This article is a study of the implementation of the Self and Environmental Management Skills National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in an occupational therapy service. The history and reasons for developing NVQs are first described. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain comments from the four candidates about their perceptions of the assessment process. The discussion incorporates these views, which are of both positive and negative experiences. Recommendations are made in order to improve future NVQ programmes. The article concludes that, in this situation, despite some difficulties, the NVQ has generally improved occupational therapy service provision.
AtkinsonK (1993) Reprofiling and skill mix: Our next challenge. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56(2), 67–69.
3.
BirchenallP (1993) Taking advantage of opportunities for change in learning disabilities nursing. Nurse Education Today, 13, 239–40.
4.
BrockettM (1993) Support workers or replacement workers in rehabilitation?Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60(2), 57–59.
5.
BurkeJW (1990) Competency-based education and training.2nd ed.Lewes, East Sussex: Falmer Press.
6.
College of Occupational Therapists (1992) Guidelines for the knowledge base for NVQ Level III in Care.London: COT.
7.
GippsC (1990) Assessment: A teacher's guide to the issues.London: Hodder and Stoughton.
8.
Joint Awarding Bodies (1994) Information sheet: Documentation for the NVQs in care.London: City and Guilds of London Institute.
9.
HMSO (1991) Government White Paper. Education and training for the 21st century. Vol 1, May 1991. Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Education and Science, Employment and Wales, by Command of Her Majesty. London: HMSO.
10.
NorthcottNLeesBayntun D (1993) Who cares?Nursing Times, June 2, 40–41.
11.
PettittA (1993) FEU bulletin introducing General National Vocational Qualifications.Rushden, Northants: Stanley Hunt.
12.
RowdenR (1992) More input required. Nursing Times, Aug 12, 27–28.
13.
SmithG (1992) BAOT/COT: Reports of Boards; Education and Research Board. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(7), 263–64.
14.
AinleyP (1990) Vocational education and training.London: Cassell Educational.
15.
BurnardPMorrisonP (1990) Nursing research in action.London: Macmillan.
16.
CliffeS (1989) NCVQ Working Party, COT. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 52(4), 145–47.
17.
CracknellE (1987) BJOT: Education. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50(10), 328–29.
18.
CreekJWellsG (1988) Points of view on working together: Qualified and unqualified staff in an occupational therapy department for adults with a mental handicap. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(6), 204–206.
19.
HawkinsPShohetR (1992) Supervision in the helping professions.5th ed.Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
20.
KenworthyNNicklinP (1989) Teaching and assessing in nursing practice.London: Scutari.
21.
StricklandA (1993) Response to the report on the study of the role and use of support personnel in the rehabilitation disciplines. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60(5), 228–30.
