The Scottish Social Services Council and the Scottish Executive Mental Health Division are continuing progress to develop the new Mental Health Social Work Award which will replace the existing award for qualified social workers.

The short life working group, chaired by Kate Pryde, has now met on three occasions and has set up sub groups to develop three key areas namely:

• Competencies and Standards, chaired by Mary Coles
• Finance, chaired by Ian Doig
• Delivery options, chaired by Nigel Henderson.

The sub groups are due to report interim findings at the next meeting of the short life working group on the 26 February.

A series of meetings with key stakeholders are scheduled to take place in February to give them the opportunity to comment on these interim findings.

In considering the delivery partnership options, discussions are taking place with current programme providers, the Scottish Qualifications Agency, Scottish universities and the Learning Networks.

We will continue to update you on the progress of the short life working group through a variety of mediums including the SSSC website.

For more information on the development of the new Mental health Award, please contact Ama Okah, Learning and Development Advisor, by telephoning 01382 207353 or emailing ama.okah@sssc.uk.com or Karen McLaughlin, Learning and Development Advisor, by telephoning 01382 207340 or emailing karen.mclaughlin@sssc.uk.com