Find out how the SSSC is run and held to account

Accountability

We aim to work to the highest standards of integrity in the public interest. Our code of governance ensures that we achieve this.

The framework we operate in means that we:

• are focused on outcomes
• work in clearly defined roles
• promote values for the whole organisation and demonstrate good governance through behaviour
• take informed and transparent decisions which are subject to scrutiny
• engage with stakeholders to make sure we are accountable.

A series of documents set out how we operate:

• Scheme of Delegation
• SSSC Complaint Procedure
• Expected behaviour procedure
• SSSC summary risk register
• SSSC Framework Document
• SSSC Code of Corporate Governance
• Code of Conduct for Members of the SSSC.

Do you want to make a complaint about us?

We want to know what you think about our services and the way we deliver them. We aim to provide the best possible service in all areas of our work but accept that sometimes something may go wrong. When this happens, we would like to know so we can try to put things right.

You can find out more about making a complaint about us here.

Procurement

As a non-departmental public body (NDPB) the SSSC helps contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes. One of the outcomes is to ensure public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs and procurement has a significant role to play in achieving this outcome.

Visit our procurement page to find out more.

Committees, sub-committees and panels

The SSSC has several committees, sub-committees and panels. They can be split into three categories: operational committees (which are primarily responsible for developing and maintaining SSSC policies), regulatory committees and the committees, sub-committees or panels considering appeals and qualifications. They all report to the Council.

Find out more about our committees here.

The Council

The Council, made up of a Convener and members, oversees our work. Scottish Ministers appoint members through open competition and they come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Find out more about the Council here.

Equality and diversity

We are committed to valuing diversity and improving opportunity for all. We are responsible for registering people who work in social services and regulating their education and training. Our vision is of a competent, confident workforce, capable of delivering high quality services, a workforce that has the confidence of the public, those who use services and their carers. We aim to put people who use services and carers at the centre of everything we do.

You can find out more about equality and diversity here.

Equality impact assessment

Equality impact assessments (EIAs) help us make sure our policies, and the functions we carry out, do what they are intended to do and for everybody. This means assessing the likely (or actual) effects of policies on people in respect of their protected characteristics.

You can download our completed EIAs so far here.

Annual reports

Our annual reports set out:

• the work we have completed over the last year
• the difference we want to make
• how we contribute to a successful Scotland
• how we are working to achieve Scottish Government National Outcomes
• how we are being an effective organisation
• a review of our finance
• annual accounts.

Our annual report and accounts are laid before the Scottish Parliament.

You can view our annual reports in our publication section.