What are NOS and why are they important?
NOS describe the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to do a particular job to a nationally recognised level of competence.
NOS form the basis of qualifications and training programmes required to work in social services in Scotland and to register with us.
For example, when you do an SVQ the performance criteria and knowledge and understanding that you are assessed against are all based on NOS.
That’s why it is important that we review the NOS to make sure that they are up to date and reflect the skills and knowledge that is needed in different roles, and current practice.
What stage are we at?
We have been working closely with our partners from across England, Northern Ireland and Wales and with our stakeholder groups in Scotland to ensure the NOS review fully represents the views of the sector. Part of this work has seen the NOS development group, which includes representatives from training providers, employers, Scottish Government, the four nations, and the awarding body, working on several practical tasks. These include activities to develop the revised NOS template by identifying what makes a good NOS, what currently works well, and what we need to address to ensure they are fit for purpose. We’ve also involved them in making sure the language we use in the NOS is easy to understand and user friendly.
What next?
We will start to draft the revised NOS and work closely with our stakeholders during this process to ensure they are futureproofed for the sector and meet all the quality assurance requirements. This activity will take place until Spring 2025.
There will be a formal consultation in autumn 2025 before the updated NOS are finalised in December 2025.
Get involved
We have a Stakeholder Advisory Group which meet online, twice a year to provide guidance on the project.
We also have a NOS Development Group. Members meet every six weeks to look at the detail of the NOS and take on practical tasks to support the review.
If you would like to find out more about the Stakeholder Advisory Group or the NOS Development Group, please email nosreview2025@sssc.uk.com