Qualification framework (SCQF)

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is responsible for the promotion and development of social work education and training. Promoting consistency, quality and raising standards are central to SSSC’s work.

Higher education social work courses have been replaced by an Honours Degree in Social Work. The Scottish Government's Framework for Social Work Education in Scotland (SiSWE) sets out the expectations of the new honours degree. The Social Work Training Rules 2003 set down the requirements which higher education institutions must meet in order to provide the honours degree.

This section contains information about how qualifications are applied in social work to achieve and maintain a high quality social services workforce.

Qualification Framework

The Scottish credit and qualification framework (SCQF) assists learners, employers and the general public to understand the full range of Scottish qualifications available, how they relate to each other and how they can contribute to improving individual and workforce skills. Please read the introduction leaflet for further information about the SCQF.

National Occupational Standards

National Occupational Standards (NOS) are agreed statements of competence, which describe the work outcomes required for an individual to achieve the standard expected of them in work. NOS are the foundation on which Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are developed. Please click to view the Care National Occupational Standards element titles and units.

National Care Standards

Care Standards (NCS) describe what level of service an individual can expect from service providers. The standards are based on a set of principles: dignity, privacy, choice, safety, realising potential, equality and diversity. The Care Commission will regulate services against National Care Standards.

Matching service standards

The aim of the matching service standards project is to ensure levels of practice meet specified standards by matching National Occupational Standards against National Care Standards. Click to view the Matching service standards project.

Matching service standards – guides

These guides provide comparisons between relevant National Care Standards and National Occupational Standards for particular areas within the care sector.

Click to download your copy of the guide for residential care of children and young people.

Click to download your copy of the guide for people with mental health problems.

Click to download your copy of the guide for older people in care homes.

Registered Managers Award

This vocational qualification is specific to the management of care services. The Award ensures that registered managers are able to demonstrate sufficient competence and professional skills to manage these services.

Further information can be obtained from the SVQ Award website.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications

A Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) is a work based qualification recognised throughout the UK. SVQs testify that you are competent at certain abilities relating to your work.

Scottish Progression Awards

Scottish Progression Awards (SPAs) are the “stepping stones” to achieving full SVQs. Click to view the SVQ Award website for further information on SVQs and SPAs.