The National Induction Framework is an online induction learning programme covering the foundation knowledge that new staff in adult social care need to have.
How the National Induction Framework helps employers
- Employers will benefit from a free, quality-assured resource that reduces duplication, time and costs.
- The programme offers a flexible approach where employers can tailor the content if they need to.
- The National Induction Framework is optional for employers.
- The Care Inspectorate fully supports the National Induction Framework.
The benefits for adult social care staff
- Anyone in a new role can access the free, accessible learning resources that cover the foundation knowledge they need.
- The induction is valid across roles and organisations and contributes to qualification requirements for SSSC registration.
- Staff can see and share their progress with employers and sync records on the SSSC MyLearning app.
- A certificate of completion is available on the app.
- All you need for access is a free Turas account and the MyLearning app.
The National Induction Framework addresses some of the challenges faced in the social care sector due to frequent workforce mobility. Over 2,250 social care workers join annually and often change roles within the sector. Previously this led to duplicated learning efforts and wasted time and resources. The Joint Social Services Task Force (JSST) supported the need for a national solution, prompting a partnership between the SSSC and NES, funded by the Scottish Government.
Laura Lamb, SSSC Director of Workforce Education and Standards said,
‘The National Induction Framework is an important asset which will address a key challenge we face with the high number of new recruits and staff moving roles in the sector. As more staff and organisations adopt and use the National Induction Framework, we will see less time and resources spent on repeating induction every time someone moves into a new role. This means that the high-quality care that individuals who use care services need can be provided more quickly and efficiently. An added advantage for staff is that completing the National Induction Framework may also provide evidence contributing to the qualification requirements staff need for registration with the SSSC.’
Gordon Paterson, Director of Social Care, NES said,
'I am very pleased that the Social Care Directorate in NES has had the opportunity to work in partnership with the SSSC and the wider social care sector in developing the National Induction Framework. As well as being of benefit to both prospective and new recruits to social care, these important resources will aid providers in their efforts to address the recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector.'
Find more about the National Induction Framework on NHS Education for Scotland's website.
Visit the National Induction Framework for Social Care on Turas.
If you don’t have a Turas account, you can sign up free here. Anyone can have an account.
Background
The Joint Social Services Task Force (JSST) supported the need for a national solution to the duplication, time and cost issues with induction learning, prompting a partnership between the SSSC and NES, funded by the Scottish Government.
Development work has included extensive collaboration with the sector to align content with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). Stakeholder input emphasised quality and legal compliance for staff training. NES and the SSSC created the Turas Learn National Induction Learning Zone to host content and provide completion certificates when the programme of learning is complete.
A pilot with 35 social care organisations during January-February 2025 yielded positive feedback, with participants rating the platform four out of five stars. Users appreciated the integration with the SSSC MyLearning app and the ease of navigation.
The framework launches on 14 May 2025 and is free for all adult social care workers and organisations and people who are thinking of joining the sector. NES and the SSSC will support local implementation and host events to gather feedback and will share regular updates. Please send any enquiries to nes.nifenquiries@nhs.scot