Name: Anne Whigham

Organisation: Scottish Social Services Council

Job title: Business Support Officer, Development and Innovation

---

How long have you worked at the SSSC/When did you start?

I’ve worked at the SSSC for 19 years and started on 17 June 2002.

How have things changed over the last 20 years for you in the SSSC?

The introduction of Microsoft Teams and the fact that we can all work remotely from home or anywhere really is brilliant. I was stranded in Australia for four months last year due to the pandemic however, thanks to my lovely IT colleagues I was able to work from there.

Are there any significant moments you remember?

I remember the official opening of the SSSC by the then first minister Jack McConnell. There were specific areas where he was to be directed to and specific people he was to meet and greet, but somehow, he appeared at our admin hub and I was the person that he was introduced to! I remember thinking that I was now part of something big.

I also remember when the first part of the Register was opened for social workers and initially very few applications were received. Just before the date they had to apply by hundreds of applications arrived by the sack full. I remember being holed up in the mail room opening the mail, never to see the light of day for weeks!

There have been so many memorable moments these are a few that stand out for me.

• Seeing the Dementia Choir perform at an SSSC event.
• The launch of the Continuous Learning Framework.
• The launch of the Recognition of Prior Learning resource.
• The new modern apprenticeships online database.
• The launch of Open Badges.

There are so many more great things happening in SSSC’s Development and Innovation Directorate that I’ve not mentioned but I feel privileged to be part of this team.

How have things changed over the last 20 years for the sector?

Working in the Development and Innovation team I’ve been privileged to see the continuing advancement of the learning and development support for the sector with amazing online and digital resources available on our website. Regulation of the workforce plays an important part, however I think the emphasis is moving more towards learning and development to help support the workforce.

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

I think it is important to continue to support the sector in relation to learning and development for workers.

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

I think registration and regulation for workers is important. To be able to register the applicant must hold a relevant qualification or be working towards gaining the qualification. A registrant also needs to undertake their continuous professional learning (CPL) and must complete a set number of hours of learning. These two things, in my opinion, will help the registrant to develop their knowledge and skills to provide good quality care. On a personal level I have met some lovely carers in a care home setting, who I could see were clearly using their skills and knowledge in their day to day working lives.