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qualification review (image)

31 Jul 2025

Consultations and surveys Social service workforce Professional standards

Qualifications and Apprenticeships framework review. Our progress.

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. 

Our progress so far 

We’ve finalised project planning with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and held two Qualification Design Team (QDT) meetings involving 145 stakeholders.

The QDT has started co-designing the new SVQs, drawing on work from the ongoing review of the Skills for Care and Development National Occupational Standards (NOS). We are collating information from QDT subject matter experts, individuals with lived experience of care and support and Skills Development Scotland research to confirm the job roles and functions relevant to current and future sector practices. The updated draft NOS are being compared with these job roles to shape the qualifications' content.

What's next

Our current focus is  defining the mandatory units for different SVQ levels. This work will help shape core workforce practice from 2027 onwards and how future SVQs should align with the strategic direction of workforce development. 

Throughout 2025, we will identify which NOS will form the basis of qualifications which will enable the workforce to register with us. 

Contact us

If you have any questions about this project, please email SVQandapprenticereview@sssc.uk.com.

 

Contact information

Nichola Stark
Communications Officer
Scottish Social Services Council
media@sssc.uk.com