Higher Professional Diploma in Learning Disability Services

HPD BannerProfessional Development and Management

Management roles within the learning disability sector are demanding and evolving. Clear leadership, strategic thinking and sound management skills must combine with sensitive values and commitment to person centred support.

The Higher Professional Diploma in Learning Disability Services (HPD) offers an in-depth route to professional development in these areas, set firmly in the context of learning disability services. The award is QCA approved and enables Managers to evidence Continuing Professional Development.


What is the award?

The Higher Professional Diploma (HPD) delivers and assesses specialist learning in managing a learning disability service, at vocational level 4. It also carries 120 CATS points, equivalent to year 1 of an Honours/Foundation degree.

Unit Topics:
  • Understanding learning disability services
  • Person-centred planning in a learning disability services
  • Personal development and reflective practice in a learning disability service
  • Communication systems in a learning disability service
  • Safe practice and protection from harm in a learning disability service
  • Systems and structures that promote rights, responsibilities and diversity in a learning disability service
  • Performance management systems in a learning disability service
  • Business planning in a learning disability service
  • Quality Improvement processes in a learning disability service
  • Organisational change in a learning disability service
Further options are available within the Higher Professional Diploma (HPD) and may be included by arrangement.


Who is ARC’s programme for?

The programme is designed for those in management or supervisory roles within a learning disability service. This includes front-line managers and those in senior management.


How is the programme structured?

ARC recognises the need for flexibility and can now deliver the Higher Professional Diploma (HPD) in two ways:

Option 1: The Whole Package
The entire qualification is a two-year part-time taught programme. Teaching days follow a term time pattern, meeting once a fortnight within that.
Option 2:  The Unit Route
Your organisation can select one or more Units that meet the identified training needs of all staff. Each Unit involves 2 or 3 taught days and completion of an assignment.
Both these options require students to commit to giving additional time for personal study, application of learning and assignment development. Tutor support is available throughout.


What do I get for my money?

ARC is a not-for-profit organisation and what you pay reflects the true cost of delivering the qualification. The cost for the full award is £4,500 or, for the unit route, £500 per unit.

This includes:

  • 36 teaching days (12 Units: 2/3 days per Unit) over 2 years
  • Teaching venue
  • All course materials
  • Tutorial support
  • Tutor feedback on draft assignments
  • Marking of assignments, with further feedback
  • Internal and external moderation of assignments
  • Registration with our awarding body (City & Guilds)
  • Award certification

ARC ensures the highest quality delivery of the Higher Professional Diploma (HPD), only employing tutors with substantial experience of managing Learning Disability services, teaching and training managers. We also engage guest speakers from services and organisations leading best practice.

Additional information on the Higher Professional Diploma in Learning Disability Services:

If you would like further information please contact Vicki: Vicki.Hutchinson@arcuk.org.uk or Rose: Learningdisabilitytraining@fsmail.net or call 01246 564970

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