We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our varied roles which include being a public body, a regulator and an employer. Maintaining this focus is a key part of tackling inequality, building a wellbeing economy and delivering fair work for all. This statement sets out some of the ways we are doing this.
Future Proofing Programme
Our Future Proofing Programme (FPP) brings together our work on modernising the Register, qualifications and skills and the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers (the Codes). The FPP will make registration with the SSSC simple, easy to understand and make sure that people know about the benefits and value of being registered as well as the skills, standards and qualifications needed to deliver high quality care. Our work to revise the Codes is about making sure that they continue to reflect the values and behaviours expected of the workforce and employers. The revised Codes will reinforce the critical role of the workforce and employers in mainstreaming equality, diversity and inclusion in Scotland.
The FPP is expected to conclude in 2024. Please see our website www.sssc.uk.com for updates.
Supporting our registrants
We know that going through a fitness to practise case or investigation can be stressful. At the moment 1.13% of registrants currently have a case being considered by our Fitness to Practise Department. Our website has information about free online resources and our wellbeing line for people going through investigations. We receive proportionately more fitness to practise referrals about staff in residential childcare than other parts of our register. Our website has more information on the resources we provide to support workforce practice.
Improving our understanding and awareness of the challenges
We continue to improve our understanding of the diversity of our Register. All registrants can update their profile at any time on My SSSC. This information is voluntary although we encourage you to share it. The findings will help us to develop a better understanding of our Register and to raise awareness of the diversity of the workforce. We will publish an overview of the findings.
Our staff
Our People Strategy 2021-2024 sets out what we are doing to make sure our staff are skilled, professional and passionate about the work we do. It outlines our commitment to be a healthy and inclusive organisation. All staff receive training on equality, diversity and inclusion and we continue to look at how we can make the SSSC a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We are also working to become a trauma-informed organisation.