Name: Alan Baird

Organisation: Scottish Social Services Council

Job title: Council Member

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Why do you think registration and regulation of workers is important?

It signifies that like other longer established professions there is a standard expected by those on the Register. It gives reassurance to the public and registrants that failure to meet that standard can have consequences for future employment.

What difference does it make for workers who are registered?

Workers know what is expected of them in their work with individuals and families. I believe it has given many the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through achieving nationally recognised qualifications. As a result, I know from discussions with staff across Scotland they identified a great sense of pride in the difference they make to the lives of so many of Scotland’s most vulnerable citizens.

What difference does it make for people receiving services?

Standards of care are undoubtedly better than they were 20 years ago. Wherever you go in Scotland you hear overwhelmingly positive feedback about the quality and standard of services provided in care homes, the community and across both adult and children’s services. There are times the sector does not always get it right but improvement through workforce development and improved leadership has led to greater consistency of practice.

How have things changed over the last 20 years?

There have been enormous changes in the last 20 years and the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 has been at the heart of improvement in standards. There have been significant demographic changes which have placed increasing demands on services at a time of austerity. More recently the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the sector but sadly it has been at an enormous human cost.

What do you think is important for the next 20 years?

All parts of the sector need to be recognised for its unique qualities and it needs to be an equal partner in a truly integrated system which will reduce bureaucracy and places the individual at the heart of planning and delivery of services. The establishing and implementation of the National Care Service is a vital part of the next 20 years and we need to make progress quickly given the current demands for services. I believe we have the potential to have world class health and social care services but we do need to get rid of the cultural barriers which have blocked progress in the past.

Are there any significant moments you remember?

When the Register opened, I was proud to be the first Director of Social Work to be registered. As I was a director in Dundee, I personally delivered my application and had my photograph taken outside Compass House with Carol Wilkinson, Chief Executive. I remain proud to be a registered social worker and now an SSSC Council Member!