Consultation: SSSC on move to a fitness to practise model of regulation

This consultation is the next stage in the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) move to a fitness to practise model of regulation and they are consulting on changes to their rules and the guidance that set out what decisions and sanctions their hearing panels can make.

The rules are the main documents that set out the way:

• The SSSC manage the Register
• The SSSC hearing process works
• The SSSC panel members decide the appropriate sanction.

What is changing?

The SSSC will replace the current rules with the Fitness to Practise Rules 2016, the SSSC Registration (No. 2) Rules (2016) and the Decisions Guidance: for Fitness to Practise Panels and SSSC staff.

These documents will put in place the new fitness to practise model. This means that the SSSC will take action when a worker’s fitness to practise is impaired due to a concern about their conduct, competence or health. There are also changes which will simplify processes and make them more effective. The aim is that these changes will continue to increase public confidence and improve the experience for those affected by it.

How to take part

This consultation is open to everyone. The SSSC are particularly interested to hear from people who have experience of their processes, other fitness to practise processes, or other regulatory or tribunal systems. They are asking for your comments about the draft documents to help them make sure they are fit for purpose.

After this consultation the Scottish Government will be asked to approve the rules and which are expected to be implimented at the end of October 2016.  The guidance on decisions and sanctions and the revised SSSC Codes of Practice (which we have already consulted on) will come into effect at the same time.

The consultation closes on 31 July 2016.