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Archived News - click here for current news section
'Securing a protective environment for children and young people with disabilties', 20th March, AberdeenThe North East of Scotland Child Protection Committee will be hosting ‘Securing a positive environment for children and young people with disabilities’ in Aberdeen on 20th March. The Conference will include an opening address from Kathleen Marshall (Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People). Workshops include:
For more information about the North East of Scotland Child Protection Committee click here. 'Securing a protective environment for children and young people with disabilities' flier 'Securing a protective environment for children and young people with disabilities' booking form 'Changing Lives' ebulletin, December 2007The Scottish Government has published the first ‘Changing Lives’ ebulletin. The ebulletin will be published on a bimonthly basis and aims to provide updates on the various tasks underway as part of ‘Changing Lives.’ The ebulletin complements the existing ‘Changing Lives’ newsletter.
'Leap into learning', Glasgow, 29th February 2008Glasgow Local Learning will be hosting 'Leap into learning' at the Mitchell Library on 29th February 2008. The event will provide an opportunity to share practice and network with colleagues. More information is available from the flier below or e-mail caty.mccolgan@westlearn.org.uk 'Leap into learning' flier, 29th February 2008 Survey of the Scottish work-based learning workforceLifelong Learning UK, the sector skills council for learning professionals, is conducting a survey to profile the Scottish work-based learning workforce. The information will be used to highlight the importance of the work-based learning workforce in the wider context of learning delivery in Scotland. Lifelong Learning UK are interested all organisations or individuals in Scotland who provide training in the workplace. Who should complete the survey?
It is intended that the questionnaire be completed for organisations by human resources representatives or anyone with staff development responsibilities. Self-employed, sole operators providing work-based learning will be asked to complete a shorter questionnaire about themselves. The questionnaire for organisations will take about 15 minutes to complete. The sole operator questionnaire will take about 10 minutes. There is a downloadable / printable version to assist in data collection. The questionnaire should be completed by 12th February and can be accessed from here. If you have any queries about this questionnaire contact Hal Bonella at Lifelong Learning Uk: halbonella@lluk.org Sector Skills Agreement - Stage 3The SSSC, as part of Skills for Care and Development, the Sector Skills Council for the social services sector, is currently developing a ‘Sector Skills Agreement’ (SSA) for the social services sector. Sector Skills Agreements are developed by Sector Skills Councils in partnership with employers, training providers and funders of training. For more information on the sector skills agreement currently under development in social services click here. Stage 3 of the SSA is where “the main gaps and weaknesses in workforce development are analysed and priorities are agreed.” The SSSC has recently published stage 3 – available to download below. Sector Skills Agreement - Stage 3 OSCR's 'Meeting the Charity Test' consultationThe Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is currently undertaking a consultation on the redrafted guidance on ‘Meeting the Charity Test’. OSCR is keen to hear views on a variety of issues, including whether or not the definition of ‘Charitable’ is clear. OSCR is also keen to hear views on the clarity, style, format and language of the draft guidance. The draft ‘meeting the charities test’ guidance and a response form can be accessed from the consultation paper on OSCR’s website – click here. Responses must be returned to OSCR by 7th April. A series of consultation events will also take place throughout February:
To book a place at these events please e-mail consultations@oscr.org.uk or telephone Derek Galbraith on 01382 346838. Learning Awareness Raising CD ROM and development session, 29th January 2008, Glasgow‘Glasgow’s Learning’ has developed a new resource pack which aims to encourage people to “reflect on their practice, and adapt it to better meet the needs of people with literacies issues.” A series of materials and questionnaires are included in the resource pack. The pack is available on a CD ROM or can be downloaded from ‘Glasgow’s Learning’ website. For more information click here. A staff development session exploring the application of the resource pack will be held in Glasgow on 29th January. More information and a booking form for this event can be downloaded below. Alternatively, contact Maria-Elena Heather: e-mail maria-elena.heather@csglasgow.org or telephone 0141 287 0953. Awareness Raising Training Session, 29th January 2008 - Flier Awareness Raising Training Session, 29th January 2008 - Booking form 'Maximising Social Work Talents', 16th January 2008What do you want to see change in the way that social work services are delivered in the next 10-15 years? This is your opportunity to get involved in an interactive event for frontline practitionersto input to the Changing Lives agenda. For more information about this event click here. Using the 'Learning in Regeneration' Skills Pack events, January / February 2008The ‘Learning in Regeneration’ pack allows people to identify the skills they require to regenerate communities, their subsequent training needs and ways of meeting these needs. It highlights the benefits of using the pack, and covers the help available to support its effective use across Scotland. A series of workshops to help organisations to link the skills pack with other tools and resources is taking place throughout Scotland during January / February 2008:
More information is available below: 'Using the Learning in Regeneration skills pack' flier 'Using the Learning in Regeneration skills pack' booking form New Knowledge Portal in development for Social Services staffNHS Education Knowledge Services is developing a Knowledge Portal for Social Services staff, due for delivery in April 2008. This is part of the commitment within the NHS Scotland strategy for knowledge management (From Knowing to Doing: NES, 2006) to provide knowledge support for all aspects of health and wellbeing across boundaries of sector and organisation. This project aims to recognise that the Portal serves as a gateway, not only to the knowledge services offered by NHS Education, but to the wider range of services provided by other organisations, groups and networks. The following short questionnaire survey will form the basis for a “Map of Information and Learning Services” to be accessed from the Social Services Portal homepage. The results of this survey will form the starting point for the Map, and we hope that it will build up over time as awareness of the Portal grows. For more information (and to participate in the survey) click here. 'Changing Lives' newsletter, Autumn / Winter 2007The 'Changing Lives' Newsletter for Autumn / Winter 2007 has just been published by the Scottish Government. The Workforce Unit will be sending copies to everyone on our mailing list in early 2008. Alternatively, the newsletter can be downloaded from here. PQ Activity in Scotland, 2001- 2008The PQ/AA framework of professional awards ends in early 2008. The PQ Consortium is taking this unique opportunity to study PQ social work learning activity in Scotland over a seven year period. The aims of the study are to : Two online questionnaires have been developed: Managers of Candidates should click here; PQ Candidates should click here. The questionnaire should be completed by 8th January. Scottish Care at Home ResearchScottish Care at Home, through the Changing Lives programme, is undertaking a project to determine the current and future skills needs of staff who work in care at home services throughout Scotland for all independent sector service providers. The project will last approximately six months and will be stage one in a longer term process. For more information about the project click here. SSSC Update - December 2007The SSSC has recently developed three new resources: Workforce Planning Tool – A ‘Workforce Planning Tool’ has been created. This software aims to help guide people through the Workforce Planning process and can be used by any organisation working in social services sector. The SSSC will be sending copies of the Workforce Planning Tool to employers over the next few weeks, and the Workforce Unit will be sending copies with our next newsletter. For more information or to request additional copies of the Workforce Planning Tool telephone 0845 60 30 891 or e-mail enquiries@sssc.uk.com Recognition of Prior Informal Learning (RPL) – The SSSC has recently prepared (in conjunction with various stakeholders) the Recognition of Prior Informal Learning Guidance and resources for mentors and learners. The guidance aims to help learners to “identify their learning from previous and current experience” Learners who successfully complete the pack can provide some of the evidence towards their SVQ3 in Health and Social Care. The RPL materials will be available to download from the SSSC website. For more information contact Alison Harold – telephone 01382 207355 or e-mail Alison.Harold@sssc.uk.com NOS Navigator – The National Occupational Standards (NOS) Navigator CD-Rom has also been revised. The NOS Navigator helps employers and others to find their way around the NOS. The Navigator also helps individuals to identify the units most suited to a service or job role. The first version of the tool contained the NOS for SVQs in Health and Social Care, the revised version also includes the NOS for SVQs in Childrens’ Care, Learning and Development (CCLD).The Workforce Unit will be sending NOS Navigators with the next edition of our newsletter (‘Workforce News’), scheduled to be sent out in December. If you would like additional copies of the new NOS Navigator contact the SSSC: telephone 0845 60 30 891 or e-mail enquiries@sssc.uk.com Nominations now sought for Care Accolades 2008The SSSC is currently seeking nominations for the Care Accolades 2008. The Care Accolades is an initiative to celebrate and promote good practice and workforce development in social services. It is open to teams working in social work, social care and day care of children services throughout Scotland. The Care Accolades is organised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) in partnership with the Scottish Government and other sponsors. The categories have been updated this year. Accolades will be presented for excellence in the following eight categories: 1. Successful and innovative initiatives to retain staff 2. Involvement of people who use services in any aspect of the organisation’s work 3. Good practice to ensure carers’ participation in an organisation’s work 4. Initiatives that promote integrated working which improve services 5. Innovative and/or imaginative learning and development in the workplace 6. Innovative practice learning frameworks that promote service user and staff involvement 7. Best Scottish social service team, unit or service from the voluntary, public or private sector 8. Overall winner Previous Care Accolade winners include Aberlour Child Care Trust (ROC Services), Cora Learning, NCH Scotland (Dundee Families’ Project) and Children 1st. The closing date for applications is 22 February 2008. For more information click here
Continuous Learning Framework Consultation Events, January / February 2008The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) are working together to develop a Continuous Learning Framework for the whole of the social services sector. Five free consultation events are being held in partnership with the Learning Networks in January and February 2008. The purpose of these events is to provide information about the Continuous Learning Framework and to encourage discussion and debate which will be used to shape the final Framework. Anyone who works in social services in Scotland is welcome to attend. More information (and a booking form) can be downloaded below. NB: The booking form is approximately 4MB. You will probably have to download the booking form before you can view it or complete it. To do so right click on the file below and select 'save target as'. If you have any problems opening the file please contact Laura Weir at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org Continuous Learning Framework Events Booking form - January / February 2008 'Showcasing Workforce Planning Toolkits', 7th December, GlasgowThe Social Services Learning Network (West) is hosting 'Showcasing Workforce Planning Toolkits' in Glasgow on 7th December. The event will offer an update on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and provide information about workforce planning tools produced by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care (SIRCC), Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council (EVOC) and the Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit (VSSSWU) The programme for this event can be downloaded below. To book a place at this event please contact patrick.doherty@westlearn.org.uk by 28 November. 'Showcasing Workforce Planning Toolkits', Glasgow 7th December 2007 Review of the 'Social Work Scotland' websiteThe Scottish Government is currently undertaking a review of the Social Work Scotland website : www.socialworkscotland.org.uk The Government has developed a questionnaire as part of this review and is particularly keen to hear stakeholders' views on the content, format and awareness of the site. The questionnaire can be downloaded below. Responses should be returned to Ben.Coburn@scotland.gsi.gov.uk (or to the postal address contained in the questionnaire) by Friday, 16th November. Social Work Scotland Website - questionnaire Workforce Unit Briefing: The Core Minimum DatasetThe Workforce Unit has recently put together the first 'Workforce Unit Briefing' The first briefing examines the Core Minimum Dataset. A subsequent briefing will explore the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act. The CMDS briefing can be downloaded below. We would welcome your feedback - is the format helpful? Are there any other topics that should be covered? Please e-mail your thoughts to neil.macleod@ccpscotland.org Workforce Unit Briefing 1: Core Minimum Dataset (October 2007) 'Common induction for Inverclyde - the way forward' - 14th November 2007Inverclyde Local Learning Network are holding an event to consider the potential for common induction. The event will be held at James Watt College on 14th November from 9am - 12.15pm. More information is available from the flier below. 'Common Induction for Invercylde' flier, 14th November 2007 'Everything you need to know about registration and funding for support workers in housing' Glasgow, 29th NovemberSHARE Scotland are hosting 'Everything you need to know about registration and funding for support workers in housing' in Glasgow on 29th November. The event will provide an opportunity to discuss how organisations are preparing for registration, to explore funding sources that support organisations and indivduals to comply with registration or learning and development requirments, and to learn about e-learning and other initatives that support learning and development. The event will be delivered by Wendy Johnston (Scottish Social Services Council) and Janet Miller (Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit). More information is available below: 'Learning uncovered' events - November / December 2007learndirect Scotland, learndirect Scotland for business and ILA Scotland are currently delivering a series of half day training events outlining some of the resources and support available from these three organisations.
For more information and to find out how to book a place click here.
'Developing People' bookletThe Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education (SIESWE) and Perth and Kinross Council have recently produced the ‘Developing People’ booklet. The booklet provides various case studies which illustrate how vocational qualifications have made a difference to individuals, the organisation and to service delivery. The document also explores issues such as candidates’ motivations for undertaking qualifications and outlines some of the mechanisms that exist to support individuals with their learning and development requirements. More information about the 'Developing People' booklet is available from here Copies are available from s.z.macdonald@dundee.ac.uk or the booklet can be downloaded below: 'Developing People' Booklet (PDF)
BASW Scotland Social Work Awards 2007The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is currently seeking nominations for the Scottish Social Work Awards. Nominations are sought in the following categories:
Winners will receive the BASW Scotland Social Work Award, a year’s membership of BASW and a European City holiday. Nominations must be received by 30th November 2007. More information and the nomination forms are available below: Nomination Form (for postal entries) Nomination Form (for electronic submissions) For more information about the BASW Awards e-mail Johan Grant: j.grant@basw.co.uk Workforce Development Network - 9th October (Glasgow) and 11th October (Aberdeen)The Workforce Development Network will be meeting twice in October (9 October - Glasgow, 11 October - Aberdeen). The events will provide an opportunity to find out more about LearnDirect Scotland for Business' resources, participate in the Workforce Unit's 'Infobank' project and a chance to hear more about current 'Changing Lives' developments. For more information about these two events click here. Learning Network events in SeptemberThe Learning Networks are holding various events in September, including: - 18th September, Aberdeen: 'Registration - your questions answered' - this event will provide an opportunity to learn more about Registration and explore the challenges facing the workforce in addressing issues relating to learning and development. For more information see below. Registration - your questions answered' agenda 'Registration - your questions answered' booking form - 25th September, Edinburgh: 'Catching the Learning Bug - inspirational stories and personal journeys' -this event will provide information on the Recognising Prior Learning Project (RPL) and explore innovative ways of supporting continuing employee development. More information follows: 'Catching the Learning Bug' flier / booking form
'Research in the Social Care Setting', Aberdeen, 10th AugustThe North of Scotland Learning Network is hosting 'Research in the Social Care Setting' in Aberdeen on 10th August (from 1pm) at the Banff and Buchan Room in Woodhill Annexe, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen. The aim of the event is "to look at the issue of research from both the national and local perspectives and for the Network to facilitate an opportunity for attendees to share their experience and question how to introduce or develop research techniques within their own organizations." Speakers will include Kate Skinner from SIESWE and Pedro Morago from The Robert Gordon University. For more information contact Jan.Foster@aberdeenshire.gsx.gov.uk or telephone 01888 569200.
Service users and carers' views: Draft standards and Practice Competencies for the Mental Health Social Work AwardThe SSSC is currently seeking the views of service users and carers on the draft standards and practice competencies for the mental health social work award. The SSSC suggests that staff might wish to discuss these standards and competencies with service users and / or carers and respond as an organisation rather than individually. Responses should be returned to the SSSC by Thursday, 30 August 2007. A letter about the consultation, the consultation questions and the draft standards / practice competencies can be accessed below. Consultation Letter - 31st July 2007 Consultation Questions - Feedback from Service Users and Carers Groups Draft standards and practice competencies: Mental Health Social Work Award 'Twenty Twenty - A summer school for tomorrow's Social Entrepreneurs', Peebles, 20 - 23 SeptemberThe Social Enterprise Academy is hosting a residential summer school for potential leaders and innovators in Peebles from 20-23 September. The aim of the summer school is to "provide an intensive learning experience for twenty high-potential social entrepreneurs, accelerating their career development as Scotland's next generation of inspirational leaders of business with a social purpose." Twenty fully funded places are available. For more information and an application form click here. GCVS training courses, August - September 2007 Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) are holding a series of training courses in August - September 2007, including:
Click here or e-mail Stacey.Anderson@gcvs.org.uk for costs and the full course directory. 'Navigating the Funding Streams 3' now available - July 2007The latest funding guide from the Workforce Unit: 'Navigating the Funding Streams 3: a guide to acquiring funding for learning and development in voluntary sector social services' is now available. The guide contains
A copy of 'Navigating the Funding Streams 3' will be sent to everyone on the Workforce Unit's mailing list. The guide can also be downloaded from the 'publications' section of this website:
'How to say it - simply!' events from SCLD, August / September 2007The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD) will be hosting a series of ‘How to say it – simply!’ events in August and September. The events will explore:
Dates / Venues:
More information and a booking form can be accessed below. 'How to say it - simply!' Flier 'How to say it - simply!' Booking form Summary documents from the Workforce Unit (added 13 July 2007)The Workforce Unit has developed short summaries of three recent reports:
Short summaries of these three documents can be accessed from the publications section of this website - click here. Summaries of other recent key policy documents (including 'Changing Lives') are also available from that page. The full version of the three documents can be accessed by clicking on the relevant item above or by visiting the Unit's 'links page' - click here. Workforce Development InfobankHave you got an idea or practice relating to workforce development that you could share with colleagues in the sector? Would you like to help the Workforce Unit play a part in sharing such practice throughout the voluntary sector?If the answer to either of the above two questions is 'yes' then the Workforce Unit would like to hear from you. See the file below for more details, and contact neil.macleod@ccpscotland.org by 3 August if you would like to participate. Workforce Development Infobank
Mental Health Social Work Award consultation event: Edinburgh, 27 July 2007A short working life group has been created by the SSSC to take forward the development of the new Mental Health Social Work Award. The group is currently seeking contributions and comments on the draft standards and practice competencies for the new Award. A consultation event will be held in Edinburgh on Friday, 27 July. More information about the Mental Health Social Work Award and a booking form for this event can be accessed below. The Mental Health Social Work Award Mental Health Social Work Award Consultation Event, Edinburgh, 27 July 2007 Learning Network (North) Online Access AuditThe Learning Network (North) is currently conducting an online questionnaire to ascertain how online resources can be used to support learning and development in the North of Scotland's social services sector. The questionnaire can be accessed here. National Occupational Standards for Commissioning, Contracting and Procurement - 3rd Consultation Event, 3rd July 2007New Directions Consulting Ltd have been contracted to develop these standards for the UK and the project will be completed by Autumn 2007. Following the two previous consultation events in December 2006 and March 2007, a third event has been planned at which the final drafts of the units will be available for feedback. People who have provided comments so far have been enthusiastic about the prospect of NOS for this area of work and their feedback has been essential to the development process. The consultation day will be on 3rd July 2007 at The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU. Directions and maps can be found by clicking here. The event is scheduled to start from 10.00am (tea and coffee from 9.30) and should conclude around 4pm; a buffet lunch will be provided between 12.30 & 1.30. If you are able to, you are welcome to stay for the whole day, but the event is designed as a drop-in day so you can come and go at any point and contribute feedback on the units which are most relevant to you. If you would like to register for this event please contact David Kydd on david.kydd@sssc.uk.com or 01382 207322. For further information on the project please contact Daniel Stoddart on 01382 207185 or Daniel.stoddart@sssc.uk.com National Practitioners' Conference, 20th June 2007The National Practitioners' Conference will give attendees an opportunity to hear first hand about the progress in implementing the Changing Lives agenda and provide an opportunity to find out more about how practitioners can contribute and interact with the change programme for social work services in Scotland. Places at the conference are limited, so please register your interest with Luke Manley (luke.manley@scotland.gsi.gov.uk) no later than Thursday, 31 May 2007. A flyer can be found below. National Practitioners' Conference June 2007 Flyer Voluntary Sector Development Fund - 2007/08The Scottish Executive has announced details regarding this year’s allocation of the Voluntary Sector Development Fund. The priority for this year will be to assist the funding of the SSSC’s Phase two registration requirements, mainly for Adult residential care workers, support workers in adult residential care and residential adult care staff with supervisory responsibilities. A proportion of funding will be set aside for staff required to register in phase one working in residential child care and for managers of care homes and day care services for adults. Only voluntary organisations who have received less than £20k to fund workers required to register in phase one or no contribution at all since the Fund was set up in 2003 will be considered. Staff working in housing support services are not eligible to apply for this fund at this time. Applications must be returned to the Scottish Executive by Friday 12th October 2007. Application forms and guidance notes are available below. To download these four files to your computer right-click on them and select 'save target as'. VSDF 07/08 Notes about schemes
Version 1.0 of the Core Minimum Dataset published - May 2007 The Scottish Executive has published version 1.0 of the Core Minimum Dataset (CMDS). CMDS 1.0 can be downloaded from here. Time running out for PQ and Advanced Award Candidates - May 2007Candidates who registered with the PQ Consortium before June 2005 now have less than a year to complete the award for which they registered. The file below contains key dates and reminders to help candidates to ensure they complete the award in time. Draft standards for Mental Health Social Work Award and consultation eventsThe Scottish Social Services Council is currently consulting on draft standards and practice competencies for the new Mental Health Social Work Award. The papers can be accessed below. The SSSC will also be hosting four consultation events for these draft standards: :- 4th June: Aberdeen: 1pm - 4pm - 11 June: Perth: 9.30am - 12.30pm - 14 June: Edinburgh: 9.30am - 12.30pm - 15 June: Glasgow: 9.30am - 12.30pm A booking form for these events can also be accessed below. Consultation Events Booking Form 'Safer recruitment through better recruitment - guidance in relation to staff working in social care and social work settings' The Scottish Executive has recently published ‘Safer Recruitment through Better Recruitment – guidance in relation to staff working in social care and social work settings.’ The guidance aims to support employers to meet existing safer recruitment standards set out in the National Care Standards and SSSC’s Codes of Practice. The guidance was developed for the social care and social work sector in particular although employers in other sectors who work with vulnerable groups may find it useful. ‘Safer recruitment through better recruitment’ can be accessed here. The Workforce Unit will be sending hard copies of the guidance to everyone on our mailing list – if you know anyone else who would like a copy please ask them to contact Laura Weir at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org or to contact Blackwell’s Bookshop on 0131 622 8283. The Scottish Executive is interested in hearing from employers who could speak about their own safer recruitment practices and the benefits it has brought them or the issues it has raised. This information will be used to inform a series of half day events to be held later in the year. For more information or to contribute your experiences contact Billy Renfrew: Billy.Renfrew@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Joint Social Work Education Conference, 11-13 July 2007, University of Wales, Swansea - Free places for service users / carers / studentsThe Joint Social Work Education Conference is taking place at the University of Wales from 11-13 July 2007. This year’s conference has three main themes:
For more information (and a booking form) click here. The Scottish Executive has agreed to fund 4-6 places for service users and carers to attend this conference. For more information click here. The Executive has also agreed to fund places for six students to attend - more info can be found here. Applications for service user / carer / student places should be sent to the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education by 23rd April. SSSC - Appointment of Convener and Council Members / Care Commission - Appointment of non-executive Board members - April 2007Scottish Ministers wish to fill the Convener position and a number of Council member positions on the Scottish Social Services Council (the Council), as well as a number of non-executive member positions on the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Commission). For more information click here. The terms of all appointments will normally be for up to three years with the possibility of re-appointment subject to evidence of satisfactory performance and to satisfying the requirements of the person specification for the role at the time of re-appointment. The closing date for all applications is Friday 27th April 2007. New 'Return to Learn' course in Edinburgh, April - September 2007‘Return to Learn’ is a study and communication skills course which has a strong focus on confidence building and personal development. The course is aimed at individuals who have few or no formal educational qualifications, those who have had a poor experience of education in the past, or those who been away from education for some time. Courses are open to all staff providing social care services in any given local authority area whether they be directly employed by a local authority or employed in the voluntary or independent sectors. The project’s funding covers delivery costs only - employers will be expected to provide paid release for staff to attend. Return to Learn has 60 hours class contact time, which is spread over ten full day study group sessions at fortnightly intervals. An experienced tutor will lead the sessions and provide strong support to everyone, as required. Course members will also need to undertake homework in their own time. Return to Learn has some places left on a course starting in Edinburgh on 4th April 2007. For more information contact Craig Brown on c.brown@weascotland.org.uk or call 0141 221 003. The course schedule is available here; more information about ‘Return to Learn’ is available here. 'Training for trainers' registration event, Paisley, 21st March 2007The Learning Network (West) is hosting an event in Paisley on 21st March to explore the issues surrounding registration. Questions to be considered on the day include:
The event will be facilitated by the staff from the Learning Network (West) and the SSSC. Representatives from the Workers Educational Association and the Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit will also provide information about how their organisations can support the registration process. Places are limited. To reserve your place please contact Denise Alexander on 0141 554 9897 or denise.alexander@westlearn.org.uk as soon as possible. More information about this event is available here. Women's Fund for Scotland 2007/08 programmeThe Women’s Fund for Scotland 2007/08 programme is now open. Grants are available for organisations predominantly run by and for women or for organisations with women-only projects. Funding is predominantly for locally focussed projects that contribute to the regeneration or development of a specific geographic area – assisting women to access education and training opportunities, for example. Organisations can apply for a small grant (up to £1,000) or a main grant (£1,000 - £5,000) – the scheme is open until 14th December 2007. More information and the application forms for the Women’s Fund for Scotland 2007/08 programme can be downloaded below: Women's Fund Publicity 2007/08 Main Grants Application and Guidelines Feb 06 Small Grants Application and Guidelines Form Feb 06 Recent editions to the website (14th February 2007)Added to the website today: - Notes from the Edinburgh and Aberdeen Workforce Development Network meetings in December 2006; - Presentation on PRTL and CPD, by Bert Lawrie at VSA in Aberdeen. The notes and presentation slides can be accessed here. 'Challenge of change' - Learning Network North Event, 2nd March 2007, AberdeenThe Learning Network (North) are hosting ‘The Challenge of Change’ event in Aberdeen on the 2nd of March (9.30am – 4.30pm) The leaders of the five Scottish Executive Change programmes will be attending to help consider the challenges that have to be faced. Speakers include:
Delegates will also receive an opportunity to participate in discussion forums. This event is free to attend, although places are limited. For more information and to book places at this event contact Jan Foster: Jan.Foster@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or telephone 01888 569200. The Conference Booking form is also available to download at: http://www.learningnetworks.org.uk/regions/north/thechallengeofchange.pdf'Care to innovate' - Social Care Association Annual Seminar, 12/13 March 2007, RenfrewshireThe Social Care Association Annual Seminar 2007 will take place at the Erskine Bridge Hotel in Renfrewshire on 12/13 March 2007. Keynote speakers include David Baird (President, Social Care Association), David Behan (Director General of Social Care, Department of Health), Carole Wilkinson (Chief Executive, Scottish Social Care Council) and Lord Victor Adebowale (Chief Executive, Turning Point). The Booking form for this event can be accessed below: For more information contact the Social Care Association on 020 8397 1411, or e-mail bookings@socialcaring.co.uk Workforce Unit Roadshows and Network Meetings in Feb / March 2007Details about the Unit's next series of Roadshows in February / March 2007 (focussing on workforce planning) have been added to the 'events' section of the website. The Workforce Unit will also be hosting two meetings of the Workforce Development Network in Edinburgh on 23 February (focussing on induction) and in Aberdeen on 9 March (focussing on options for training) For more information about these events visit: http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/events/ http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/events/ or contact Laura Weir at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org Draft safer recruitment guidanceThe Scottish Executive is developing safer recruitment guidance for people recruited to work in social care and social work settings. The draft guidance can be downloaded here. Please send any comments and observations to Billy.Renfrew@scotland.gsi.gov.uk by Friday, 26th January 2007 at the latest. 'All change' - an examination of the changing context for the development of the voluntary sector social services workforce in ScotlandJanet Miller (Director, Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit) has recently written 'All Change' - a paper that examines the changing context for the development of the voluntary sector social services workforce in Scotland. 'All change' can be accessed by clicking here Nominations for fifth cohort of Leading to Deliver open until 4th December 2006)Leading to Deliver is a major leadership development programme, accredited by Robert Gordon University at postgraduate level, and funded by the Scottish Executive. It is aimed at the social services sector. To date there have been four cohorts, with around 400 people participating. The Scottish Executive is currently accepting applications for the 5th Cohort (closing date is 4th December). The programme is free as it is fully funded by the Scottish Executive. To fully support implementation of Changing Lives, there are some substantive changes to the programme and to the target audience. In particular, it will reinforce participants’ detailed knowledge of Changing Lives and increase their understanding of their role in its implementation. It will also support your organisation in taking forward change at a local level. Detailed information regarding the programme (including dates for the residential modules) and criteria for applications are to be found in the documents (see below).
Completed forms should be sent to Colin Wallace: colin.wallace@scotland.gsi.gov.uk (0131 244 7162) by 4th December. Any questions should be addressed to Gillian Tucker: gillian.tucker@scotland.gsi.gov.uk (0131 244 0772) Development of National Occupational Standards for Commissioning, contracting and procurement - Consultation event, Edinburgh (1st December 2006)Skills for Care and Development (the Sector Skills Council for Social Services) are holding a consultation event in Edinburgh to discuss the proposed National Occupational Standards for Commissioning, Contracting and Procurement. See below for more information. Dear Colleague Project to develop National Occupational Standards for Commissioning, Contracting & Procurement New Directions Consulting Ltd have been contracted by the sector skills council Skills for Care and Development to undertake work to develop this award and the work needs to be completed by the end of June 2007. Two stakeholder events have been planned to support this process and the first event in Scotland is scheduled for 1st December 2006 at COSLA, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5XZ. The event is scheduled to start at 10.00am and should conclude around 1pm; lunch will be provided. Similar events are planned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. I am happy (contact details below) to discuss any questions you might have about the process and look forward to meeting you on 1st December. Please confirm with Kathryn McTurk as soon as possible your availability for this event. Kathryn can be contacted on kathryn.mcturk@sssc.uk.com or by telephoning 01382 207176. I apologise for the short notice for attending this event. If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute to the consultation, please complete the consultation materials (entitled Pack Questionnaire) and forward by post or email. We can also arrange for the consultant to contact you by telephone to discuss your views, and if you would like to take up this option, please let Kathryn McTurk know. The information for this event (and the booking form) are available below. Daniel Stoddart, Learning and Development Adviser Scottish Social Services Council. Tel: 01382 207185 NOS for Commissioning, contracting and procurement - revised functional map Scottish Social Services Learning Network West consultation event - 27th November 2006, GlasgowThe Scottish Social Services Learning Network is holding a consultation event in Glasgow on 27th November (9am-12.30pm, Teacher Building, 14 St Enoch Place, Glasgow). This meeting will explore the role of the Scottish Social Services Learning Network West and how it can support a Glasgow-based approach to workforce learning and development across all sectors. The meeting will also allow employers the opportunity to shape a local Glasgow Learning Network to support practice learning opportunities, registration, continuous professional development and workforce planning. Flyer - Scottish Social Services Learning Network West Glasgow event Booking form for Glasgow Event Four regional Scottish Social Services Learning Networks have been established in Scotland. For more information about your Regional Learning Network visit http://www.learningnetworks.org.uk/ Summary of 'Changing Lives' Implementation Plan from the Workforce Unit (added 26 October 2006)The Workforce Unit has recently prepared a short summary of the 'Changing Lives' implementation plan. The summary can be accessed at: http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/info/documents/ImplementationPlanSummary.pdf Workforce Development Network in Edinburgh and Aberdeen - December 2006The Workforce Development Network will be visiting Edinburgh and Aberdeen in December 2006: 4th December - Edinburgh (10.30am - 1.30pm) - 'Meet the Executive' 8th December - Aberdeen ( 10.30am - 1.30pm) - 'Developing CPD Portfolios' For more information visit http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/network/ ‘Learning in the workplace’ – SPLP Conference, Edinburgh, 7 December 2006The Scottish Practice Learning Project will be hosting a free conference in Edinburgh on 7 December 2006 (10.30am – 3.30pm) with the aim of:
Learning in the workplace flyer Learning in the workplace Booking Form Free places at SSSC 2006 Annual Conference (19th October 2006, Edinburgh)The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is offering 15 free places and a number of discounted places to voluntary organisations at this year’s annual conference. Priority will be given to small voluntary organisations. The conference will focus on equality and diversity in Scotland’s social services sector. The conference will explore a variety of areas within this theme, including equal opportunities within the care sector, the role education and training can play in creating equality of opportunity in Scotland, how to encourage people from under-represented groups to choose careers in social services and ways in which service users and carers can be involved in the development of the social service workforce. Through keynote addresses from nationally recognised professionals and practitioners and stimulating workshops, this conference will explore and discuss how to put equality and diversity into practice. The conference is open to policy makers, senior managers, front line staff, voluntary organisations, education and training providers, carers, users of services and delegates will have the opportunity to network, sharing ideas and best practice. The free places are being offered on a first come first served basis. For more information please contact Morag McDonald on 01382 207182 or email morag.mcdonald@sssc.uk.com For more information about the SSSC 2006 Annual Conference visit http://www.sssc.uk.com/News+and+Events/Events/SSSC+2006+annual+conference+and+dinner.htm New Funding Guide from the Workforce Unit - 24 August 2006The Workforce Unit’s latest funding guide, Navigating the Funding Streams 2, is now available to download from: http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/info/publications.php Navigating the Funding Streams 2 contains:
We would welcome your comments about this document and the work of the Unit. Please use the feedback sheet on page 53 or e-mail your comments to neil.macleod@ccpscotland.org West of Scotland Learning Network Consultation Events (September / October 2006) - 23 August 2006The West of Scotland Learning Network are hosting two events in September / October 2006 to discuss how the Learning Network can support organisations to:
- Kilmarnock – 12th September, 9.30 – 12.30 - Dumfries – 5th October, 12.30 - 16.00 These events are aimed at voluntary, statutory and private care providers - all education providers - higher, further and vocational education and service user and carer representatives. Events are also for those working in integrated services such as health, housing and education. Both events are free and lunch will be provided. West of Scotland Learning Network Consultation Events - Booking Form West of Scotland Learning Network Briefing Note Applications for the PQ Bursary Scheme 2006/07 - 24 July 2006The PQ Bursary Scheme is administered on behalf of the SSSC by the Post Qualifying Consortium for Social Work in Scotland (PQ Consortium). PQ Bursaries are awarded to individual, named candidates, who are fully registered with the PQ Consortium for the Post Qualifying Social Work Award (PQSW) or the Advanced Award in Social Work (AASW). Applicants must therefore hold a DipSW, CQSW, CSS or an equivalent Social Work Qualification and have been resident in the UK in the three year period immediately prior to application for funding. In March 2005 the SSSC determined that these professional awards will be discontinued in Scotland at 31 March 2008, and that critically in relation to this PQ Bursary Scheme, applications to register as candidates for these awards will cease on 30 June 2005. Bursaries will only be payable for the following purposes/activities: - Fees for Programmes which are fully accredited within the SSSC’s PQ Framework (Programme fees). - Funding to meet the cost of employing a mentor, from the Approved List, to provide support in the preparation of a portfolio for assessment by the PQ Consortium (Mentoring Fees). - Payment of candidate’s assessment fees for portfolio assessment, where these are payable (Assessment Fees). - To resource candidates with exceptional need to access SSSC’s Awards (Exceptional Need). All applications for PQ Bursaries should be made to the PQ Consortium for Social Work in Scotland using the Application Form for Candidates. Applications should be completed for Phase 1 by 29 August 2006 and for Phase 2 by 28 November 2006. The application form and guidance notes can be downloaded below: (NB: Clicking on the files below with the left mouse button will open them on screen. To download a file click on the link below with the right mouse button and select 'Save Target as...') PQ Bursary scheme Application Form 2006/07 PQ Bursary scheme Notes for Applicants 2006/07 Application packs for the Voluntary Sector Development Fund - 2006/07 - 18 July 2006The Scottish Executive has announced details regarding this year’s allocation of the Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF). The purpose of the VSDF is to contribute to the costs associated with meeting phase one and phase two criteria set by the SSSC. The VSDF will distribute £1 Million funding to voluntary organisations for the financial year 2006/07. The priority for this year will be to assist the funding of the SSSC’s Phase two registration requirements, mainly for adult residential care workers, support workers in adult residential care and residential adult care staff with supervisory responsibilities. A proportion of funding will be set aside for phase one criteria but only voluntary organisations who have received less than £20k or no contribution at all since the Fund was set up in 2003 will be considered. The VSDF should be used to directly fund and / or support training and development needs. Organisations must demonstrate how additional funding will assist them to meet these requirements through training. Outcomes will be measured on the basis on numbers qualified and the readiness to meet standards. Application packs are currently being sent out by the Executive and should be returned to the Social Work Services Policy Division by Friday, 27 October 2006, and formal award letters and payments will be issued as soon as possible thereafter (definitely before Friday 22 December 2006). If you have not received an application pack or require more information please contact the Social Work Services Policy Division on 0131 244 1619, or, alternatively, you can download the application form and guidance notes below: (NB: Clicking on the files below with the left mouse button will open them on screen. To download a file click on the link below with the right mouse button and select 'Save Target as...') VSDF Application Form - Phase 2 Black & Minority Ethnic Group Report - 9 June 2006The Black & Minority Ethnic Group (a sub-group of the Scottish Executive’s HR Group) recently published a report detailing the Group’s progress on the Action Plan from the ‘Informed Choices: Positive Opportunities’ conference held in 2004. The Group’s final report can be accessed below: Black and Minority Ethnic sub-group Report Additions to website - 29 May 2006A few additions to the website today: - Summaries of ‘National Strategy for the Development of the Social Service Workforce in Scotland: A Plan for Action 2005-2010’, ‘Changing Lives – the 21st Century Social Work Review’, ‘Improving Front Line Services – A Framework for Supporting Front Line Staff’ and ‘Scotland’s Social Services Labour Market – 2nd Report of National Workforce Group’ - Workforce News (Issue 4 – April 2006) - Workforce Unit Newsflash 20 (29 May 2006) All of these documents can be accessed from the ‘publications’ section: http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/info/publications.php 'Developing the Housing Support workforce' feedback report - 24 May 2006In February and March 2006 the Workforce Unit, the Supporting People Enabling Unit and the SSSC jointly hosted and organised three seminars which encouraged providers of housing support to come together and discuss workforce issues. A feedback report detailing the major issues arising from these three seminars can be accessed below: 'Developing the Housing Support Workforce' feedback report - Feb / March 2006 Feasibility study - Data collection, sharing and dissemination of workforce information - 1 May 2006The Scottish Executive has commissioned Sopra Newell & Budge (consultants) to examine the most efficient ways to gathering and sharing workforce data – please see below for more information. The questionnaire can be downloaded below: Social Work Services Questionnaire Dear Sir / Madam The Scottish Executive has recently appointed Sopra Newell and Budge to conduct a feasibility study on Data Collection, Sharing and Dissemination of Information about the Social Work Services Workforce in Scotland. The overall aim is to enable good workforce planning, in order to ensure that the right staff are available at the right time and place. This study will form the basis for further decision making about the best way to gather and share workforce data. Your email address has been provided to us by the Scottish Executive in order to assist our work. We would be very grateful if you could find the time to complete the attached questionnaire on behalf of your organisation. If you are not the most appropriate person to do so, please forward it for his/her attention. If we have already interviewed you please accept our apologies and don't bother to answer any question that you have already discussed with us. On the other hand, please add anything that may have occurred to you after talking to us! We have tried to make the questionnaire as quick as possible for you to complete. While many of the questions are very open and you are free to write at length, we hope that you will not need to dig out information for us. For example we only need an approximate figure for the size of your workforce, not a precise breakdown. Unfortunately, we only have a short time to carry out our study, and would appreciate your responses as soon as possible. Please return your completed questionnaires to Clive.Drewitt@SopraNewellandBudge.com by Wednesday 3rd May if possible. Please let me know if you have any difficulty reading the attached document and I will arrange to send it to you in an alternative format. Thank you in advance for your assistance Clive Drewitt Action Plans to support Practice Learning - 13 April 2006The National Strategy for the Development of the Social Services Workforce notes that employers should have in place “plans to support Practice Learning with evidence of the number of learning opportunities to be offered in meet specific demands.” For more information, please contact the Scottish Practice Learning Project on 01382 207339 or by e-mail Kathryn Strong at pladmin@sssc.uk.com Voluntary organisations should also include an estimate of the likely demand for the new Practice Learning Qualifications (Social Services). See below for more information: Letter from the Scottish Practice Learning Project 10 April 2006 ARC Scotland Conference 2006 - 'Making Services work for people' - Edinburgh, 18th May 2006The ARC Scotland Conference aims to demonstrate how organisations can enable effective service user involvement. The conference will also assist staff to expand their knowledge and gain some new skills in user involvement. For more information and a booking form visit: http://www.arcuk.org.uk/silo/files/125.pdf 'Achieving employer engagement in the sector skills council' , Dundee, 27 April 2006The Dundee ‘Achieving employment engagement in the sector skills council’ event has now been re-arranged, and will take place at Discovery Point in Dundee on Thursday, 27 April 2006 at 9am. A booking form and further information can be downloaded below: Booking form for Dundee event, 27 April 2006 Changing Times, Changing Context: The future of the Social Service Workforce in ScotlandThe Workforce Unit's 2006 Roadshows will take place through Scotland during April - June. For more information and a booking form please visit the events section of our website: http://www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/events/ South East of Scotland Learning Network Consultation Events February / March 2006The South East of Scotland Learning Network is holding a series of consultation events during February / March 2006. These events will provide local organisations with an opportunity to find out how the Learning Network can support your staff’s education and training needs: 28th February Livingston 7th March Galashiels 8th March Edinburgh Places are for all three events are limited. The Network has indicated there may be a possibility of arranging further consultation events if necessary. A booking form (and more information about the South East of Scotland Learning Network) can be downloaded below: South East of Scotland Learning Network Events Booking Form Information about the South East of Scotland Learning Network Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability Training CoursesThe Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD) offers “advice, training and support to agencies, professionals, people with learning disabilities and parents.” The centre also provides training for staff working in this field. SCLD are running a series of four workshops between April – October 2006: ‘Whose plan is it anyway?’, ‘Relationships and Sexuality’, ‘Having our say about good support’ and ‘It’s a risky business’. The Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit is supporting these workshops and will sponsor one half price place for each topic area for an employee from a small organisation (fewer than 50 employees). Please contact Laura and Pamela at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org for further details – please indicate which event (topic title, date, location) you are interested in and how many staff your organisation employs. Further information and the list of courses can be downloaded below. 'Mentoring in Regeneration' projectThe Scottish Centre for Regeneration and SCVO are currently developing a project to examine whether or not mentoring is an effective way of sharing knowledge and skills within the regeneration professions in Scotland. The project aims to identify whether mentoring relationships can have a positive impact on an individual skills, confidence and work practice, and will run from January 2006 – March 2007. The project is currently looking to recruit up to 25 mentees and 40 mentors. Mentees will benefit and gain from the confidential support and sharing of ideas with an advisor who has significant experience in a relevant area of work, and can also apply for a £250 grant for resources to support their skills development. Contact Lucia Dhliwayo at Lucia.Dhliwayo@scvo.org.uk for more information. TO register your interest in becoming a mentor or mentee please download the information leaflet below: Mentoring in Regeneration Flyer 'Achieving employer engagement in the sector skills council' events - March 2006Skills for Business and the SSSC are holding a series of events in March 2006 to introduce stakeholders to the role and function of Skill for Care and Development (the new Sector Skills Council for the care sector). The event will also highlight the role of Learning Networks as a means of engaging with employers on a range of workforce development issues.
More information (and a booking form) can be downloaded below: Skills for Care and Development consultation events flyer (March 2006) Skills for Care and Development consultation events booking form (March 2006) 'Improving Front Line Services in the 21st Century: Supporting the Social Services Workforce' - Edinburgh, 14 March 2006The ‘Improving Front Line Services in the 21st Century’ conference at Heriot Watt University on 14 March 2006 aims to explore the significant challenges in developing and supporting the social services workforce. The Deputy Minister for Education and Young People (Robert Brown MSP) will address the conference on the implications of the 21st Century Social Work Review, while a range of workshops will explore various HR and Workforce issues. A delegate place at this event costs £135 per person. A booking form containing further information can be downloaded from below: Improving Front Line Services in the 21st Century (14 March 2006) Booking Form The Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit has been actively involved in planning and supporting this event, and will sponsor 5 places for SMEs (i.e. organisations with less than 250 employees). For more information and to register your interest in one of these places please e-mail Laura / Pamela ASAP at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org (Please indicate in the e-mail how many staff your organisation employs). Applications are also invited for a poster competition to be displayed at the conference. Posters should demonstrate ‘effective practice in developing our workforce’ and there will be a cash prize of £3,000 for the winning organisation. Contact Sophie Mills at sophie.mills@adsw.org.uk for further details and an application form. Action Plans to support Practice LearningThe Action Plan contained in the National Strategy for the Development of the Social Service Workforce in Scotland notes that employers should “have in place plans to support Practice Learning with evidence of the number of learning opportunities to be offered to meet specific demands, in line with the Confidence in Learning Paper” by February 2006. The Scottish Practice Learning Project is willing to meet with staff from voluntary organisations to discuss how to make these action plans a reality. For more information please see below: SPLP.Action Plan.Practice Learning.30.01.06 To arrange a visit or discuss this further please contact Kathryn / Evelyn on 01382 207339 or by e-mail: pladmin@sssc.uk.com The National Strategy for the Development of the Social Service Workforce in Scotland aims to set out a vision for the future of the social services workforce in Scotland. The strategy can be downloaded from here or contact Laura and Pamela at vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org for a hard copy. More information about the Scottish Practice Learning Project can be found at www.splp.uk.com Lloyds TSB Foundation 21st Birthday AwardsThe Lloyds TSB Foundation has introduced a special awards programme to celebrate 21 years of supporting communities in Scotland, and 15 awards of up to £21,000 have been made available to support recognised charities in Aberdeen, Falkirk, Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Fife, Glasgow, Argyll & Bute, North Lanarkshire, Orkney, Inverness, Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Kilmarnock. Applications must be returned by 31st January 2006. The criteria, guidance notes and application forms can be downloaded below: Lloyds-TSB-Applicant-21st-birthday-criteria Lloyds-TSB-21st-Birthday-Awards-Guidance-Notes Lloyds-TSB-21st-Birthday-Awards-Application-Form West of Scotland Learning Network Events - February 2006The West of Scotland Learning Network is holding a series of events during February 2006 to allow local care and education providers to learn about and contribute to the development of the Learning Network for the region: 15th February Dumbarton 16th February Paisley 20th February Glasgow 27th February Hamilton A booking form (and more information about the West of Scotland Learning Network) can be downloaded below: West of Scotland Learning Network Events Booking Form - February 2006 Briefing Notes for West of Scotland Learning Network Events - February 2006 'Make it your Business' - 6th February 2006, Scottish Exhibtion and Conference CentreThe Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD) are holding an event designed to help organisations understand how to make inclusion ‘your business.’ The conference fee for this event is £75, although there are 100 free places available for people with learning disabilities or family carers. A booking form for this event can be downloaded below: Booking form for 'Make it your Business.' Please book before 20th January to guarantee your place. For more information about the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability visit their website: Draft document on Safer Recruitment Guidance for staff working in child care and with vulnerable adultsThe Scottish Executive has recently prepared a draft document detailing recruitment guidance for staff working in child care and with vulnerable adults, and would welcome comments on how the guidance can take better account of the voluntary sector’s views. The draft document can be downloaded from here: safer recruitment guidance.doc Please e-mail any comments on this document to Billy Renfrew at the Scottish Executive (before 20th January 2006 if possible): Billy.Renfrew@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Development of Practice Learning Qualifications (Social Services)The Scottish Practice Learning Project (a joint initiative of the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education (SIESWE) and the Scottish Social Services Council) has a remit to develop new, modular qualifications to replace the existing Practice Teaching Award. Draft qualifications have been developed in collaboration with the further and higher education sectors, employers, the SQA, service users and carers and the Scottish Organisation for Practice Teaching in Social Work (ScOPT) The consultation paper detailing the proposed qualifications can be viewed from our consultations page, or by clicking here. Please ensure all responses to this consultation reach SPLP / SIESWE by 30 November 2005. SIESWE and the SPLP are hosting two consultation events to allow stakeholders to contribute to the development of these awards: Monday 7 November 2005 – Jurys Inn, 80 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, 10am – 3.30pm Tuesday 15 November 2005 – Norrie Miller Studio, Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, 10am – 3.30pm For further information and a booking form please e-mail Stacey MacDonald at SIESWE (s.z.macdonald@dundee.ac.uk) or visit http://www.sieswe.org/news/ConsultEventsInvites.doc Building a confident social services workforce' - SSSC Annual Conference, 9 November 2005The SSSC’s (Scottish Social Services Council) Annual Conference will be taking place on 9 November 2005 at the SECC in Glasgow. The one day event aims to explore the following questions: · Is there a crisis of confidence in Scotland - and if there is - is this reflected in the social service workforce? How do we make sure that social service workers are encouraged to gain and develop the confidence to take on the challenges the face in the 21st century? · Are we moving forward; developing a workforce that has appropriate qualifications and skills and the confidence to fulfil their role? Booking forms and further information is available from http://www.sssc.uk.com/News+and+Events/Events/SSSC+annual+conference.htm Further information is available from Vanessa Glenday: vanessa.glenday@sssc.uk.com or call (01382) 207267. Additions to website - 28 September 2005The following items have been added to our website today: 1. The 'Demistifying the Qualifications Maze' guide can be downloaded from the 'Publications' page (click here) 2. Issue 2 of 'Workforce News' (The Workforce Unit's Newsletter) can be downloaded from the 'Publications' page (click here) 3. The Unit's response to the Core Minimum Dataset Consultation has been added to the 'Consultations' page (click here) The 'Publications' and 'Consultations' pages can be accessed by clicking the 'Information' tab at the top of the screen. Hard copies of both of our guides (Demistifying the Qualifications Maze and Navigating the Funding Streams) and the latest edition of our newsletter have been sent to everyone on our mailing list. To join our mailing list please e-mail vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org . All three documents require the free Adobe Reader to view. Third edition of VSSSWU ebulletin now available online - 8 September 2005The third edition of the Unit’s ebulletin is now available online. The ebulletin has been e-mailed to everyone on our mailing list, and can be downloaded from here. 'Navigating the Funding Streams' now available to download - 7 September 2005Our 'Navigating the Funding Streams' document has been revised and is now available to download from our website. The document can be downloaded from the publications section - please click here. 'Navigating the Funding Streams' require the free Adobe Reader to view. NB: This is a relative |