SSSC Learning and Development Adviser, Marion MacInnes joined us from the SQA where she was a Quality Enhancement Manager and External Verifier. Before that she has worked in social care as a support worker before becoming a registered manager. Marion understands just how important qualifications are for you and for the individuals that you support.
Marion shares her advice to support you to gather evidence in a way that suits your own style and how to make links from your day-to-day practice to the criteria of your SVQ.
‘Social services workers do important skilled work every day. You might think a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) is about extra work or something separate from your role. However much of what you already do at work already directly links to the standards, outcomes and criteria of your qualification.
‘By understanding how your work connects to your existing skills and knowledge, you can feel more confident and recognise that you are already meeting many of the expectations.
‘To gain your qualification it helps to be able to explain the good practice you already demonstrate in your role. This will form much of the evidence that your SVQ is assessed on.’
SVQs are based on the work you already do
SVQs are work based qualifications, based on the job you already do and the National Occupational Standards (NOS). You will work with your employer and assessor to choose the NOS that match your everyday work.
Your daily practice demonstrates key skills
Working in social services involves a wide range of skills, knowledge and values that are essential to SVQ qualifications. Every interaction with individuals you support is an opportunity to demonstrate key principles such as:
- person-centered care
- compassion, dignity and respect
- communication and relationship-building
- health, safety and wellbeing
- safeguarding and protection
- Promoting equality, inclusion and rights
- professional values and responsibilities.
Reflect on your day
To help you prepare for your qualification, you may find it helpful to spend a little time reflecting on a typical day. This is a simple way to build confidence and start noticing how much skills and knowledge you already have already in your role.
Think about your day. When you have a quiet moment, think about a usual day at work from start to finish. You could write down a few things you do regularly as part of your role.
Start making the links to your work activity. You might like to reflect on what skills you used, how did this support the individual’s wellbeing, needs or preferences and how this links to your qualification.
One step at a time
Your qualification is designed to fit around your job. By continuous learning, reflecting and growing through your everyday work, you’re already building the evidence you need. Every day at work and every interaction helps you move forward.
SSSC registered
This article is part of our #SSSCregistered campaign where we’re sharing real life experiences of registrants who have recently gained their qualifications, alongside training providers and SVQ assessors to help the social care and children and young people workforce across Scotland learn more about the benefits of qualification and the support available.