New employees joining the social care workforce are to have entry costs paid by the Scottish Government until the end of March 2022 in a new scheme estimated to be worth £465,000.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks, which usually cost £59 and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registrations, which cost between £25 and £80, will now be funded to encourage more people to join the profession and help reduce winter staffing pressures.
The scheme is available to those taking up direct care posts in adult social care, along with comparable roles in children’s social care services and the justice sector.
It has been introduced following discussions with COSLA and will cover local authority, private and third sectors.
Commenting on the scheme, social care minister Kevin Stewart, said: "Care workers have been absolutely critical to our pandemic response, giving vulnerable people the care they need and avoiding further pressure falling on the NHS.
"This trial aims to assist easing winter pressures in this sector by removing any financial barriers that may stop people from applying for a rewarding career in care.”
He added: “There are significant pressures in social care due to high vacancy levels and increased demand. I hope this support will encourage those considering joining this vital workforce to go ahead and do so.
"We will continue to work closely with our partners to identify all possible ways we can assist the social care sector to aid recruitment and retention within the workforce at this critical time.”
How the scheme works
Applicants who register with the Scottish Social Services Council will be identified when registering for eligible roles and will have no fee to pay.
Eligible applicants applying for PVG will have to use the prefix ‘FSC’ when prompted during their application.
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