A REVISED code of professional standards required for social workers and their employers in Scotland has been launched.
The Scottish Social Services Council has revealed its latest update of their Codes of Practice which establishes the standards of practice and behaviour expected of everyone who works in social services and their employers in Scotland.
The Codes, alongside the Health and Social Care Standards, are an important part of regulating and improving the quality of care or support individuals's experience.
MSP Natalie Don, who is also the Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping The Promise, officially launched the third edition of the Codes and said it has a greater focus on building relationships and staff wellbeing.
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She said: “The updated Codes set out clearly the standards of practice and behaviour expected of everyone working in social services in Scotland.
“The Codes now have a greater focus on relationships, staff wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.
“They will play an important role in our ongoing work to Keep the Promise, by making sure they support kind and compassionate care that respects the rights of individuals.”
The SSSC are the regulator for social work, social care, and children and young people workforce in Scotland.
Their work helps to guarantee that people in Scotland who count on social services being provided can expect the services to be delivered by a trusted, skilled, confident, and valued workforce.
They also register the social work, social care and children and young people workforce, and by doing so set standards for their practice, conduct, training, and education and support their professional development.
Maree Allison, SSSC interim chief executive, said: “We’re very pleased the Minister agreed to launch the revised Codes. “The Codes are important in protecting individuals who use services, lets them know what they can expect of workers and provides reassurance that workers and employers must meet professional standards.
“We heard from many workers, employers, and members of the public while reviewing the Codes over the past two years. They told us what they thought was most important and we’ve reflected their views in the revised Codes.”
The Codes were first published in 2003 and there was a second revision of the standards in 2016.
Jackie Irvine, care inspectorate chief executive, also added: “Scotland's social service staff are critical in ensuring the care experienced by people across all settings is of a standard they have a right to expect.
“We would encourage all care service providers to familiarise themselves with these newly updated Codes and to reflect on how they can support their staff to commit to and deliver on the principles they uphold.
“Everyone in the sector has a role to play in ensuring people experience high quality, person-centred care and the Codes are an important part of that.”
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