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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Adherence to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} operates in full compliance with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice. These codes set the professional standards for social service workers and employers, ensuring that care and support are delivered ethically, safely, and to a high standard.

This policy provides guidance on how {{org_field_name}} embeds the SSSC Codes of Practice into daily operations, staff conduct, and workforce development, ensuring that all employees meet regulatory expectations and uphold the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the people we support.

Our commitments include:

• Ensuring that all staff understand and comply with the SSSC Codes of Practice.
• Embedding the values and principles of person-centred care into daily practice.
• Providing ongoing training, supervision, and development to support compliance.
• Encouraging a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring leaders and managers fulfil their responsibilities in supporting and monitoring compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All registered social service workers, including care and support staff.
• Supervisors, managers, and leadership teams responsible for compliance.
• Agency, temporary, and volunteer workers engaged by {{org_field_name}}.
• People we support and their families, ensuring they understand their rights in relation to workforce professionalism.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.
• Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.
• Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), ensuring quality and dignity in care.
• Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, which oversees social care regulation.
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, ensuring supported decision-making.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, maintaining confidentiality in compliance with professional codes.

4. Overview of SSSC Codes of Practice

The SSSC Codes of Practice set out the expectations for both social service workers and their employers.

4.1 Code for Social Service Workers

All employees at {{org_field_name}} must:

• Protect and promote the rights and interests of individuals.
• Maintain trust and confidence by acting professionally, honestly, and ethically.
• Promote independence while protecting from harm.
• Encourage informed decision-making while managing risks appropriately.
• Recognise and respect diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Be accountable for their own practice, competence, and continuous professional learning.
• Uphold public trust in the profession by maintaining professional conduct.

4.2 Code for Employers of Social Service Workers

{{org_field_name}} as an employer must:

• Ensure all staff are recruited safely and registered with the SSSC.
• Provide continuous training, supervision, and professional development.
• Maintain a culture of learning, transparency, and support.
• Investigate and respond to concerns about conduct, fitness to practise, or poor performance.
• Encourage staff to report unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
• Ensure workplace policies support compliance with SSSC standards.

5. Implementation at {{org_field_name}}

5.1 Workforce Registration and Compliance

• All care staff must register with the SSSC within the required timeframe for their role.
• Management conducts regular checks on staff registration status.
• Any lapses in registration are addressed immediately, ensuring continuity of compliance.
• Staff are informed about their SSSC registration responsibilities during induction and supervision.

5.2 Training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

• Employees are required to undertake learning and development in line with SSSC expectations.
• Mandatory training includes safeguarding, infection control, moving and handling, and dementia awareness.
• Staff are encouraged to participate in CPD activities, including:
  • Attending relevant workshops and courses.
  • Completing e-learning modules on best practices.
  • Engaging in reflective practice sessions and peer discussions.
• Supervisors review CPD records to ensure compliance with SSSC renewal requirements.

5.3 Supervision, Appraisal, and Performance Management

• Regular one-to-one supervisions are conducted to discuss adherence to SSSC standards.
• Annual appraisals include reviewing professional conduct, skills development, and training needs.
• Performance improvement plans are implemented where compliance issues are identified.
• A culture of reflective practice and feedback is encouraged to support continuous improvement.

5.4 Reporting and Addressing Concerns

• Clear procedures exist for reporting misconduct, safeguarding breaches, or poor practice.
• Employees must report concerns about a colleague’s fitness to practise to management or directly to the SSSC if necessary.
• Concerns are investigated fairly, confidentially, and in line with employment law.
• Staff are protected from victimisation or unfair treatment when raising legitimate concerns.

5.5 Promoting Ethical and Professional Conduct

• All staff are expected to adhere to professional boundaries and act with integrity.
• Employees must maintain confidentiality and respect privacy at all times.
• Staff must ensure their personal and professional conduct upholds public trust.
• Any breaches of professional conduct are subject to disciplinary action.

6. Care Inspectorate and External Compliance Monitoring

• {{org_field_name}} ensures full compliance with Care Inspectorate inspections and audits.
• Evidence of SSSC compliance (e.g., training records, supervision logs, and CPD plans) is readily available.
• Regular self-assessments are conducted to identify gaps and improve adherence.
• Feedback from individuals we support, families, and external professionals is used to enhance compliance practices.

7. Continuous Improvement and Best Practice

To maintain high standards and support compliance with SSSC Codes, {{org_field_name}}:

• Encourages staff to engage in reflective learning and peer discussions.
• Conducts regular policy reviews and updates based on emerging best practices.
• Supports leadership teams in developing stronger governance frameworks.
• Fosters a positive workplace culture where ethical care practice is valued and recognised.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Regulatory Compliance with the Care Inspectorate Policy.
• Training and Development Policy.
• Safeguarding and Adult Protection Policy.
• Whistleblowing Policy.
• Disciplinary and Grievance Policy.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if regulatory updates or operational changes require amendments.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}}{{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.