New SVQ Integrated Health and Social Care SCQF Level 7

New SVQ Integrated Health and Social Care SCQF Level 7

Training providers and employers are invited to offer the new SVQ Integrated Health and Social Care SCQF Level 7, which the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has approved. This qualification promotes the integrated value of health and social care. 

About the new SVQ

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) recognise competence in job-related skills and are based on National Occupational Standards.

This SVQ covers the integrated value of health and social care, in areas such as promoting health, safety and security in the work setting, promoting effective communication, developing your practice through reflection and learning, and promoting the safeguarding of individuals.

How was it developed

This new SVQ was developed in a collaboration between NES, the SQA and a design team of stakeholders. We carried out extensive consultation to provide a firm grounding for the qualification. 

National Occupational Standards (NOS) from four existing qualifications were combined into one qualification, offering a range of generic NOS suitable for working with people of all ages and NOS which match specific job functions and groups. This qualification supports the integrated value of health and social care. 

Next steps 

Training providers and employers who’d like to offer the new SVQ should contact the SQA Business Development Team for advice before applying to deliver it. Qualifications approval can take between four to six weeks. 

Anyone wanting to find out more and apply can get more information on the SVQ Integrated Health and Social Care SCQF Level 7 page of the SQA website. 

Once approved, training providers and employers will be able to offer the new SVQ to the workforce, alongside existing social service qualifications. 

Adults and children and young people 

The integrated SVQ is designed for the adult social care and children and young people workforce across integrated health and social care. 

We’re excited about the potential for the qualification to support flexible and adaptable forms of care, strengthen career pathways and expand the range of qualifications across traditional boundaries in health and social care services and settings. 

This new qualification does not replace the current social service qualifications. 

Who’s it for? 

It is suitable for: 

• support workers, practitioners and supervisors who require a qualification at SCQF level 7 to meet SSSC registration requirements 

• healthcare support workers 

• a multi-skilled workforce 

• workers in remote and rural settings who work with individuals of all ages

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