The report shows that the majority of the 175,672 people on our Register practise safely, effectively and are doing a great job. We only need to investigate a minority of people. On average, 1.03% of registered workers are investigated each year and in 2024/25 there were 139 decisions made to remove people from the Register.
Key differences between 2023/24 and 2024/25
Number of referrals and cases
- In 2024/25, we received 4,836 referrals, an increase from 4,615 in 2023/24. The number of live cases at the end of the year also saw a slight increase to 1,857 from 1,826 the previous year.
Investigation and decision times
- The average time to close a referral decreased to 5.05 months in 2024/2025, down from 5.42 months in 2023/24.
- The number of hearings held increased to 169 in 2024/25, compared to 148 in 2023/24.
Support for workers and employers
- The number of workers represented at hearings increased slightly to 30% in 2024/25, up from 29% in 2023/24.
- The advice line for employers saw an average of 62 calls per month in 2024/25, providing crucial support and guidance.
What does this mean for the public, registered workers and employers?
The public can have increased confidence in the social work, social care and children and young people workforce, knowing that we are committed to maintaining high standards of practice and conduct. The reduction in the time taken to close referrals ensures that concerns are addressed promptly, enhancing public trust in the regulatory process.
For registered workers, the report highlights the importance of maintaining professional standards and the support available to them. The availability of a wellbeing support line and our work with bodies, like law centres, to help encourage people to have representation shows our commitment to supporting workers through the fitness to practise process. The reduction in investigation times means that workers can expect quicker decisions to their cases, reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with lengthy investigations.
Our streamlined referral and investigation process helps employers. The advice line and meetings when requested help ensure they understand the fitness to practise process and their responsibilities. This support helps employers make informed decisions about when to refer cases and how to support their staff effectively.
High standards and public trust
SSSC Chief Executive, Maree Allison said:
‘This report highlights our work fulfilling our critical public protection role and our commitment to maintain high standards of practice and public trust in the workforce, so the people of Scotland can count on a trusted, skilled, confident and valued social service workforce.
I am pleased that despite a slight increase in referrals we were able to reduce the time we take to conclude investigations.
While it remains a very small minority of the workforce whose fitness to practise is investigated, it is important to us that we support everyone involved in the process through every step and continue to improve the way we work.
Our snapshot reports, alongside our other data reports, aim to increase understanding of our work and raise awareness of how this supports improvement across this sector.’