The number of mental health officer (MHO) posts in 2024 was the highest since records began in 2005, however there continues to be a shortfall to meet demand, according to a new report published by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) today.

There are places still available for courses starting in September 2025 and January 2026 and a bursary is available for up to £11,000.

As digital technology plays an increasingly important role in health and social care, it’s important that organisations and individuals are making the most of their digital capabilities and skills. 

When an employee ends or adds a new employment to their registration we send an email to countersignatories who have asked to receive these notifications. For larger organisations this can result in lots of emails.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has published its second Fitness to Practise Snapshot Report, providing key insights into the fitness to practise process and investigations over the past year.

We want to hear your views on the proposed changes to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Social Care (H&SC) and Children’s Care Learning and Development (CCLD).

Earlier this year, we told you about our work to review the qualification and modern apprenticeship frameworks. We have made good progress with this project, which will continue over the next two years, and are pleased to be able to provide an update. 

Applications to the 2025-26 Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF) are now open. The fund supports voluntary sector organisations providing social services that are a registered charity and are registered with the Care Inspectorate.

We’ve published our latest six-monthly survey report on Scotland’s filled and vacant social worker and senior social worker posts in local authorities, presenting data from December 2024.

Our recent consultation on expanding the Register showed strong support for including the proposed new groups. The SSSC Council approved the proposal in May and we’re waiting for Scottish Ministers approval of the recommendations before going ahead.

We’re pleased to announce the popular leadership programme, You as a Collaborative Leader (YaCL) will run again in Autumn 2025. The programme is open to anyone working in health and social care, examples of who would be suitable for the programme are senior social workers and care home managers.

We are consulting on the introduction of English language requirements for qualified social workers. This proposal will ensure that we align with other social work regulators, as well as other regulated professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists.