A closer look at the new SSSC Codes of Practice #1
Care workers in Scotland require a professional registration, most commonly with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). As part of your registration, you are required to hold a qualification relevant to your role and adhere to the SSSC codes of practice, which have been updated in May 2024. You can read more about the changes here.
Let’s look more closely at how the new Codes of Practice impact us, and how they align with SCA’s values and policies
The Human Rights Act brought into law 5 basic principles of dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. In Britain our human rights are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998. The Act would influence other pieces of legislation and bodies such as Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (The Care Inspectorate) and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). The Care Inspectorate would co-produce the new Health & Social Care Standards, which set out what we should expect when using social care services. Whilst the SSSC produced the new Codes of Practice which sets the standards of practice and behaviour of everyone working in social care.
1. I must protect the rights and interests of individuals and carers.
SSSC Codes of Practice
The following standards and policies are relevant to this section:
- HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE STANDARDS
- POLICY SCR21 – Dignity, Respect and Choice
- POLICY SCR29 – Human Rights
E-learning, workshops, SVQ, external courses and demonstrations reinforce each of the codes of practice below. Observed practice, supervision, feedback from service users, audits and performance reviews ensures our practice matches the training and policies. Service user assessments, personal plans, written agreements and service reviews focus on how we deliver each of these standards.
So, each time you work to the agreed plan, ask opinions, offer choice, or communicate with dignity and respect, you reinforce peoples’ basic human rights.
As a worker I will:
1.1: Work with kindness, compassion and respect and treat each individual as unique.
SSSC Codes of Practice
1.2: Respect and promote the rights and, where appropriate, the views, wishes and choices of individuals and carers.
1.3: Promote the rights of individuals to have control over their lives and make informed choices about their care or support.
1.4: Work with individuals and carers to communicate using their preferred method and language.
1.5: Respect and maintain the dignity and privacy of individuals.
1.6: Promote diversity and respect all identities, values and cultures.
