What the Codes of Practice mean for the public

What is the Scottish Social Services Council Code of Practice for Social Service Workers?

The SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers says that workers must:

• protect your rights and make sure you are listened to
• earn and keep your trust as a person who uses social services or cares for someone who does
• help you to keep yourself and others safe from harm
• help you to be independent and be able to live your life and take risks in a careful way
• work to make sure you and other people are confident in social services
• do the best job they can.

Why is the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers important?

The people who work with you in care services are important people in your lives.  They might be social workers, care workers or nursery staff for example who work together to make sure you or the person you care for is well looked after.  People working in social services now have to work to the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers. 

The Code sets out standards for these workers and helps you know what you can expect from the people that work with you.

What can I do if I’m concerned about a worker?

If you are concerned that your worker or a worker that provides a service for someone you care for, does not meet the standards set out in the SSSC Code of Practice for Social Service Workers, you need to tell someone.  This can be:

• your key worker and/or another worker
• your carer
• the manager/employer.

There is more information in the Protecting the public section and you can contact us at conduct@sssc.uk.com or call 0845 60 30 891.