The Sssc Codes of Practice for Social Workers

The SSSC codes of practice are a set of rules which set out a guideline for the quality of work a practitioner should be giving and how they are expected to behave within their work. It also gives employers a set of standards that they should expect their employees to adhere to when working. Above all it lets service uses know what to expect from their practitioner and gives them a grounds on which to complain if they wish to do this.

When working with children it is essential that the practitioner uses safeguarding measures within their practice. Safeguarding is the act of protecting children from maltreatment and preventing them from harm, be it physically or psychologically ensuring that they grow up within an environment/s which is safe and promotes their well being and respects their human rights. To ensure effective safeguarding a practitioner has duties and responsibilities which are set out within the SSSC codes of practice. Practitioners have the responsibility of using pre-established means to report any allegations of harm or neglect in any form be it exploitation, dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour. It is essential that early years practitioners report any concerns no matter whether these are immediate or potential risks. The practitioner must use their risk assessment skills to identify either potential or immediate harm. In the case where the harm is potential and the child is not in immediate danger then the practitioner must raise concerns with both their employer and the child’s named person. However when the child is in immediate danger and/or is severely hurt them the practitioner should call the police and if applicable medical help, while also reporting this to the child’s named person. In any case if the practitioner is unsure of the nature of the situation or feels that their concern is not being taken seriously it is best to contact the police. It is also essential that throughout this process the practitioner supports the child or young person and to an extent the child’s family if necessary through this process and through out.

Practitioners also have a responsibility to tell their employers about any resourcing or operational issues within the workplace. This is essential so as there is a safe and effective workplace not only for practitioners and their colleagues but also service users so as they can receive the highest quality care the service can provide hereby keeping service users comfortable within their environment and happy with the service that they are receiving . It is essential that practitioners report this to their employer, this should be adequate in most cases however in the case where nothing is done, the practitioner should contact the SSSC directly or in extreme cases the police.

It is essential that practitioners take all complaints from service users and colleagues. Seriously and either do something about them themselves or take them to their employer or authorities if needed. Complaints need to be listened to especially when they are made by those under the care of their, who should be the priority. In order to create the best care the users voices need to be heard and the service provider should work with service users to give them the best tailored care for them and this can only be done by addressing any complaints they may have. The practitioner should take any complaints made and attempt to resolve them alone if they can, if not this should be taken to their employer or the SSSC in the case where nothing is being done. In the case where the complaint is regarding abuse or neglect the practitioner should take this to the appropriate authorities after making a risk assessment as explained above.