Media Centre

Download a copy of the SSSC media pack

Please read the guidance below for media wishing to attend SSSC Conduct Hearings.

SSSC Conduct Hearings: guidelines for media wishing to attend

The SSSC is responsible for registering and regulating people who work in social services in Scotland. Our role is to increase protection of people who use social services, to raise standards of practice and to increase public confidence in the sector. The SSSC aims to protect people who use services and their carers by promoting high standards of conduct and by taking action where the public are at risk.

When a social service worker applies to register with the SSSC they must agree to abide by the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers which sets out the conduct expected of social service workers and informs people who use social services and the public about the standards they can expect.

The SSSC can investigate the conduct of registered social service workers. When an allegation of misconduct comes to our attention, we will consider whether the alleged conduct, if proven, would call into question a social service worker’s suitability to remain on the Register.

Conduct Hearings

Conduct Hearings will normally be held at the SSSC offices at Compass House, in Dundee. Conduct hearings are formal proceedings and will normally be held in public, similar to the practice of other regulatory bodies. Hearings may be heard in private where the alleged misconduct may have been caused by the Registrant’s physical or mental health or to protect vulnerable witnesses or people who use social services. In the latter case the decision on whether to hear the case in private will be made by the Convener of the Sub-committee as a preliminary matter on the day.

Public notification of Conduct Hearings

Hearings will be publicised on this website no more than five working days in advance. This is the public notification of a hearing.

Media wishing to attend a Conduct Hearing should contact Nicola Scott, Communications Manager on 01382 207261/07766 133 243 or at nicky.scott@sssc.uk.com

Attending Conduct Hearings held in public

On the day of the Hearing members of the media and public are requested to arrive at the SSSC reception in Compass House at least 15 minutes before the Hearing is due to start.
All media and members of the public must sign in at reception.
There will be no photography allowed on SSSC premises.
Media will not be able to interview those taking part in a Hearing on SSSC premises.
Hearings are formal proceedings and the media and public must abide by any decisions made by the panel, for example, a decision to hold part or all of a Hearing in private.
At no time should members of the media or public interject or engage in discussion during a Hearing.

After the Conduct Hearing

The results of a hearing will be posted on the SSSC website as soon as possible after a decision is made. The registrant has the right of appeal to the Sheriff. Media will not be informed any other way.
We will be happy to assist with any other enquiries or requirements for individuals attending hearings.

For more information about attending a Conduct Hearing or for further press and media information, contact Nicola Scott, Communications Manager, on 01382 207171 or 07766133243 or by email at nicky.scott@sssc.uk.com .