Scotland’s National Induction Framework for Social Care, developed by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), is set to launch on 14 May 2025. This new initiative aims to provide free, induction training for adult social care workers across Scotland, providing a consistent, efficient, and accessible learning experience.
Addressing key challenges in social care training
Each year, 2,250 workers join Scotland’s social care sector, with many moving between roles. Historically, employers faced significant training duplication, requiring staff to repeat learning despite previous experience. This inefficiency resulted in lost time and resources, delaying direct care delivery.
Developed in collaboration with social care experts
We designed the Framework through extensive stakeholder engagement, including ten consultation sessions and a Delphi survey to establish core learning outcomes. It aligns with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ), ensuring training meets professional requirements.
The project also involved collaboration with the Care Inspectorate and key social care agencies, reinforcing its credibility and suitability for employers across Scotland.
Successful pilot programme confirms impact
A pilot programme in January and February 2025, involved a wide range of adult social care organisations across Scotland. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants rating the framework content as four out of five stars for usability and relevance. Learners praised the intuitive structure, while employers welcomed the streamlined induction process.
The Care Inspectorate supports the launch of the National Induction Framework for social care.
Marie Paterson, Chief Inspector, Adult Services said: "The Care Inspectorate is pleased to support the roll out of this National Induction Framework. We see this as a tool to provide access for providers to a range of induction materials located within one framework and hope that the sector find it to be a useful resource. It enables providers to take account of prior learning, and we would support providers using this to support social care staff."
Gordon Paterson, Director, Social Care and Communities Directorate at NHS Education said: "I am very pleased that the Social Care Directorate in NES has had the opportunity to work in partnership with the SSSC, and the wider social care sector in developing the National Induction Framework. As well as being of benefit to both prospective and new recruits to social care, this important resource will aid providers in their efforts to address the recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector."
Laura Lamb, SSSC Director of Workforce Education and Standards said: "Support for the National Induction Framework from the Care Inspectorate gives confidence to workers and employers in its value. As more staff and organisations adopt and use the National Induction Framework, we will see less time and resources spent on repeating induction learning every time someone moves into a new role. An added advantage for staff is that completing the National Induction Framework may also provide evidence contributing to qualification requirements staff need for registration with the SSSC."
Upcoming launch and future plans
After launch on 14 May 2025, the Framework will be freely available to all social care workers and organisations in Scotland. NES and SSSC will work closely with employers to support implementation and gather feedback. We will establish a community of practice to support organisations that elect to use the National Induction Framework for Social Care which will run from June through to March next year.