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SSSC Handbook for Quality Assurance and Enhancement

The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 provides that the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is responsible for the promotion of high standards of conduct and practice among social service workers and that high standards in their education and training are maintained.

In order to carry out the responsibilities outlined above, the SSSC has introduced Rules and Requirements (‘the Rules’) which govern all approved courses. There are three sets of Rules, each of which applies to a different kind of course, and these are:

  1. Rules for Social Work Training 2003
  2. Rules and Requirements for Specialist Training for Social Service Workers in Scotland 2005
  3. Rules and Requirements for Awards Developed from the Standard for Childhood Practice 2008

The SSSC Handbook for Quality Assurance and Enhancement outlines the procedures to be followed by Officers of the Council, Course Providers, and other stakeholders in order to meet the Rules, and which form the SSSC’s quality assurance and enhancement responsibilities. In this context quality enhancement refers to the continuous process of improvement that demonstrates a responsive and reflective approach to course development.

The principles underpinning the quality assurance and enhancement responsibilities are that they:
  • are streamlined and avoid duplication
  • are not overly bureaucratic and take account of existing review and quality arrangements operating internally and/or externally
  • are reliable and robust enough to enable the SSSC to be assured that the provision is of sufficient quality
  • promote continuous improvement in line with expectations of quality enhancement
  • take account of feedback from a range of stakeholders
  • are transparent and evidence-based
  • are based on principles of equal opportunity
  • are based on a collaborative approach
  • are based on a “no surprises” approach
  • are at all times consistent with the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers of Social Service Workers.

The guidance in the handbook cannot act as a substitute for the Rules themselves; where the Rules outline what must be done, the procedures in the handbook outline how to do it and who is involved. It is recommended that you refer to the appropriate set of Rules dependent on the type of course being provided, or proposed, when using this document.

As well as procedures, the handbook includes template forms which must be completed where required. A simple flowchart is also included at the end of each section to provide an overview of the steps taken in carrying out that procedure.

The sections in the handbook include:
  • Approval of courses
  • Making a change or modification to an approved course
  • Monitoring
  • Reviews and renewal of approval of courses
  • Failure of approved courses to comply with the Rules
  • Investigation of approved courses
  • Withdrawal of course approval
  • Appeals
  • Complaints
  • Closing a course.


It is designed to be used as a loose-leaf document which will be reviewed and updated as required on an annual basis. Any comments about the handbook can be forwarded to Jess Alexander, Learning and Development Adviser at: jess.alexander@sssc.uk.com

 

 

SSSC Handbook for Quality Assurance and Enhancement

Download the Scottish Social Services Council Handbook for Quality Assurance and Enhancement here.

 

 

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