|
£500,000 scheme helps thousands of new carers |
Related newsCollective bargaining promised for social care National developments for social work “Mayday”: voices from NHS emergency departments Plea to see social work as ‘backbone’ of health & care Chief Medical Officer: ‘Critical connections’ priority New social care minister appointed 
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
A Scottish government trial scheme that paid entry costs for new social care workers has helped more than 15,000 people enter the profession, a freedom of information (FOI) request has revealed.
The cost of 4,970 Protection of Vulnerable People (PVG) checks and 14,604 first-time Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registrations have been covered by the Scottish government since the beginning of the year.
The Scottish government introduced the temporary scheme saying they hoped the removal of these administrative costs paid by workers or employers – which range between £25 and £80 – would encourage more people to enter the social care sector.
A PVG check by Disclosure Scotland is a prerequisite for people working directly with children or protected adults, while SSSC registration is needed for social workers, social work students and most roles in the social service sector, including employment as a support worker, within six months of starting work.
The programme, introduced following discussions with local authority organisation COSLA, meant all people in Scotland taking on a new frontline role in adult services, children’s services, justice services, or as a personal assistant, were eligible to have their fees paid.
Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said:
“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to help almost 5,000 people get their PVG and more than 14,500 become registered to work in social care.
"Our social care staff have shown incredible dedication during the pandemic to keep people safe and supported in really difficult circumstances.
"We’re working hard with partners to increase the workforce to ensure that wherever you are in Scotland you can receive the care you need.”
Originally meant to run until the end of March, the trial was later extended to the 25th of June without any further announcement.
The Scottish government has spent £490,320 on the scheme to date, according to an FOI request by healthandcare.scot.
Read more: Government to fund new carer fees; Analysis: Care homes face a perfect storm in 2022
Sign up to receive our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox. |
