Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Issue 1 August 2009
Pages 1 - 8
Qualification Accreditation Number 500/6327/3
Section 1:
Qualification Overview
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
1
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
2 Section 1
Introduction
We want to make your experience of working with NCFE as pleasant and easy as possible. This
Qualification Specification contains everything you need to know about this qualification and should
be used by everyone involved in the planning, delivery and assessment of the NCFE Level 2 Award in
Helping Skills.
This qualification gives learners the opportunity to understand the skills needed to communicate
effectively and to engage in a one-to-one helping relationship appropriately. Learners will consider
the variety of contexts and settings within which helping skills are used (eg support services, health care,
social care, youth and community work, early years). It will therefore be a useful progression route for
those interested in furthering their study or widening their work role. This could be in areas such as
workplace mentoring, advice and guidance support or the use of counselling skills.
2
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 1
3
Qualification Overview
About this
qualification
The NCFE Level 2 Award in Helping Skills has been accredited by the
qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland,1
and is part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
This qualification is eligible for funding under the Learning and Skills Act 2000.
For further guidance on funding, please contact your local Learning and Skills
Council (LSC).
1The
qualifications regulators (‘the regulators’) are Ofqual in England, DCELLS in
Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.
Geographical
coverage
This qualification has been accredited for use in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland. We’re able to provide the Qualification Specification and assessment
materials in the Welsh and/or Irish language where requested and appropriate.
Things you
need to know
• Qualification accreditation number:
500/6327/3
• LSC learning aim code:
50063273
• Guided learning hours (GLH):
45
• QCF level:
2
• Qualification credit value
6
• Assessment requirement:
internally assessed and externally
moderated portfolio
Aims of the
qualification
This qualification aims to:
• introduce learners to the use of helping skills in everyday life and work
The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:
• develop self awareness when helping others
• develop their listening and communication skills for helping relationships
• assist others effectively in a helping role
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
3
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
4 Section 1
Qualification Overview
Entry guidance
The qualification would be useful for anyone who uses (or would like to use)
helping skills at work or in a personal capacity. These may be learners who
wish to progress towards further qualifications, or learners who wish to study
this programme in order to complement other programmes (eg health and
social care; children’s care, learning and development; voluntary and
community work).
There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this
qualification.
Entry is at the discretion of the centre; however, learners should be 16 to
undertake the qualification.
Centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is appropriate for
the age and ability of learners. They need to make sure that learners can fulfil
the requirements of the assessment criteria and comply with the relevant
literacy and health and safety aspects of this qualification.
Learners registered on this qualification shouldn’t undertake another
qualification at the same level with the same, or a similar title, as
duplication of learning may affect funding levels.
Achieving these
qualifications
This qualification consists of 3 mandatory units:
• Unit 01 Developing self awareness for the helping relationship
• Unit 02 Developing listening and communication skills for helping
relationships
• Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit are provided in
Section 3 (page 12).
To be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Award in Helping Skills, learners are required
to successfully complete 3 mandatory units.
To achieve the NCFE Level 2 Award in Helping Skills, learners must successfully
demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment
criteria detailed in this Qualification Specification. Grades are not awarded.
Learners who aren’t successful can resubmit work within the registration
period; however, a charge may apply. A Credit and Unit Summary Certificate
can be requested for learners who don’t achieve the full certificate but who
have achieved at least one whole unit.
4
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 1
5
Qualification Overview
Progression
opportunities
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:
• Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Conflict Management
• Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Health Care and/or Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Certificates in Counselling Skills and Theory/Developing Counselling
Skills
• Level 2 NVQ in Advice and Guidance Support
• Level 3 NVQ in Advice and Guidance
• Level 3 qualifications in Workplace Mentoring
Accreditation
and certification
end dates
All qualifications on the QCF have accreditation and certification end dates to
ensure that qualifications remain current and valid. The accreditation end date
is the last date we can register learners on a qualification, and the certification
end date is the last date that learners can be certificated.
Learners have up to 2 years to complete a qualification after the accreditation
end date (unless the certification end date passes before the end of the 2-year
period). For further information about accreditation and certification end dates
please refer to the information about this qualification on our website
(www.ncfe.org.uk) or alternatively you can check the information on the
National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ)
(www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk).
What happens
at the end of
an accreditation
period?
We review qualifications that are near the end of their accreditation period,
working with sector representatives to make any changes necessary to meet
sector needs and to reflect recent developments. In most cases we’d apply to
QCA for an extension to the accreditation period. If an accreditation period is
extended, the certification period will also change.
We’ll post information relating to changes or extensions to qualifications on
our website (www.ncfe.org.uk), and centres approved to offer the qualification
will be kept updated.
Resource
requirements
There are no specific resource requirements for this qualification.
For staffing resources required for this qualification, please refer to
our Occupational Competence Guidelines, available on our website
(www.ncfe.org.uk).
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
5
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
6 Section 1
Qualification Overview
Support
for centres
There are a number of documents available that you might find useful.
These are available to download from our website (www.ncfe.org.uk), or
can be requested from the Centre Support team on 0191 239 8000 or by
emailing info@ncfe.org.uk.
Centre Support Guide
This explains everything you need to know, from how to apply to become an
NCFE-approved centre, to registering your learners, claiming certificates for
your learners and everything in between. Centres must seek approval to offer
a qualification; only learners from approved centres can be certificated.
Directory of Products and Services
This provides summary information about all NCFE’s qualifications and awards
including mandatory and optional units, learner registration and certification
fees and assessment information.
Fees and Pricing
Published in the spring for the forthcoming academic year.
Occupational Competence Guidelines
Provides details of qualifications and experience required for Assessors and
Internal Moderators or Verifiers of NCFE qualifications and awards.
Key Skills and Centre Support Packs
Available from the Centre Support team or to download from www.ncfe.org.uk.
The packs contain unit specifications, tracking and guidance documents which
are valuable to any centre running Key Skills.
Useful websites
You may find the following websites useful in the delivery of this qualification:
The British Association for Counselling
and Psychotherapy (BACP):
ENTO:
Connexions:
Citizens Advice Bureau:
Relate:
Mentoring and Befriending Foundation:
www.bacp.co.uk
www.ento.co.uk
www.connexions.gov.uk
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
www.relate.org.uk
www.mandbf.org.uk
Training and support
We can provide training sessions for Assessors and Internal Moderators who
may not hold the A1 and V1 Assessment and Verification units. Training is
also available for portfolio building as well as bespoke subject specific training.
For further information please contact our Quality Assurance team on
0191 239 8000.
6
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 1
7
Qualification Overview
Support
for learners
Candidate Learning Log (CLL)
This gives information about the qualification and can help learners
to keep track of their work. CLLs can be downloaded free of charge from
www.ncfe.org.uk or hard copies can be supplied for a small fee. Learners
don’t have to use the CLL; instead you can devise your own materials.
Any materials you produce should allow learners to track their achievement
against each required learning outcome and assessment criterion and include:
• information on the content, availability and location of NCFE’s procedures
and policies
• advice on support mechanisms for learners who are experiencing difficulties
with their studies
• a mechanism for Assessors and Internal Moderators to authenticate
evidence and achievement for each unit.
Mapping
to National
Occupational
Standards
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are owned by a Sector Skills Council
(SSC) or Standard Setting Body (SSB) and describe the skills, knowledge and
understanding needed to undertake a particular task or job at different levels
of competence.
Links to
Skills for Life
This qualification is mapped to the 2004 Key Skills standards. The complete
standards and guidance documents are available from QCA
(www.qca.org.uk/603.html).
The Level 2 Award in Helping Skills has been mapped against a range of NOS.
More detailed mapping is provided in Section 5 (page 33).
This qualification can be used to develop learners’:
• literacy skills
• language skills
The activities learners carry out whilst completing this qualification could
help prepare them for their Basic Skills test.
Section 4 (page 25) shows how evidence can be generated for Key Skills
through this qualification. The aim has been to target Level 2 Key Skills
although work can be designed for other levels, depending on the needs
of individual learners or groups.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
7
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
8 Section 1
Qualification Overview
Links to
Skills for Life
(Continued)
It’s not a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 Award in Helping Skills to
complete a Key Skills portfolio. However, while completing this qualification,
learners will generate portfolio evidence which could be used towards certain
components of a Key Skills qualification.
If a learner wishes to be assessed for a Key Skills qualification, they must
complete a portfolio of evidence, as well as achieve the relevant Key Skills
external assessment paper, before applying for certification.
Once a whole Key Skills qualification has been assessed and achieved,
certification can then be requested.
This section indicates where, within this qualification, opportunities exist to
generate evidence for a Key Skills portfolio, indicating where each piece of
evidence is intrinsic or requires some further activity.
The NCFE Key Skills Centre Support Pack is available on a CD from our Centre
Support team or can be downloaded from www.ncfe.org.uk. This pack contains
unit specifications, tracking and guidance documents which will be invaluable
to any centre running Key Skills.
NB The following information in this section indicates where evidence is likely
to occur. It is the Assessor’s role to assess the Key Skills evidence against the
criteria.
8
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Issue 1 August 2009
Pages 9 - 11 9
Section 2:
Assessment
and Moderation
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
9
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
10 Section 2
Assessment and Moderation
How is the
qualification
assessed?
Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s skill, knowledge
and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.
The NCFE Level 2 Award in Helping Skills is internally assessed. The candidate
must produce a portfolio of work that covers all learning outcomes of this
qualification.
All learning outcomes within each candidate portfolio must be assessed
by Assessors in the centre. A reasonable sample of portfolios must then
be assessed by an Internal Moderator to ensure consistency with national
standards.
Each candidate must create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates
achievement of all learning outcomes associated with each unit. Learning
outcomes specify what each candidate has to achieve and are included
within Section 3 of this Qualification Specification.
The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include:
• Assessor observation – completed observational checklists and related
action plans
• witness testimony
• candidate product
• worksheets
• assignments/projects/reports
• professional discussion
• record of oral and written questioning
• candidate and peer reports
• recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Evidence may be drawn from actual or simulated situations, where
appropriate.
Assessment guidance is provided for each unit. Assessors can use other methods
of assessment as long as they are valid and reliable and maintain the integrity
of the assessment and of the standards required of the qualification. Acceptable
methods of assessment could be drawn from the list above.
Assessors must be satisfied that candidates have achieved all learning outcomes
related to the unit being assessed prior to deciding whether candidates have
been successful. Assessors are also responsible for supporting candidates
through the assessment process.
For approval of methods of internal assessment other than portfolio building,
please contact the Quality Assurance team at NCFE.
10
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 2
11
Assessment and Moderation
How does
moderation
work?
What is moderation?
Moderation is the process by which we confirm that assessment decisions in
centres are:
• made by competent and qualified Assessors
• the product of sound and fair assessment practice
• recorded accurately and appropriately
We do this by:
• internal moderation – which you carry out
• external moderation – which we carry out through our External Moderators
who, by supporting you, will make sure that assessments meet nationally
agreed standards and that your quality assurance systems continue to meet
our centre approval criteria.
The Internal Moderator provides the vital link between the Assessors and
the External Moderator and acts as the centre’s quality assurance agent.
If you’d like to know more about the responsibilities of Assessors, Internal
and External Moderators, please refer to our Centre Support Guide.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
11
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
12 Issue 1 August 2009
Pages 12 - 24
Section 3:
Structure and Content
of the Qualification
12
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
Structure and Content of the Qualification
This section provides details of the structure and content of this qualification.
The unit summary provides an overview of each unit including:
ᔢ the unit title
ᔢ the unit overview
ᔢ guided learning hours
ᔢ an indication of whether the unit is mandatory or optional
ᔢ credit value
ᔢ level
Following the unit summary there’s detailed information for each unit containing:
ᔢ the unit number and title
ᔢ learning outcomes (‘the learner will’) and assessment criteria (‘the learner can’)
ᔢ suggested types of evidence for internal assessment
The regulators’ accredited unit number is indicated in brackets for each unit (eg M/100/7116). However,
to make cross-referencing assessment and moderation easier, we’ve used a sequential numbering system
in this document.
For further information or guidance about the qualification please contact our Research and Product
Development team on 0191 239 8000.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
13
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
14 Section 3
Structure and Content of the Qualification
Unit Summaries
Unit 01
Developing self awareness for the helping relationship
(regulators’ accredited unit no. D/502/3871)
This unit will develop learners’ understanding of themselves and the personal qualities that can be used
in a helping role. Learners will also identify how to meet organisational policy, recognise areas for self
development and how to act in a way that upholds equality and diversity in the context of a helping
relationship.
Guided learning hours: 10
Credit value: 2
Level: 2
This unit is mandatory.
Unit 02
Developing listening and communication skills for helping relationships
(regulators’ accredited unit no. H/502/3872)
In this unit, learners will investigate the range of communication skills used in helping relationships,
look at overcoming barriers to communication they may encounter and develop ways to evaluate their
communication skills. Learners will also develop their understanding of the core conditions and other
counselling concepts used during helping relationships.
Guided learning hours: 25
Credit value: 3
Level: 2
This unit is mandatory.
Unit 03
Managing the helping relationship (regulators’ accredited unit no. K/502/3873)
This unit will give learners an understanding of issues that are specific to helping relationships,
including personal safety and appropriate record keeping. Learners will cover defining and maintaining
boundaries and how to set up, manage and end the helping relationship.
Guided learning hours: 10
Credit value: 1
Level: 2
This unit is mandatory.
14
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
15
Unit 01 Developing self awareness for the helping relationship (D/502/3871)
Learning outcomes:
The learner will:
1.
Develop self understanding
The learner can:
1.1
Identify own values and beliefs
1.2
Outline how their values and beliefs could have an effect on relationships
1.3
Identify own motivation for helping others
1.4
Identify own blocks to listening and learning
1.5
Explain the benefits of giving and receiving feedback for personal development
1.6
Explain the importance of looking after own emotional health and well-being
The learner will:
2
Understand personal qualities relevant to the helping role
The learner can:
2.1
Identify their own personal qualities and areas for development related to these
2.2
Identify an organisational document related to personal conduct
2.3
Extract the main points related to the self and own personal qualities from the
document identified in 2.2
2.4
Explain the importance of developing a range of personal qualities
The learner will:
3
Understand equality and diversity issues
The learner can:
3.1
Outline what equality means
3.2
Outline the importance of valuing individuality
3.3
Define the terms stereotyping and labelling
3.4
Explain why people sometimes stereotype others
3.5
Explain the effects stereotyping and labelling can have on individuals or groups
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
15
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
16 Section 3
Unit 01 Developing self awareness for the helping relationship (D/502/3871)
(Continued)
Range (explanation):
Health and
well-being:
16
eg making use of opportunities for support; rest and relaxation; the need for
personal space; participating in activities
Qualities:
eg trustworthy, honest, respectful, sincere, fair, etc
Document:
one document should be identified, which could be a code of practice (eg General
Social Care Council (GSCC) Code of Practice for Care Workers), code of conduct or
ethical framework related to the subject area or an occupational setting. For
example: learner’s own workplace policy
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
17
Unit 01 Developing self awareness for the helping relationship (D/502/3871)
(Continued)
Assessment Guidance – Unit 01:
Product:
Types of evidence: Journal, Oral or written questioning
Learning outcomes: 1.1–1.4, 2.1, 3.2, 3.5
Additional information: Learners could respond to a set of pre-prepared questions covering the
learning outcomes. Questions and answers should be clearly recorded, and could be in the form
of an assignment or self-evaluation report.
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes from a small group discussion
Learning outcomes: 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4
Additional information: Learners could participate in a small group discussion which could be assessed
via a Tutor witness testimony or video recording with candidate evaluation. Learners could also prepare
a candidate report.
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes or candidate report
Learning outcomes: 2.2–2.4
Additional information: Learners could conduct research and prepare notes or a candidate report.
For 2.2 learners could include a brief description of their organisation’s document. Alternatively
centres could ask learners to review a document they have chosen.
The types of evidence listed above are for guidance purposes only. Within candidates’ portfolios,
other types of evidence are acceptable if all learning outcomes and assessment criteria are covered
and if the evidence generated can be internally and externally moderated. For approval of methods
of internal assessment other than portfolio building, please contact the Quality Assurance team at
NCFE.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
17
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
18 Section 3
Unit 02 Developing listening and communication skills for helping
relationships (H/502/3872)
Learning outcomes:
The learner will:
1
Explore the use of different types of communication skill
The learner can:
1.1
Identify the different forms of communication
1.2
Demonstrate the use of a range of communication skills
1.3
Outline why each communication skill is used
1.4
Identify barriers to communication
1.5
Explain ways to overcome communication barriers
1.6
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of methods available to evaluate their skills
The learner will:
2
Understand the 3 ‘core’ conditions and other counselling concepts
The learner can:
2.1
Explain each of the core conditions
2.2
Identify the skills that can be used to demonstrate each of the core conditions
2.3
Outline the meaning of ‘in the here and now’ and demonstrate its use
2.4
Define ‘self-disclosure’
2.5
Explain why self-disclosure should be used with caution
Range (explanation):
Forms of
communication:
18
written, verbal, non-verbal (gestures, use of sign language, body language, facial
expression etc.)
Skills:
all the following should be covered: paraphrasing, summarising, clarifying,
reflecting, re-stating, challenging, using silence, open and closed questions, body
language, echoing
Barriers:
eg the range of physical, environmental, psychological, social and cultural factors
that can interfere with or distort communication, eg impairment (mental, physical
including sensory), use of jargon and slang, inappropriate facial expressions or
gestures, environmental noise (not exhaustive)
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
19
Unit 02 Developing listening and communication skills for helping
relationships (H/502/3872) (Continued)
Range (explanation): (Continued)
Overcome:
eg making best use of the environment, listening carefully to what is being
communicated; speaking clearly and only using jargon and slang when
appropriate; speaking at an appropriate pace and in an appropriate tone of
voice; engaging appropriately with people, using non-judgemental language;
using gestures and body language to emphasise what is being communicated;
being aware of individual differences in relation to disability, culture, language,
gender, age; avoiding over-familiarity and respecting personal space
Methods:
eg feedback from peers, Tutors, self evaluation
Core conditions:
the following should be covered: empathy, congruence (genuineness)
and unconditional positive regard (respect)
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
19
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
20 Section 3
Unit 02 Developing listening and communication skills for helping
relationships (H/502/3872) (Continued)
Assessment Guidance – Unit 02:
Product:
Types of evidence: Journal, Oral or written questioning
Learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
Additional information: Learners could respond to a set of pre-prepared questions covering the
learning outcomes. Questions and answers should be clearly recorded, and could be in the form
of an assignment or self-evaluation report.
Product:
Types of evidence: Witness testimony
Learning outcome: 1.2, 2.3
Additional information: Due to the practical nature of these criteria, it is recommended that learners
could undertake a role-play/simulation. The witness testimony could be prepared by the Tutor/Assessor
or the learner’s peers. It should be an objective account of what the learner has done and must provide
sufficient detail to confirm that the learner has met the learning outcomes, and understands the
concepts involved.
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes or candidate report
Learning outcomes: 1.3, 1.6
Additional information: Learners could prepare notes or a candidate report to evaluate their use of
listening/communication skills using 2 different evaluation methods.
The types of evidence listed above are for guidance purposes only. Within candidates’ portfolios,
other types of evidence are acceptable if all learning outcomes and assessment criteria are covered
and if the evidence generated can be internally and externally moderated. For approval of methods
of internal assessment other than portfolio building, please contact the Quality Assurance team at
NCFE.
20
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
21
Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship (K/502/3873)
Learning outcomes:
The learner will:
1
Understand issues related to the helping relationship
The learner can:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Select a context suitable for using helping skills and explain why the use of these skills would be
appropriate
Identify an organisational document and summarise the broad principles it contains relating to
the use of helping skills
Identify relevant guidance to use when presented with an ethical dilemma
Identify potential issues of risk and safety related to helping relationships and how these could
be addressed
State the importance of following organisational guidelines on record keeping and reporting
Discuss the need for support and/or supervision appropriate to different contexts
The learner will:
2
Understand how to structure a helping relationship
The learner can:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Define ‘limits of confidentiality’ and explain their importance
Discuss the limits to own role and level of competence
Explain responsibilities that a provider of help may have to others
Begin the helping relationship
Manage a helping session
End the helping relationship
The learner will:
3 Understand the purpose of referral and how to refer appropriately
The learner can:
3.1
State why referral might be necessary
3.2
Identify an organisation that can offer help and information on a personal issue
3.3
Outline the range of services that the organisation identified in 3.2 can offer and explain how
these can be accessed
3.4
Outline how you would conduct an ethical referral
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
21
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
22 Section 3
Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship (K/502/3873) (Continued)
Range (explanation):
22
Context:
using skills to enhance a functional role (eg support services, health care,
social care, youth and community work, early years) or in a specific setting
(eg befriending, victim support, mentoring, advice and guidance)
Broad principles:
for example: personal qualities, confidentiality, maintaining skills and knowledge,
fitness to practice
Risk and safety:
eg visiting service users in their own homes, outreach/fieldworkers, basic safety –
letting people know who you’re seeing, where you are, how long you’ll be,
checking in at frequent times, insurance issues etc
Record keeping:
learners should be made aware of the issues surrounding notetaking during
helping sessions, eg what should be recorded, how it should be recorded, who can
access the information, how the information should be stored, what may need to
be disclosed to others, requirements related to data protection
Role:
in interpersonal relationships with others and in a work or voluntary work setting
Responsibilities:
organisational constraints and duties; legal constraints and duties; complying with
organisational policies and working codes of practice
Begin:
setting and explaining boundaries (contract) for a session or series of sessions and
agree the initial requirements for help
Session:
giving the session a structure – providing the help and recording information as
appropriate
End:
recognise signals for ending, consider possibilities for referral, recognise factors
that make endings difficult, ending the session or series of sessions appropriately
Organisation:
one organisation should be chosen: a wide variety of organisations offer help
and advice on a range of issues eg drugs/alcohol, debt, relationships, health,
employment rights, victimisation/bullying, abuse (not exhaustive). The
organisation can be local or national
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 3
23
Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship (K/502/3873) (Continued)
Assessment Guidance – Unit 03:
Product:
Types of evidence: Journal, Oral or written questioning
Learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3
Additional information: Learners could respond to a set of pre-prepared questions covering the
learning outcomes. Questions and answers should be clearly recorded, and could be in the form
of an assignment or self-evaluation report.
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes or candidate report
Learning outcomes: 1.2, 1.3
Additional information: Learners could conduct research and prepare notes or a candidate report. For
1.3 the learner could consider an ethical dilemma of their own choosing. Alternatively centres could
produce a small bank of case studies that learners could use to illustrate the use of the organisations
document or guidance document.
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes from a small group discussion
Learning outcome: 1.6, 2.2
Additional information: Learners could participate in a small group discussion which could be assessed
via a Tutor witness testimony or video recording with candidate evaluation. Learners could also prepare
a candidate report.
Witness testimonies:
Types of evidence: Witness testimony
Learning outcomes: 2.4–2.6
Additional information: Due to the practical nature of these criteria, it is recommended that learners
could undertake a role-play/simulation. The witness testimony could be prepared by the Tutor/Assessor
or the learner’s peers. It should be an objective account of what the learner has done and must provide
sufficient detail to confirm that the learner has met the learning outcomes, and understands the
concepts involved.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
23
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
24 Section 3
Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship (K/502/3873) (Continued)
Assessment Guidance – Unit 03: (Continued)
Product:
Types of evidence: Individual notes or candidate report
Learning outcomes: 3.1–3.4
Additional information: Learners could conduct research and prepare notes or a candidate report.
The types of evidence listed above are for guidance purposes only. Within candidates’ portfolios,
other types of evidence are acceptable if all learning outcomes and assessment criteria are covered
and if the evidence generated can be internally and externally moderated. For approval of methods
of internal assessment other than portfolio building, please contact the Quality Assurance team at
NCFE.
24
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Issue 1 August 2009
Pages 25 - 32 25
Section 4:
Links to Skills for Life
(2004 Standards)
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
25
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
26 Section 4
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
As far as possible, NCFE’s policy is to indicate to centres which internal assessment components from
the Key Skills qualifications may realistically be achieved through this qualification. In addition to the
portfolio of evidence, learners must also achieve the relevant Key Skills external assessment paper
before applying for certification. Once a whole Key Skills qualification has been assessed and achieved
it will be possible to apply to NCFE for accreditation. The following information in this section indicates
where, within this qualification, learners may generate evidence towards aspects of Key Skills internal
assessment. There is an indication whether each piece of evidence is intrinsic or requires some further
activity.
This qualification is mapped to the 2004 Key Skills standards. The complete standards and guidance
documents are available from the QCA website (www.qca.org.uk/603.html). In general the aim has been
to target Level 2 Key Skills although work can be designed for other levels, depending on the needs of
individual learners or groups.
Key Skills Centre Support Packs are available from the Centre Support team at NCFE, or to download
from the NCFE website (www.ncfe.org.uk). These packs contain unit specifications, tracking and guidance
documents which will be invaluable to any centre running Key Skills.
NB The following information in this section indicates where evidence is likely to occur. It is the
Assessor’s role to assess the Key Skills evidence against the criteria.
26
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 4
27
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Communication (Level 2)
Use at least one image either to obtain information or to convey information in your discussion, your
talk or one of the documents you write in order to help the audience/reader understand the points you
are making.
Key Skill Ref: C2.1a
Description: Take part in a group discussion.
Make clear and relevant contributions in a way that suits your purpose and situation; respond
appropriately to others; help to move the discussion forward.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification, especially
in meeting the evidence requirements of Unit 01.
Key Skill Ref: C2.1b
Description: Give a talk of at least 4 minutes.
Speak clearly in a way that suits your subject, purpose and situation; keep to the subject and structure
your talk to help listeners follow what you are saying; use appropriate ways to support your main
points.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification.
Key Skill Ref: C2.2
Description: Read and summarise information from at least 2 documents about the same subject.
Each document must be a minimum of 500 words long.
Select and read relevant documents; identify accurately the main points, ideas and lines of reasoning;
summarise the information to suit your purpose.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification.
Key Skill Ref: C2.1a
Description: Write 2 different types of document, each one giving different information. One document
must be at least 500 words long.
Present relevant information in a format that suits your purpose; use a structure and style of writing
to suit your purpose; spell, punctuate and use grammar accurately and make your meaning clear.
Cross-reference: Although no explicit opportunities to fulfil this outcome exist, learners could be asked
to prepare 2 documents as part of evidence across all units of the qualification.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
27
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
28 Section 4
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Application of Number (Level 2)
Carry through at least one activity that includes tasks for all 3 of N2.1, N2.2 (a, b, c or d) and N2.3*.
Overall, through one or more activities you must:
• Use 2 different sources which include material containing a chart or graph (N2.1)
• Do calculations for a, b, c and d (N2.2)
• Present findings in 2 different ways using charts, graphs or diagrams (N2.3)
Key Skill Ref: N2.1
Description: Interpret information from a suitable source.
Choose how to get the information you need to meet the purpose of your activity; obtain relevant
information; choose appropriate methods to get the results you need.
Key Skill Ref: N2.2
Description:Use your information to carry out calculations to do with:
a) amounts or sizes
b) scales or proportion
c) handling statistics
d) using formulae
Carry out calculations, clearly showing your methods and levels of accuracy; check your methods to
identify and correct any errors, and make sure your results make sense.
Key Skill Ref: N2.3
Description: Interpret the results of your calculations and present your findings.
Select effective ways to present your findings; present your findings clearly using a chart, graph or
diagram and describe your methods; use more than one way of presenting your findings; describe
what your results tell you and how they meet your purpose.
Cross-reference: There are no explicit opportunities to achieve these criteria in this qualification.
*If you need to carry out additional activities to meet all the requirements of N2.2 (a, b, c, d) each
activity must include tasks for N2.2 and N2.3 or N2.1 and N2.2.
28
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 4
29
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Information and Communication Technology (Level 2)
Overall, through 2 or more activities you must:
ᔢ include at least one ICT-based information source
ᔢ include at least one non-ICT-based information source
ᔢ use at least one example of text, one example of image and one example of number
ᔢ present evidence of purposeful use of email
Key Skill Ref: ICT2.1
Description: Search for and select information to meet your needs. Use different information sources
for each task and multiple search criteria in at least one case.
Select information relevant to the tasks.
Key Skill Ref: ICT2.2
Description: Enter and develop the information to suit the task and derive new information.
Enter and combine information using formats that help development; develop information and derive
new information as appropriate.
Key Skill Ref: ICT2.3
Description: Present combined information such as text with image, text with number, image with
number.
Develop the presentation so that the final output is accurate and shows consistent use of formats; use
layout appropriate to the types of information.
Cross-reference: Although no explicit opportunities to fulfil this outcome exist, learners could be asked
to present combined information as part of evidence across all units of the qualification.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
29
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
30 Section 4
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Working with Others (Level 2)
Provide at least 2 examples of meeting the standard for WO2.1, WO2.2 and WO2.3. One example must
show you can work in a group or team situation.
Key Skill Ref: WO2.1
Description: Plan work with others.
Identify what you need to achieve together; share relevant information to identify what needs to be
done and individual responsibilities; confirm the arrangements for working together.
Key Skill Ref: WO2.2
Description: Work co-operatively towards achieving the identified objectives.
Organise and carry out tasks safely using appropriate methods, to meet your responsibilities; support
co-operative ways of working to help achieve the objectives for working together; check progress,
seeking advice from an appropriate person when needed.
Key Skill Ref: WO2.3
Description: Review your contributions and agree ways to improve work with others.
Share relevant information on what went well and less well in working with others; identify your role
in helping to achieve things together; agree ways of improving your work with others.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification.
30
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Section 4
31
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Improving own Learning and Performance (Level 2)
Provide at least 2 examples of meeting the standard for LP2.1, LP2.2 and LP2.3 (each example should
cover at least 2 targets). Overall, show you can use at least 2 different ways of learning to improve your
performance.
Key Skill Ref: LP2.1
Description: Help set targets with an appropriate person and plan how these will be met.
Provide information to help set realistic targets for what you want to achieve; identify clear action
points for each target and how you will manage your time; identify how to get the support you need
and arrangements for reviewing your progress.
Key Skill Ref: LP2.2
Description: Take responsibility for some decisions about your learning, using your plan to help meet
targets and improve your performance.
Use your action points to help manage your time well; revising your plan when needed; choose ways
of learning to improve your performance, working for short periods without close supervision; identify
when you need support and use this effectively to help you meet targets.
Key Skill Ref: LP2.3
Description: Review progress with an appropriate person and provide evidence of your achievements.
Identify what you learned, and how you have used your learning in another task; identify targets you
have met and evidence of your achievements; identify ways you learn best and how to further improve
your performance.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification.
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
31
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
32 Section 4
Links to Skills for Life (2004 Standards)
Problem Solving (Level 2)
Provide at least 2 examples of meeting the standard for PS2.1, PS2.2 and PS2.3. Each example should
cover a different problem and identify at least 2 different ways of tackling it (for PS2.1).
Key Skill Ref: PS2.1
Description: Identify a problem, with help from an appropriate person, and identify different ways of
tackling it.
Provide information to help identify a problem, accurately describing its main features; identify how
you will know the problem has been solved; come up with different ways of tackling the problem.
Key Skill Ref: PS2.2
Description: Plan and try out at least one way of solving the problem.
Confirm with an appropriate person how you will try to solve the problem; plan what you need to do,
identifying the methods and resources you will use; use your plan effectively, getting support and
revising your plan when needed to tackle the problem.
Key Skill Ref: PS2.3
Description: Check if the problem has been solved and identify ways to improve problem-solving skills.
Check if the problem has been solved accurately using the methods you have been given; describe
clearly the results, including the strengths and weaknesses of how you tackled the problem; identify
ways of improving your problem-solving skills.
Cross-reference: Opportunities to achieve this outcome exist throughout the qualification.
32
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
Issue 1 August 2009
Pages 33 - 34 33
Section 5:
Links to National
Occupational Standards
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000
33
Level 2 Award in Helping Skills
34 Section 5
Links to National Occupational Standards
This qualification has been mapped against a range of National Occupational Standards (NOS). This
means that by studying this qualification learners may be able to gather evidence which can be used
towards the knowledge requirements of a particular NVQ/SVQ or other qualification as appropriate.
NB
Accreditation of Prior Learning is entirely at the discretion of the NVQ/SVQ awarding centre which
must be satisfied that the evidence meets the requirements of the NVQ/SVQ. Where APL is to be used
extensively (ie for a whole unit or more) centres must ensure that advice is given by a qualified APL
Advisor.
ENTO Standards for:
• Advice and Guidance (AG)
• Counselling (CLG)
34
NCFE Unit No. and Title
Related Unit and Element of NOS
Unit 01 Developing self awareness for the helping
relationship
AG2: 2.2
CLG1: 1.1, 1.2
CLG6: 6.1
Unit 02 Developing listening and communication
skills for helping relationships
AG2: 2.1, 2.3
CLG6: 6.1
Unit 03 Managing the helping relationship
AG4: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
AG13: 13.1
CLG6: 6.1
CLG7: 7.2
Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
Email: counselling@ncfe.org.uk
For further help telephone 0191 239 8000