Why are we reviewing the qualifications and apprenticeships framework?
We are working with our UK partners to review and update the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Childcare Learning and Development and Health and Social Care. This project concludes in January 2026. The NOS form the basis of the qualifications and training programmes that people who work in social care are required to complete to work in social services in Scotland. This review and update means that the qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks must also be reviewed.
We will be working with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), SQA Accreditation and Skills Development Scotland to review the qualifications framework to ensure that benchmark SVQs accepted for registration with the SSSC are fit for purpose and reflect current and future practice.
We will also review the Modern Apprenticeship frameworks to ensure that these also reflect current and future practice.
What will the review involve?
The review will involve current qualifications and modern apprenticeships and identify what needs to change or be added. To do this, we want to talk to as many people as possible throughout the process so we can find out what is important to you. We plan to set up a Qualification Design Team and also smaller groups covering apprenticeships. These groups will be involved in feedback and suggestions during the review process and help to redesign the frameworks.
There will be a formal consultation early in January 2026 about the reviewed qualifications and apprenticeships.
Get involved
You may already be involved in the NOS review process and if you are and would like to continue to be involved in the qualification and apprenticeship review, please let us know.
If you are not already involved, please get in touch if you are interested. We will hold monthly Qualification Design Team meetings and apprenticeship subgroups reporting to the Qualification Design Team over the next six months with the first meeting on Thursday 19 June 2025.
We will also need experienced people to support credit rating of the qualifications in 2026.
Please contact us at SVQandapprenticereview@sssc.uk.com identifying what areas you wish to be involved in.
We will keep everyone updated in SSSC news and on social media.