Current status: Answered by Euan Robson on 12 May 2005
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging the continuing professional development of social workers.
Through the Scottish Social Services Council we have introduced a number of actions that support the continuing professional development of social workers. This includes registration for all social workers from April 2003 and the requirement to undertake at least 15 days post registration training and learning over three years. The council is consulting on proposed additional post registration training and learning requirements for newly qualified social workers to ensure that they are properly supported to consolidate their knowledge and skills in practice.
We fully endorse the Continuing Professional Development Strategy agreed by the council on 14 September 2004 and which sets out new arrangements for the continuing professional development for all social service workers, including social workers.