Qualifications and professional development opportunities can help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed throughout your career.

Whether you are looking to gain a recognised qualification, develop specialist knowledge or explore opportunities for career progression, there are a range of options available to support your learning journey across health, social care and community services.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications that recognise the skills and knowledge you use in your role. They are widely recognised across the health and social care sector and can support both professional development and career progression.

The Learning and Development Team currently supports a range of qualifications including SVQs in Social Services and Healthcare, assessor awards and other accredited learning opportunities. Information about national qualification frameworks and accredited awards can be found on the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) website.

Professional development

Professional development is about continually building your skills and knowledge throughout your career. This may involve working towards a qualification, developing leadership skills, undertaking specialist learning or exploring new areas of practice.

For those interested in expanding their learning opportunities, the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Learning Platform (requires login) provides access to a wide range of courses, resources and workforce development opportunities for health and social care staff.

You may also wish to explore the free learning opportunities available through OpenLearn from The Open University, which offers a broad range of courses covering leadership, communication, health, wellbeing and personal development.

Career development

Learning and development can support you at every stage of your career, whether you are starting out in a new role, looking to build on existing skills or considering your next professional step.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) provides information on registration requirements, qualifications, professional learning and workforce development within the social services sector. Their resources can help practitioners understand qualification pathways and continuing professional development expectations.

For staff interested in social work careers and professional development opportunities, Social Work Scotland also provides useful information, resources and sector updates.

Funding and support

Support may be available to help individuals access qualifications and development opportunities. Funding arrangements and eligibility criteria can vary depending on the qualification, programme and workforce priorities.

If you are considering a qualification or development opportunity and would like to discuss potential support, please contact the Learning and Development Team for advice and guidance.

Useful external resources

There are a number of national organisations that provide guidance, learning opportunities and information to support professional development across health and social care.

You can access qualifications and accreditation information through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), workforce development resources through the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and a wide range of learning materials through NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

Information on policy, national strategies and workforce priorities can be found on the Scottish Government website, while quality improvement resources and best practice guidance are available through Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

For additional learning opportunities, you may also find the free courses available through OpenLearn useful.

Further Information

If you would like advice about qualifications, professional development opportunities or career progression, please contact the Learning and Development Team.

Email: HSCPLearning@pkc.gov.uk