We have revised the Codes of Practice and the updated version will come into effect on 1 May.
You can read more about the review, the changes we've made and download a text version of the updated Codes here ahead of the launch.
The easy to view digital, printable versions of the Codes of Practice will be available here from 1 May.
The Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers (the Codes) set out the behaviours and values expected of social service workers and their employers.
Download the 2016 SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.
We have posters and leaflets to help you promote and use the Codes in your service. You can download them here.
The Code of Practice for Social Service Workers sets out clear standards of professional conduct and practice that social service workers must meet in their everyday work.
Workers are responsible for making sure they meet the required standards and that nothing they do, or don’t do, harms the wellbeing of people who use services.
The Code is part of the wider package of legislation, practice standards and employers’ policies and procedures that social service workers must meet.
We expect social service workers to meet the standards in the Code and may take action if registered workers fail to do so.
The SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Employers sets out the responsibilities of employers in the regulation of social service workers.
Employers are responsible for making sure they meet the required standards and support their workers to meet the standards set out in the Code for Social Service Workers.
The Care Inspectorate take the Codes of Practice into account during inspection of services and may take action to support improvement or require change if providers don’t meet the required standards.
By setting clear standards of professional practice and behaviour, the Codes are an important part of regulating and improving the quality of care for people who use services.
The Codes let you know what you can expect from social service workers.
If you are concerned a worker providing a service for you or someone you care for does not meet the standards set out in the Codes you need to tell someone. Visit our raising a concern page to find out more.
Download the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social service Workers and Employers.
Download the Codes of Practice
We publish the Codes of Practice in different formats and other languages. Find out more here.
Learn more about the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers and what they mean for registered workers.
We spent the day at Capability Scotland, Dundee in February 2020 and found out how staff work to the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers. You can read the transcript of the video here.
We spent the day at Oranges & Lemons Children's Nursery, Technology Park, Dundee and found out how staff at the nursery work to the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers.
The Codes are available electronically in Adobe pdf and eReader versions. Please use our eReader guide for help to download the Codes of Practice on your portable device.
Codes of Practice in PDF format
Codes of Practice in epub format
Codes of Practice in mobi format
Codes of Practice large print version
Codes of Practice credit card size
Codes of Practice in Word text format
Codes of Practice PDF text version
Codes of Practice Easy Read version
Codes of Practice in Punjabi (Gurmukhi)
Codes of Practice in Portuguese
If you would like the Codes in a different language please email communications@sssc.uk.com or phone 0345 60 30 891 and we can look into this.
BSL users can contact us via contactSCOTLAND-BSL, the online British Sign Language interpreting service. Find out more on the contact SCOTLAND website.
Find out more about registering with the SSSC including what qualifications you need and how much it costs.
Discover our free learning resources and how our work can support your learning and development.
Read more about our fitness to practise process, registrant responsibilities and how to make a complaint about a worker.