CODES OF PRACTICE
FOR SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS
EMPLOYERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS
Introduction
This document contains agreed codes of practice for social service workers and employers of social service workers describing the standards of conduct and practice within which they should work. This introduction, which is also reproduced in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers, is intended to help you understand what the codes
are for and what they will mean to you as a social service worker, employer, service user or member of the public.

The Scottish Social Services Council began its work on 1 October 2001, at the same time as the General Social Care Council, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, and the Care Council for Wales. The Councils have a duty to develop codes of practice and have worked together in developing these codes as part of their contribution to raising standards in social services.
The two codes for workers and employers are presented together in this document because they are complementary and mirror the joint responsibilities of employers and workers in ensuring high standards.
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What are the codes?
The Code of Practice for Employers of Social Service Workers sets down the responsibilities of employers in the regulation of social service workers. This is the first time that such standards have been set out at national level. The code requires that employers adhere to the standards set out in their code, support social service workers in meeting their code and take appropriate
action when workers do not meet expected standards of conduct. The Code of Practice for Social Service Workers is a list of statements that describe the standards of professional conduct and practice required of social service workers as they go about their daily work. Again, this is the first time that standards have been set in this way at national level, although many employers have similar standards in place at local level. The intention is to confirm the standards required in social services and ensure that
workers know what standards of conduct employers, colleagues, service users, carers and the public expect of them.
The codes are intended to reflect existing good practice and it is anticipated that workers and employers will recognise in the codes the shared standards to which they already aspire. The Councils will promote these standards through making the codes widely available.
Code of Practice for Employers of Social Service Workers The purpose of this code is to set down the responsibilities of employers in regulating social service workers. The purpose of workforce regulation is to protect and promote the interests of service users and carers. The code is intended to complement rather than replace or duplicate existing employers’ policies and it forms part of the wider package of legislation, requirements and guidance that relate to the employment of staff. Employers are responsible for making sure that they meet the standards set out in this code, provide high quality services and promote public trust and confidence in social services. Status
Relevant regulatory bodies in Scotland will take this code into account in their regulation of social services.
To meet their responsibilities in relation to regulating the social service workforce, social service employers must:
• Make sure people are suitable to enter the workforce and understand their roles and responsibilities
• Have written policies and procedures in place to enable social service workers to meet the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Code of Practice for Social Service Workers
• Provide training and development opportunities to enable social service workers to strengthen and develop their skills and knowledge
• Put in place and implement written policies and procedures to deal with dangerous, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice
• Promote the SSSC’s codes of practice to social service workers, service users and carers and co-operate with the SSSC’s proceedings.
How will the codes be used?
The codes are a key step in the introduction of a system of regulation for social services in the four countries of the UK. The Councils are responsible for the registration of those working in social services. The register will be a public record that those registered have met the requirements for entry onto the register and have agreed to abide by the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers. The Councils will take account of the standards set in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers in considering issues of misconduct and decisions as to whether a registered worker
should remain on the register.
What will the codes mean to you?
As a social service worker you will have criteria to guide your practice and be clear about what standards of conduct you are expected to meet. You are encouraged to use the codes to examine your own practice and to look for areas in which you can improve. As a social service employer you will know what part you are expected to play in the regulation of
the workforce and the support of high quality social services. You are encouraged to review your own standards of practice and policies in the light of the standards set in the code. As a user of services or member of the public the codes will help you understand how a social service worker should behave towards you and
how employers should support social service workers to do their jobs well.
This includes:
1.1 Using rigorous and thorough recruitment and selection processes focused on making sure that only people who have the appropriate knowledge and skills and who are
suitable to provide social services are allowed to enter your workforce
1.2 Checking criminal records, relevant registers and indexes and assessing whether people are capable of carrying out the duties of the job they have been selected for
before confirming appointments
1.3 Seeking and providing reliable references
1.4 Giving staff clear information about their roles and responsibilities, relevant legislation and the organisational policies and procedures they must follow
in their work
1.5 Managing the performance of staff and the organisation to ensure high quality services and care. As a social service employer, you must make sure people are suitable
to enter the social service workforce and understand their roles and
responsibilities.
2 As a social service employer, you must have written policies and procedures
in place to enable social service workers to meet the SSSC’s Code of Practice for Social Service Workers.
This includes:
2.1 Implementing and monitoring written policies on: confidentiality; equal opportunities; risk assessment substance abuse; record keeping; and the acceptance
of money or personal gifts from service users or carers
2.2 Effectively managing and supervising staff to support effective practice and good conduct and supporting staff to address deficiencies in their performance
2.3 Having systems in place to enable social service workers to report inadequate resources or operational difficulties which might impede the delivery of safe care and
working with them and relevant authorities to address those issues
2.4 Supporting social service workers to meet the SSSC’s Code of Practice for Social Service Workers and not requiring them to do anything that would put their compliance with that code at risk.
This includes:
3.1 Providing induction, training and development opportunities to help social service workers do their jobs effectively and prepare for new and changing roles
and responsibilities
3.2 Contributing to the provision of social care and social work education and training, including effective workplace assessment and practice learning
3.3 Supporting staff in posts subject to registration to meet the SSSC’s eligibility criteria for registration and its requirements for continuing professional development
3.4 Responding appropriately to social service workers who seek assistance because they do not feel able or adequately prepared to carry out any aspects of their work.
3 As a social service employer, you must provide training and development
opportunities to enable social service workers to strengthen and develop their skills and knowledge.
This includes:
4.1 Making it clear to social service workers that bullying, harassment or any form of unjustifiable discrimination is not acceptable and taking action to deal with such
behaviour
4.2 Establishing and promoting procedures for social service workers to report dangerous, discriminatory, abusive or exploitative behaviour and practice and dealing with these reports promptly, effectively and openly
4.3 Making it clear to social service workers, service users and carers that violence, threats or abuse to staff are not acceptable and having clear policies and procedures
for minimising the risk of violence and managing violent incidents
4.4 Supporting social service workers who experience trauma or violence in their work
4.5 Putting in place and implementing written policies and procedures that promote staff welfare and equal opportunities for workers
4.6 While ensuring that the care and safety of service users is your priority, providing appropriate assistance to social service workers whose work is affected by ill health or
dependency on drugs and alcohol, and giving clear guidance about any limits on their work while they are receiving treatment.
4 As a social service employer, you must put into place and implement written
policies and procedures to deal with dangerous, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice.
5 As a social service employer, you must promote the SSSC’s codes of practice
to social service workers, service users and carers and co-operate with the SSSC’s proceedings.
This includes:
5.1 Informing social service workers about this code and your responsibility to comply with it
5.2 Informing social service workers about the SSSC’s Code of Practice for Social Service Workers and their personal responsibility to meet that code
5.3 Making service users and carers aware of this code and the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers and informing them about how to raise issues through your
policies and, if necessary, contact the SSSC in relation to the codes
5.4 Taking account of the SSSC’s Code of Practice for Social Service Workers in making any decision that relates to the conduct of workers
5.5 Informing the SSSC about any misconduct by registered social service workers that might call into question their registration and inform the worker involved that a report
has been made to the SSSC
5.6 Co-operating with SSSC investigations and hearings and responding appropriately to the findings and decisions of the SSSC.
What are the codes?
The Code of Practice for Social Service Workers is a list of statements that describe the standards of professional conduct and practice required of social service workers
as they go about their daily work. This is the first time that standards have been set in this way at national level, although many employers have similar standards in place at local level. The intention is to confirm the standards required in social services and ensure that
workers know what standards of conduct employers, colleagues, service users, carers and the public expect of them. The Code of Practice for Employers of Social Service
Workers sets down the responsibilities of employers in the regulation of social service workers. Again, this is the first time that such standards have been set out at national level. The code requires that employers adhere to the standards set out in their code, support social service workers in meeting their code and take appropriate action when workers do not meet expected standards of conduct .The codes are intended to reflect existing good practice and it is anticipated that workers and employers will recognise in the codes the shared standards to which they already aspire. The Councils will promote these standards through making the codes widely available. Code of Practice for Social Service Workers The purpose of this code is to set out the conduct that is expected of social service workers and to inform service users and the public about the standards of conduct they can expect from social service workers. It forms part of the wider
package of legislation, practice standards and employers’ policies and procedures that social service workers must meet. Social service workers are responsible for making sure
that their conduct does not fall below the standards set out in this code and that no action or omission on their part harms the wellbeing of service users. Status The Scottish Social Services Council expects social service workers to meet this code and may take action if registered workers fail to do so.
Employers of social service workers are required to take account of this code in making any decisions about the conduct of their staff. Social service workers must:
• Protect the rights and promote the interests of service users and carers
• Strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users and carers
• Promote the independence of service users while protecting them as far as possible from danger or harm
• Respect the rights of service users whilst seeking to ensure that their behaviour does not harm themselves or other people
• Uphold public trust and confidence in social services
• Be accountable for the quality of their work and take responsibility for maintaining and improving their knowledge and skills.
How will the codes be used?
The codes are a key step in the introduction of a system of regulation for social services in the four countries of the UK. The Councils are responsible for the registration of those working in social services. The register will be a public record that those registered have met the requirements for entry onto the register and have agreed to abide by the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers.
The Councils will take account of the standards set in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers in considering issues of misconduct and decisions as to whether a registered worker should remain on the register. What will the codes mean to you?
As a social service worker you will have criteria to guide your practice and be clear about what standards of conduct you are expected to meet. You are encouraged to use the codes to examine your own practice and to look for areas in which you can improve.
As a social service employer you will know what part you are expected to play in the regulation of the workforce and the support of high quality social services. You are encouraged to review your own standards of practice and policies in the light of the standards set in the code. As a user of services or member of the public the codes will help you understand how a social service worker should behave towards you and how
employers should support social service workers to do their jobs well.
This includes:
1.1 Treating each person as an individual
1.2 Respecting and, where appropriate, promoting the individual views and wishes of both service users and carers
1.3 Supporting service users’ rights to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they receive
1.4 Respecting and maintaining the dignity and privacy of service users
1.5 Promoting equal opportunities for service users and carers
1.6 Respecting diversity and different cultures and values. As a social service worker, you must protect the rights and promote the interests of service users and carers.
This includes:
2.1 Being honest and trustworthy
2.2 Communicating in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way
2.3 Respecting confidential information and clearly explaining agency policies about confidentiality to service users and carers
2.4 Being reliable and dependable
2.5 Honouring work commitments, agreements and arrangements and, when it is not possible to do so, explaining why to service users and carers
2.6 Declaring issues that might create conflicts of interest and making sure that they do not influence your judgement or practice
2.7 Adhering to policies and procedures about accepting gifts and money from service users and carers.
2 As a social service worker, you must strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users and carers.
This includes:
3.1 Promoting the independence of service users and assisting them to understand and exercise their rights
3.2 Using established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice
3.3 Following practice and procedures designed to keep you and other people safe from violent and abusive behaviour at work
3.4 Bringing to the attention of your employer or the appropriate authority resource or operational difficulties that might get in the way of the delivery of safe care
3.5 Informing your employer or an appropriate authority where the practice of colleagues may be unsafe or adversely affecting standards of care
3.6 Complying with employers’ health and safety policies, including those relating to substance abuse
3.7 Helping service users and carers to make complaints, taking complaints seriously and responding to them or passing them to the appropriate person
3.8 Recognising and using responsibly the power that comes from your work with service users and carers.
3 As a social service worker, you must promote the independence of service users while protecting them as far as possible from danger or harm.
This includes:
4.1 Recognising that service users have the right to take risks and helping them to identify and manage potential and actual risks to themselves and others
4.2 Following risk assessment policies and procedures to assess whether the behaviour of service users presents a risk of harm to themselves or others
4.3 Taking necessary steps to minimise the risks of service users from doing actual or potential harm to themselves or other people
4.4 Ensuring that relevant colleagues and agencies are informed about the outcomes and implications of risk
Assessments.
As a social service worker, you must respect the rights of service users while seeking to ensure that their behaviour does not harm themselves or other people.
In particular you must not:
5.1 Abuse, neglect or harm service users, carers or colleagues
5.2 Exploit service users, carers or colleagues in any way
5.3 Abuse the trust of service users and carers or the access you have to personal information about them or to their property, home or workplace
5.4 Form inappropriate personal relationships with service users
5.5 Discriminate unlawfully or unjustifiably against service users, carers or colleagues
5.6 Condone any unlawful or unjustifiable discrimination by service users, carers or colleagues
5.7 Put yourself or other people at unnecessary risk
5.8 Behave in a way, in work or outside work, which would call into question your suitability to work in social services.
As a social service worker, you must uphold public trust and confidence in
social services.
This includes:
6.1 Meeting relevant standards of practice and working in a lawful, safe and effective way
6.2 Maintaining clear and accurate records as required by procedures established for your work
6.3 Informing your employer or the appropriate authority about any personal difficulties that might affect your ability to do your job competently and safely
6.4 Seeking assistance from your employer or the appropriate authority if you do not feel able or adequately prepared to carry out any aspect of your work, or you are not sure about how to proceed in a work matter
6.5 Working openly and co-operatively with colleagues and treating them with respect
6.6 Recognising that you remain responsible for the work that you have delegated to other workers
6.7 Recognising and respecting the roles and expertise of workers from other agencies and working in partnership with them
6.8 Undertaking relevant training to maintain and improve your knowledge and skills and contributing to the learning and development of others.
As a social service worker, you must be accountable for the quality of your work and take responsibility for maintaining and improving your knowledge and skills.

Scottish Social Services Council
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY
Lo-call 0845 60 30 891
Telephone 01382 207101
Fax 01382 207215
Email enquiries@sssc.uk.com
www.sssc.uk.com
© Scottish Social Services Council 2005