Scotland’s National Induction Framework, developed by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), is poised to revolutionize social care training. Officially launching on 14 May 2025, this initiative promises to provide free, accessible, and high-quality induction training for social care workers across the country.
Addressing Key Challenges in Social Care Training
Scotland’s social care sector faces a significant challenge: every year, around 2,250 new workers enter the field, and many transition between roles within the sector. Historically, this has led to significant inefficiencies in training, with workers often being asked to repeat training modules despite having prior experience. Not only has this caused frustration, but it has also delayed essential care services due to the time and resources lost in redundant training.
This is where the National Induction Framework steps in. By streamlining the onboarding process, the framework eliminates repetitive training modules and ensures that workers can retain verified records of their learning. This not only saves time but allows social care workers to provide evidence of completed training when moving between roles, making transitions smoother for both employees and employers.
Accessible via Turas Learn, a free educational platform developed by NES, the framework also integrates with the SSSC My Learning App. This ensures that workers can easily track their progress, helping them stay on top of their learning while allowing employers to monitor and support their staff’s development.
Developed in Collaboration with Social Care Experts
The creation of the National Induction Framework involved extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the social care sector. Through ten consultation sessions and a Delphi survey, NES and the SSSC established core learning outcomes and designed the framework to align with National Occupational Standards and the Scottish Vocational Qualifications Framework. This alignment ensures that the training not only meets legal and professional requirements but also reflects the needs and realities of the social care workforce.
Key social care agencies, including the Care Inspectorate, were also involved in the development process, ensuring that the framework is both practical and relevant to the needs of employers across Scotland. The result is a resource that’s designed to be as beneficial for new recruits as it is for those transitioning within the sector.
Gordon Paterson, Director of the Social Care Directorate at NES, commented on the collaboration: “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 learning needs of the workforce.”
Successful Pilot Programme Confirms Impact
Before the official launch, a pilot programme was launched in early 2025 to test the framework’s effectiveness. The programme involved selected adult social care organisations across Scotland, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants rated the framework content 4 out of 5 stars for usability and relevance, with learners particularly praising the intuitive structure and ease of navigation.
Employers also reported satisfaction, especially with the streamlined induction process that the framework introduced. The ability to track employees’ progress and maintain consistent training records was seen as a major benefit, simplifying what had previously been a complex and time-consuming process.
Upcoming Launch and Future Plans
The official launch of the National Induction Framework will take place on 14 May 2025. After that, the framework will be available free of charge to all social care workers and organisations across Scotland. NES and the SSSC plan to continue working closely with employers to ensure smooth implementation and to collect ongoing feedback. Regular events and updates will be held to keep the framework aligned with the needs of the sector and to introduce improvements where necessary.
The National Induction Framework represents a significant milestone in workforce development within Scotland’s social care sector. By providing standardized, accessible, and high-quality induction training, it aims to not only streamline onboarding processes but also promote consistency and efficiency across the sector. This initiative will ensure that social care workers across Scotland are better equipped to deliver the high-quality care that their communities need.
