SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Diploma: Corrections Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48553	National Diploma: Corrections Science
ORIGINATOR
SGB Corrections
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Diploma	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 5	NQF Level 05	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2020-07-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2020-07-30		2022-07-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

This qualification is aimed at learners who work within a corrections environment, and who seek recognition for essential skills needed up to the level of first line supervisors of correctional operations. Furthermore, this qualification has been developed to promote professionalism, rehabilitation of offenders, human rights, community corrections, care for youth and female offenders, and the adherence to correctional law.

This qualification will allow a learner to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in Corrections Science. A qualifying learner will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of essential correctional practices associated with the rehabilitation of sentenced and unsentenced, adult and youth, male and female offenders whether detained in prison or subject to community corrections.

This qualification will also assist in changing the perceptions of the lack of good governance, professionalism and expertise within corrections environment which will improve the image and relationships between the corrections industry and the community.

This qualification lays a foundation for higher career advancement in corrections.

Rationale

In corrections, officials are responsible for the upliftment of the fallen persons. Since the demilitarisation of the corrections industry in 1996, greater emphasis was placed on rehabilitation and humane treatment of offenders. Furthermore, the corrections industry is characterised by the implementation of unit management principles in correctional facilities. The introduction and growth in community corrections necessitate skills development of correctional officials in this specialised area of corrections industry. Other areas of specialization in corrections industry include youth and female offenders.

In the corrections environment correctional officials are exposed on a daily basis to situations which necessitate thorough knowledge of correctional law to avoid liability, negligence, infringements of human rights and transgressions of the Correctional Services Act.

The government of South Africa has repeatedly emphasised the importance and need to promote good governance and professionalism within state departments.

It is with this focus in mind that the design of this qualification includes elements of professionalism, human rights, rehabilitation, community corrections, youth and female corrections, and correctional law.

Furthermore, correctional officials have the responsibility to manage themselves and others (subordinates and offenders), do estimates of supplies and apply effective control over financial expenditure. Therefore, elements of generic and service management have also been built into the design of this qualification.

This qualification reflects workplace needs of the corrections industry for correctional officials up to first line supervisors. The majority of the candidates to aspire for this qualification are likely to be those already working in the corrections sector. The qualification will therefore give them the opportunity to develop skills and to acquire the knowledge that is essential for successful execution of correctional duties up to the level of first line supervisors.

This qualification also provides the opportunity to corrections employees to earn a formal qualification in corrections science.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that candidates embarking on learning towards this qualification are already competent in the following areas:

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Numerical skills

Recognition of prior learning

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning.

Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

On achieving this qualification a learner will be able to:
1. Communicate with individual and groups within the corrections services environment in a variety of ways.
2. Conduct custodial duties in accordance with legislation and organisational policies.
3. Demonstrate understanding of human rights and apply ethical standards in the treatment of and rehabilitation of offenders.
4. Promote healthy living practices in the correctional services environment.
5. Apply intermediate managerial skills within a correctional services environment.
6. Apply relevant legislation in a correctional services environment.

Critical cross-field outcomes

This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes. The way in which the critical cross-field outcomes are addressed is presented in detail in the unit standards.

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.

Organizing and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information.

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1 Communication within and about the correctional services processes is clear, understandable and effective.

2.1 Custodial duties are conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and correctional services policies.
2.2 Custodial duties are conducted with due sensitivity to the diversity of the prison population.

3.1 Inmates are treated with due consideration for human rights and organisational ethics.

4.1 All aspects of healthy living are explained in a manner acceptable to the target audience.
4.2 Information regarding all applicable support services is given and reinforced.
4.3 Referral are made to support services where applicable.

Integrated Assessment

For award of the qualification, a candidate must achieve each of the fundamental and core unit standards as well as the elective unit standards chosen as per annexure A.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to engage in the correctional operations selected in an integrative way, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to these work operations, effectively. Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification.

As it is a Unit Standard based Qualification, both formative and summative assessment processes are accounted for. A broad range of task orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used.

Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications and training courses from the following countries:

Australia

New Zealand

United States of America

In addition, the abilities described in the unit standards have also been compared with the findings of Australia and New Zealand.

In general this qualification and its component unit standards compare well with their international counterparts. The only major differences are in formatting and scope of coverage or focus. The qualifications found to be the most comparable to this one are:

Associate Degree in Corrections Science (USA)

Diploma in Correctional Administration (Australia)

Corrections Administration - Associate in Applied Science (USA)

Corrections, Probation & Parole - Associate in Applied Science Degree (USA)

Certificates III & IV in Correctional Practice (Australia)

National Certificates (levels 3 & 4) in Offender Management (New Zealand)

Correctional Science Certificate (USA)

Certificate for corrections officers (USA)

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The National Diploma in Corrections Science has been designed to allow for an integrated learning pathway. The Diploma is a 240 credit qualification of which 39 credits are also incorporated into the National Certificate in Corrections Science. Therefore, this qualification makes provision for the recognition of prior learning through credits, to learners who completed the Certificate in Corrections Science, in terms of the following core unit standards:

Conduct external custodial duties (4 credits)

Conduct internal custodial duties (8 credits)

Demonstrate a basic understanding of offender rehabilitation and development (3 credits)

Demonstrate an understanding of the Human Rights contained in the Bill of Rights (12 credits)

Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and operations within the field of community corrections (12 credits)

This qualification allows learners access to NQF level 6 qualifications such as the First Degree in Corrections Science which is the main route of entry in producing honours, masters and doctoral graduates in corrections science.

Furthermore, this qualification makes provision for the recognition of prior learning through credits, to learners who register with the National Diploma to do the First Degree in Corrections Science, in terms of the following core unit standards:

Admit, Transfer and Release persons subject to Community Corrections (12 credits)

Apply direct supervision (4 credits)

Identify laws and rules applicable to different issues or circumstances within the correctional/ detention environment (3 credits)

Manage cultural needs of inmates (3 credits)

Manage personal safety in a prison (4 credits)

Administer admission, transfer and releases of inmates (12 credits)

Apply Human Rights in a correctional/detention environment (18 credits)

Avoid and prevent conduct that can result in delictual liability of the State in a correctional/detention environment (12 credits)

Avoid and prevent crimes and transgressions of the Correctional Services Act and demonstrate understanding of the meaning and effect of criminal convictions (12 credits)

Avoid negligent conduct in corrections (12 credits)

Conduct Search and Inspection (8 credits)

Deliver services to female offenders (12 credits)

Deliver Youth Offender Services (25 credits)

Handle inmate complaints and requests (8 credits)

Manage visits at detention facilities (8 credits)

Provide a caring environment for youth in conflict with the law (6 credits)

Contribute to family and community involvement in the interest of youth in conflict with the law (6 credits)

This qualification also provides the opportunity for horizontal articulation with qualifications in generic and service management.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Providers offering learning towards achievement of the core unit standards that make up this qualification must be accredited through the relevant ETQA.

Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.

Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for the core unit standards that make up this qualification. The following criteria are specified for assessors concerning the core aspects of the qualification:

Assessors need experience in interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.

Assessors need to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes (NQF level 5) and in the design and development of assessments as described in the unit standards (see annexure C).

Subject matter experience must be well developed within the field of correctional operations such as custody, rehabilitation, female, youth and community corrections.

The assessor must have a qualification relevant to corrections science with a minimum of 24 months correctional services experience or the subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:

Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. The aim is to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment at across titles or at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies.

Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment as defined below:

Principles of assessment:

Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.

Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence. In particular, the method of assessment is sensitive to language diversity.

Manageable: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.

Integrated into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.

Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.

Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible

Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.

Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required Standard can be repeated consistently.

Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.

Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.

Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	114017	Admit, transfer and release persons subject to community corrections	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	114041	Apply direct supervision	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	114018	Conduct external custodial duties	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	14643	Conduct internal custodial duties	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	114022	Demonstrate a basic understanding of offender rehabilitation and development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	14646	Demonstrate an understanding of the human rights contained in the bill of rights	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14639	Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and operations within the field of community corrections	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	114016	Identify laws and rules applicable to different issues or circumstances within the correctional/detention environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	114023	Manage cultural needs of inmates	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	114037	Manage personal safety in a prison	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	114036	Administer admission, transfer and releases of inmates	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12
Core	114024	Apply Human Rights in a correctional/detention environment	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	18
Core	114026	Avoid and prevent conduct that can result in delictual liability of the state in a correctional/detention environment	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12
Core	114019	Avoid and prevent crimes and transgressions of the Correctional Services Act and demonstrate understanding of the meaning and effect of criminal convictions	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12
Core	114040	Avoid negligent conduct in corrections	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12
Core	114038	Conduct search and inspection	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Core	114013	Handle inmate complaints and requests	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Core	114020	Manage visits at detention facilities	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Fundamental	8647	Apply workplace communication skills	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
Fundamental	8648	Demonstrate an understanding of professional values and ethics	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Elective	114012	Provide a caring environment for youth in conflict with the law	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Elective	8662	Analyse and communicate workplace data	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Elective	15236	Apply financial analysis	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Elective	114014	Contribute to family and community involvement in the interest of youth in conflict with the law	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	6
Elective	14155	Create and maintain positive workplace relationships	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Elective	114021	Deliver services to female offenders	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12
Elective	114015	Deliver youth offender services	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	25
Elective	15224	Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Elective	7861	Gather and present evidence in a hearing	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	15233	Harness diversity and build on strengths of a diverse working environment	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	3
Elective	15229	Implement codes of conduct in the team, department or division	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	3
Elective	9224	Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Elective	15223	Implement training needs for teams and individuals to upgrade skills levels	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	3
Elective	7858	Maintain supply levels	Level 5	NQF Level 05	10
Elective	7848	Manage the induction of new staff	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Elective	7866	Plan, organise and monitor work in own area of responsibility	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	3
Elective	7878	Prepare and Maintain Financial Records and Statements	Level 5	NQF Level 05	12

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

NONE