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an excellent opportunity for healthcare and social care professionals who want to enhance their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and advance their careers. With its assignment-based structure, Ofqual accreditation, and flexible study options, this qualification is a valuable investment for anyone looking to progress in the healthcare and social care sector.
ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills
To achieve the ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills; Candidates must achieve 6 credits from any combination of units.
| Sr# | Unit Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The structure, organisation and function of the human body | 12 |
| 2 | Manage physical resources | 3 |
| 3 | Communication skills for health and social care management | 15 |
| 4 | Empowering users of health and social care services | 15 |
| 5 | Equality and diversity in health and social care | 10 |
| 6 | Evaluate and develop own contribution to the service | 3 |
| 7 | Facilitate learning in groups | 3 |
| 8 | Health and safety in the health and social care workplace | 15 |
| 9 | Health and social care in context | 15 |
| 10 | Influences on health and social care organisations | 15 |
| 11 | Prepare clients through advice and guidance for the implementation of a course of action | 3 |
| 12 | Provide support for other practitioners | 5 |
| 13 | Reflective Practice | 1 |
| 14 | Work in partnership in health and social care or children and young people’s settings | 4 |
| 15 | Understand partnership working | 1 |
| 16 | Understanding professional supervision practice | 3 |
| 17 | Undertake research for the service and its clients | 5 |
| 18 | Use person-centred practices to deliver personalisation in health and social care | 4 |
| 19 | Personal and professional development in health and social care | 15 |
| 20 | Communicating in health and social care organisations | 15 |
| 21 | Physiological Principles for health and social care | 15 |
| 22 | The sociological context of health and social care | 15 |
| 23 | Work in partnership in health and social care | 4 |
| 24 | Promote professional development | 4 |
| 25 | Recruitment and selection within health and social care or children and young people’s settings | 3 |
| 26 | Understand how to manage a team | 3 |
| 27 | Manage induction in health and social care or children and young people’s settings | 3 |
| 28 | Manage finance within own area of responsibility in health and social care or children and young people’s settings | 4 |
GLH (Guided Learning Hours) and TQT (Total Qualification Time) are terms commonly used in vocational qualifications to help define the amount of time a learner is expected to spend on their studies.
1. GLH (Guided Learning Hours)
GLH refers to the number of hours a learner spends being directly taught, supervised, or supported during their course. This includes the time spent in activities such as:
- Classroom instruction
- Practical workshops
- One-on-one tutoring or mentoring sessions
- Online learning sessions with tutor support
In other words, GLH represents the time that learners are actively engaged with their instructors or learning activities.
2. TQT (Total Qualification Time)
TQT represents the total amount of time a learner is expected to invest in completing a qualification, including:
- GLH (Guided Learning Hours): Time spent on direct learning, as explained above.
- Self-Directed Learning: This includes time spent on independent study, research, assignment completion, preparation for exams, and any other work the learner does outside of direct teaching hours.
TQT is a broader measure that includes all the time required to achieve the qualification. It helps learners and employers understand the overall commitment required for the qualification.
Key Differences Between GLH and TQT:
- GLH focuses on direct learning with guidance or supervision.
- TQT includes GLH as well as independent study time and other learning-related activities.
Example:
If a qualification has a TQT of 600 hours and a GLH of 250 hours, it means the learner should spend 250 hours in direct learning (classroom, online, or tutor-led sessions) and 350 hours on independent study or research.
Learning Outcomes for ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills:
1. Understanding the Structure, Organisation, and Function of the Human Body
- Explain the structure and functions of the human body.
- Identify major body systems and their roles in health and social care.
- Understand the impact of common health conditions on body functions.
2. Managing Physical Resources
- Assess and allocate physical resources efficiently in healthcare settings.
- Monitor and maintain resource availability for effective service delivery.
- Implement strategies to improve resource management and cost-effectiveness.
3. Communication Skills for Health and Social Care Management
- Develop advanced verbal and written communication techniques.
- Use effective communication strategies to engage patients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Manage barriers to communication within healthcare and social care environments.
4. Empowering Users of Health and Social Care Services
- Understand the importance of patient-centered care.
- Promote autonomy and decision-making among service users.
- Implement strategies that empower individuals in care settings.
5. Equality and Diversity in Health and Social Care
- Recognize the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Apply anti-discriminatory practices in healthcare settings.
- Promote cultural awareness and inclusivity in patient care.
6. Evaluating and Developing Own Contribution to the Service
- Reflect on personal skills and effectiveness in healthcare roles.
- Identify areas for professional growth and improvement.
- Set personal development goals based on self-assessment and feedback.
7. Facilitating Learning in Groups
- Plan and conduct effective group learning sessions.
- Use facilitation techniques to encourage participation and knowledge sharing.
- Assess learning outcomes and provide constructive feedback.
8. Health and Safety in the Health and Social Care Workplace
- Understand legal and regulatory health and safety requirements.
- Implement policies to minimize workplace hazards and risks.
- Promote a culture of safety and compliance in healthcare environments.
9. Health and Social Care in Context
- Analyze the role of healthcare services in society.
- Understand the impact of social, political, and economic factors on healthcare.
- Evaluate healthcare policies and their effectiveness in different contexts.
10. Influences on Health and Social Care Organisations
- Identify external factors affecting healthcare institutions.
- Assess the role of government regulations, funding, and social trends.
- Understand how healthcare organizations adapt to change.
11. Preparing Clients Through Advice and Guidance for Implementation of a Course of Action
- Provide effective guidance to service users based on their needs.
- Develop action plans to support individuals in healthcare settings.
- Assess the effectiveness of advice and adjust approaches accordingly.
12. Providing Support for Other Practitioners
- Understand the role of peer support in professional practice.
- Facilitate collaboration among healthcare professionals.
- Develop strategies for mentoring and coaching team members.
13. Reflective Practice
- Use reflection as a tool for continuous professional development.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in personal practice.
- Implement changes based on reflective observations.
14. Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings
- Understand the benefits of multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Promote collaboration between different healthcare professionals and agencies.
- Address challenges in partnership working to improve service delivery.
15. Understanding Partnership Working
- Identify the key principles of partnership working.
- Assess the role of teamwork in delivering patient-centered care.
- Implement strategies for effective joint working.
16. Understanding Professional Supervision Practice
- Explain the importance of supervision in healthcare and social care settings.
- Apply supervision techniques to support staff development.
- Address challenges in managing performance through supervision.
17. Undertaking Research for the Service and Its Clients
- Conduct research to improve healthcare service delivery.
- Analyze data and apply findings to practice.
- Evaluate research outcomes to support evidence-based care.
18. Using Person-Centred Practices to Deliver Personalisation in Health and Social Care
- Apply person-centered approaches in patient care.
- Understand the impact of personalization on service quality.
- Develop strategies to enhance individualized support.
19. Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care
- Set goals for career progression in the healthcare sector.
- Engage in continuous learning and skills development.
- Evaluate personal performance and create improvement plans.
20. Communicating in Health and Social Care Organisations
- Utilize effective communication methods in a professional setting.
- Adapt communication styles to meet different patient and staff needs.
- Overcome communication barriers in healthcare environments.
21. Physiological Principles for Health and Social Care
- Explain key physiological functions in human health.
- Understand how physiological changes affect patient care.
- Apply knowledge of physiology to support healthcare interventions.
22. The Sociological Context of Health and Social Care
- Analyze how societal factors impact health and well-being.
- Assess the role of public health and social care policies.
- Evaluate healthcare inequalities and strategies to reduce them.
23. Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care
- Understand collaborative approaches in healthcare.
- Promote teamwork among healthcare professionals.
- Implement strategies for integrated care services.
24. Promoting Professional Development
- Encourage continuous learning and career progression.
- Support colleagues in achieving professional qualifications.
- Develop strategies to enhance workplace learning.
25. Recruitment and Selection Within Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings
- Understand recruitment processes in healthcare.
- Apply best practices for hiring and onboarding staff.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and policies.
26. Understanding How to Manage a Team
- Apply leadership principles to team management.
- Foster a positive work environment in healthcare settings.
- Address team challenges and conflict resolution strategies.
27. Managing Induction in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings
- Develop effective staff induction programs.
- Ensure new employees understand workplace policies and procedures.
- Monitor the effectiveness of induction processes.
28. Managing Finance Within Own Area of Responsibility in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings
- Understand financial management in healthcare services.
- Monitor budgets and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
- Apply financial planning to improve service efficiency.
The ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed to equip healthcare and social care professionals with advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality, person-centered care. This Ofqual-regulated qualification is entirely assignment-based, making it accessible to professionals seeking career advancement without the need for exams.
Key Benefits of the Course
1. Career Advancement Opportunities
- Enhances employability and career progression in the healthcare and social care sectors.
- Opens pathways to senior roles such as team leader, care coordinator, or healthcare supervisor.
- Recognized by employers as a qualification demonstrating advanced skills and expertise.
2. Enhances Leadership and Management Skills
- Develops the ability to manage teams and oversee daily healthcare operations.
- Strengthens decision-making, problem-solving, and supervisory skills.
- Equips learners with the knowledge to manage staff recruitment, induction, and appraisals.
3. Focus on Person-Centered and Holistic Care
- Teaches individualized care approaches for diverse patient needs.
- Enhances understanding of supporting individuals with dementia, sensory loss, and multiple conditions.
- Promotes the empowerment of service users to make informed choices about their care.
4. Improves Communication and Teamwork
- Develops effective communication strategies for engaging with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strengthens skills in handling sensitive conversations and resolving conflicts.
- Encourages collaborative working practices to improve healthcare service delivery.
5. Focus on Health and Safety Compliance
- Covers risk assessment, infection prevention, and workplace safety protocols.
- Ensures knowledge of safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults and children.
- Helps professionals maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
6. No Exams – Assignment-Based Learning
- Ideal for individuals who prefer coursework over examinations.
- Allows learners to demonstrate their knowledge through real-life workplace assignments.
- Encourages self-paced learning while balancing work and study commitments.
7. Strengthens Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Develops skills in conducting research and evaluating healthcare services.
- Encourages the use of evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and service efficiency.
- Prepares professionals for data-driven decision-making in healthcare settings.
8. Compliance with Industry Standards
- Meets the Ofqual-regulated standards, ensuring quality and credibility.
- Provides a qualification that aligns with national healthcare policies and regulations.
- Helps professionals stay updated with current trends and best practices in healthcare.
9. Pathway to Further Education and Qualifications
- Serves as a stepping stone for higher-level qualifications in healthcare and social care.
- Can lead to further studies in healthcare management, nursing, or specialized social care fields.
- Supports continuous professional development (CPD) for career growth.
The ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed for individuals who are already working in healthcare or social care and want to enhance their skills, take on leadership roles, and improve service delivery. This course is ideal for professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and expertise without the need for exams, as it is entirely assignment-based.
Best Fit for This Course
1. Healthcare and Social Care Professionals Seeking Career Progression
- Ideal for care workers, healthcare assistants, and senior support workers aiming for supervisory or management roles.
- Suitable for professionals working in hospitals, residential care homes, community care, and rehabilitation centers.
2. Individuals in Leadership or Aspiring to Take on Leadership Roles
- Designed for those looking to develop management skills, oversee teams, and improve service efficiency.
- Beneficial for individuals responsible for mentoring, training, and supervising healthcare staff.
3. Professionals Wanting to Specialize in Advanced Healthcare Support
- Suitable for those who want to enhance person-centered care, safeguarding, and risk management skills.
- Ideal for individuals involved in dementia care, mental health support, learning disabilities, and sensory loss care.
4. Individuals Interested in Policy Implementation and Service Improvement
- Best for professionals aiming to contribute to policy-making, improve service delivery, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Supports those working in health and social care policy, quality assurance, and regulatory roles.
5. Learners Who Prefer an Assignment-Based Qualification
- Suitable for individuals who prefer coursework over exams.
- Ideal for busy professionals who need flexible study options while working in the sector.
6. Those Looking to Meet Regulatory and Professional Development Requirements
- Meets the requirements for continuous professional development (CPD) in health and social care.
- Beneficial for individuals seeking a recognized, Ofqual-regulated qualification.
7. Individuals Seeking Further Education and Career Growth
- Provides a foundation for further study in healthcare management, nursing, and social care leadership.
- Prepares learners for higher-level qualifications, including Level 5 and beyond.
Entry Requirements
Register Now
Qualification Process
Qualification Process for the ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills
- Self-Assessment:
Begin by evaluating your eligibility to ensure you meet the qualification requirements, including work experience, knowledge, and language proficiency. - Registration:
Complete your registration by submitting the required documents, including a scanned copy of a valid ID, and paying the registration fee. - Induction:
An assessor will conduct an induction to confirm your eligibility for the course and explain the evidence requirements. If you do not meet the criteria, your registration will be canceled, and the fee will be refunded. - Assignmnets & Evidence Submission:
Provide all assignmnets and the necessary evidence based on the assessment criteria outlined in the course. If you are unsure of the required evidence, consult with the assessor for guidance on the type and nature of evidence needed. - Feedback and Revision:
The assessor will review your submitted evidence and provide feedback. Evidence that meets the criteria will be marked as “Criteria Met,” while any gaps will be identified. You will be asked to revise and resubmit if needed. - Competence Evidence:
Submit final evidence demonstrating that all learning outcomes have been met. This evidence will be marked as “Criteria Met” by the assessor once it is satisfactory. - Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
The Internal Quality Assurance Verifier (IQA) will review your evidence to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with standards. - External Verification:
The IQA will submit your portfolio to ProQual’s External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA) for final confirmation. The EQA may contact you directly to verify the authenticity of your evidence. - Certification:
Upon successful completion of all checks, ProQual will issue your official certificate, confirming that you have attained the ProQual Level 4 Award in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills.
